Meg Shipman, 33, is a recovering cancer patient from Edgewater, Md. She competed this past Sunday in the Columbia Triathlon, finishing in three hours, 34 minutes and 27 seconds. She wrote about her race and what it meant in the context of her life and recent struggles.

The Columbia Triathlon wasn’t just my first triathlon—it was an Olympic-distance course (1.5k swim, 41k bike, 10k run), a race attended by professional competitors, a race that more than 2,000 people had entered and one of the most challenging triathlons held in the United States today.

I was diving in head first to a new challenge. I’m an active adult, an indoor cycling instructor, a kite-boarder and a surfer.

I’m also a recovering cancer patient.

In January 2010 I heard the words no one ever wants to hear from her doctor. I’d been diagnosed with a rare form of cervical cancer called adenocarcinoma.

I had no symptoms, no previous abnormal test results and no family history of cancer. By all accounts, I was a healthy and extremely active 32-year-old.

My OB/GYN detected the abnormal cells on a regular check-up, which was then diagnosed further through biopsies. I was extremely lucky that I’d been diagnosed while the cancer was in its early stages. My team of oncologists at Johns Hopkins University was able to perform surgery to immediately remove the cancer.

The treatment and follow-ups didn't end there. My health is closely monitored due to the aggressive nature of this type of disease. I've had some reoccurrence of abnormal cells in the past year, but I’ve been able to keep a positive outlook on the course of treatment and what lies ahead for me.

This past year I decided that I wanted to get involved in an endurance event. Through my local running store, Charm City Run, I learned about Team Fight, a training team that raises money for the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults.

I began training with the team, along with volunteering with the Cancer to 5k program, which is an amazing program that helps individuals with cancer train and run in a road race. I can't begin to describe how wonderful the experience has been with the entire Ulman Cancer Fund organization. I feel so lucky to have connected with such amazing people and resources.

Prior to joining Team Fight, I wasn’t able to talk easily about my cancer. Meeting other people like me has given me the strength to fight this disease and speak out and share my story. In addition, it has given me the strength to swim, bike and run like I never have before.

The support, coaching and friendships are truly amazing. I had never even run in a 5k race before, yet in the past two weekends with Team Fight I have completed my first running event at the Maryland Half Marathon and then the Columbia Triathlon just a week later.

This triathlon and all the hard work that went into it have been an incredible journey. The race day was amazing, from the beautiful morning to the spirited contestants and all the cheering spectators!

The start was exciting, and it led to a swim that was better than expected. I faced a huge challenge on the bike—I got a flat tire on mile 10. I had to remain focused as I changed the tube and raced on toward the final stage of the triathlon, the run.

I finished the race with a smile, and then I headed to celebrate with the rest of Team Fight. There were other winners that day: the Ulman Cancer Fund and those for whom we are fighting. We celebrated in our hearts for them.

As I reflect on the race a couple of days later, it's really so much like life. We train and prepare, but you never know what could come your way. It might be some really tough hills or flat tires, be it hard times in life or a cancer diagnosis.

But if we stay strong and focused and positive, in the end we will make it through.