SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – Middle-distance runner Gabriele Grunewald has only missed one day of training since beginning chemotherapy this month.
At times, it’s left her extremely fatigued. Never has it zapped her competitiveness.
Grunewald just wrapped up the first round of treatment for cancer that’s spread from her salivary gland to her liver. It wasn’t about to keep her from taking the starting line for the 1,500 meters Thursday at the U.S. track and field championships.
Her expectations remain the same as ever – to be in the chase on the final lap.
“Though it would take quite an effort to make the final, I don’t think it is impossible,” Grunewald said . “If I feel good, I hope to mix it up. There’s also a chance I feel lousy, in which case I hope I can just enjoy being out on the track as a competitor for a few minutes. Either way, I’ll be happy to be out there.”