Cancer to 14K is a 10-week conditioning program for cancer survivors and their caregivers who want to jump back into life, get stronger and feel better.  Along the way, you'll make new friends and have fun! Cancer to 14K includes weekly group hikes, and recommendations and encouragement for exercising on your own during the week. The hikes get harder each week.

Not so long ago, oncologists were advising their patients to rest and take it easy during and after their treatment. No more! The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends that survivors get at least 150 to 300 minutes per week of moderate exercise (a level of exertion where you can talk, but not sing). Cancer to 14K, plus regular exercise on your own in-between sessions, will get you there and more! 

This year, we are offering two live, in-person tracks of Cancer to 14K.  

GRAYS PEAK TRACK: This is the hardest track. People will train to climb Grays Peak, a 14,270' high mountain, in Week 10. The Grays Peak hike is about 7.5 miles long, with 3,000 feet of elevation gain. 

LAKE ISABELLE TRACK. This track is less difficult, but still challenging. Instead of climbing a 14,000' high peak, people in this group will train to complete a 14,000 step long hike to Lake Isabelle in the Indian Peaks wilderness, assuming we can get permits and parking reservations. (If we can't, we have some alternative choices.)  This hike is 6 miles long with 720 feet of elevation gain, and it tops out at about 10,800 feet.

Both the Grays Peak and Lake Isabelle tracks begin with easier hikes, and gradually build up to their respective goals. There's an orientation session for the Blue Lake and Grays Peak tracks on May 13. MOST hikes are held on Saturdays, beginning May 20 and ending July 22. To avoid excessive crowds, the hike to Grays Peak will be on FRIDAY, July 21. Sundays will be used as rain dates.

SPACE IS LIMITED to 14 participants in each group. We will also screening applications to try and ensure the groups are well-matched in terms of fitness.

If these tracks sound too difficult for you, but you still want to join a regular hiking or walking group, you should sign up for our Walk Into Wellness walk and hike series. We offer Walk into Wellness in multiple locations. Walk into wellness walks and hikes are 4-week long sets of easier hikes and walks. You can register for them directly on the Live By Living website here. 

We are looking for 4 volunteers for each of the Cancer to 14K hikes. You don't need to be able to go on all the hikes to volunteer. If you want to volunteer for Cancer to 14K, sign up using the volunteer tab on our website. After you register, we'll send you a link to a different web page where you will be able to select the specific hikes you'd like to volunteer for.

VIRTUAL CANCER TO 14K. In addition to these live, in-person tracks, we are offering a virtual Cancer to 14K program. The virtual program includes three sets of recommended hikes for improving your fitness on your own: there are easy, moderate, and difficult tracks.

What if I don't know much about hiking?

We've got you covered. Our experienced trip leaders and volunteers will lead the way and help you along the trail. We have advice and recommendations on gear. We even have some gear we can loan you. And, hiking is not like skiing or scuba diving -- there's not a ton of specialized equipment. You need a small pack to carry some extra clothes, your lunch/snacks, and water. You need comfortable hiking shoes or boots. You need a water bottle and a rain jacket. We recommend hiking poles, and you may want a hat to keep the sun off your head and face. 

We'll teach you some basics about how to keep nature natural, route-finding, and safe travel outdoors. By the end of the 10 weeks, you'll be a hiker!

What Covid precautions are being taken?

Exercising outdoors is a relatively safe activity, even during Covid. We will use the following precautions to further minimize risk.

1. All participants, hike leaders and volunteers must be vaccinated against Covid.

2. Masks are optional.

 
3. Participants must submit a symptom checklist prior to each hike, and may not attend a hike if exhibiting Covid symptoms.

What do I need to do to register?

You just need to do three things to register:

• Click on the register button and fill out the forms.
• Submit the 2 medical clearance forms.
• Submit proof of Covid vaccination.

MEDICAL FORMS: We require two medical clearance forms for every participant in the moderate and difficult tracks. One is for you to fill out, the other is for your doctor to fill out (about you!). Download the forms during the registration process. 

PROOF OF COVID VACCINATION STATUS.  

Participants in the virtual tracks do not have to complete medical forms or provide proof of vaccination. Again, as with any exercise program, be sure to discuss your intention to participate in the program with your doctor before registering. 

Do I need to come on all the hikes?

PARTICIPANTS ON THE MODERATE AND DIFFICULT TRACKS: You are not required to attend all hikes in order to sign up. But if you know you will miss 4 or more hikes due to other commitments, you should register for one of the virtual tracks instead. In any case, to give yourself the best chance of being able to complete the 14K goal in week 12, you should plan to attend at least 7 of the hikes, and make up any you missed with a similar hike on your own. It's also important to hike or walk on your own in between the group hikes. You may want to start out at 3 days per week, but by the end of the program, you should be walking or hiking 5 days each week. We'll help you with strategies for getting those walks in, overcoming obstacles, and setting goals.

VOLUNTEERS: You don't need to be able to attend all the hikes to volunteer. Even volunteering on one or two helps.

To register for the Cancer to 14K conditioning program as a participant click the "Register" button, and follow the prompts. To register as a volunteer, go to the volunteer tab on our website. Be sure to check the box for Cancer to 14K volunteer.