Pedaling Through Fear

How One Woman Turned a Threat into an Opportunity

When Kate Parkyn received her breast cancer diagnosis, her world changed in an instant. The fear, the uncertainty, and the overwhelming sense of vulnerability would have been enough to stop anyone in their tracks. But Kate chose a different path. She decided to keep moving—literally. In the CORE original series MovementWise: Turning a Threat into an Opportunity, Kate’s story unfolds as a powerful reminder that within every challenge lies the possibility for growth and self-discovery.

Facing Fear Head-On

Kate’s first reaction to her diagnosis was fear—a natural response to a life-altering event. But she didn’t face it alone. With the help of healthcare professionals and MovementWise mentor Tania Cotton, she found guidance and emotional support. Tania’s holistic approach empowered Kate to view her illness not just as a threat, but as an invitation to step into her own strength.

Through coaching and physical rehabilitation, Kate began to reconnect with her body and spirit. This was not just recovery—it was transformation. Kate was determined not to let cancer define her. Instead, she would define what came next.

A Bold Goal: Cycling into Empowerment

Despite never having ridden a road bike before, Kate committed to cycling 160 kilometers from Olympic Park to Buckingham. This wasn’t just a physical feat; it was a symbol of resilience. Every kilometer she pedaled represented courage, healing, and reclaiming control over her life.

Her goal was daunting, but that’s what made it so transformative. The journey became a mirror for her inner landscape—filled with hills to climb, doubts to face, and moments of profound triumph. With every ride, she was moving not just across physical space, but deeper into her own empowerment.

Movement for Change

Kate’s story highlights a larger truth: physical movement can be a powerful tool for emotional and spiritual transformation. Whether you’re facing illness, a breakup, burnout, or any personal crisis, engaging your body through adventure can open new pathways to healing.

MovementWise showcases how physical challenges—when approached with support and intention—can build resilience, restore confidence, and reignite a sense of purpose. For Kate, the bike ride was never just about finishing a race. It was about proving to herself that she could move forward, no matter how uncertain the terrain.

Lessons for Your Own Journey

Kate’s experience invites all of us to rethink how we face adversity. Here are a few takeaways you can apply to your own life:

1. Fear is a signal, not a stop sign. It's okay to feel afraid, but it doesn't have to hold you back.
2. Support matters. Seek out mentors, coaches, and community when you're navigating something hard.
3. Set a bold goal. Even if it feels out of reach, the act of working toward it can shift your mindset and spark transformation.
4. Let your body lead. Physical movement—whether it's biking, walking, or dancing—can unlock emotional breakthroughs.
5. See adversity as an opportunity. Every setback contains the seed of growth, if we’re willing to water it with courage and self-compassion.

Kate Parkyn’s full story is available in the episode Turning a Threat into an Opportunity on CORE. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the surprising paths that healing can take.

This June, let Kate’s courage remind you that adventure doesn’t always mean escaping to far-off places. Sometimes the greatest journeys happen within. And sometimes, the hardest roads lead us home to ourselves.

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