By Jennifer Azzi

Edna Campbell is one of the most talented and athletic players I have played against. She has a unique combination of skill, knowledge of the game, and a fiercely competitive nature. However, in the midst of an incredible 11 year professional career, in February of 2002, Edna was diagnosed with breast cancer. I will never forget the moment she called to tell me the devastating news. How could this happen to someone in such great shape? Regardless of how it happened, conditioning prior to her diagnosis proved to be a huge help in her recovery. Having the strength to go through treatment helped her miraculous return to the WNBA.

Edna Campbell, San Antonio Silver Stars Rocky Widner/NBAE/Getty Images

J.A.: When you were recovering from breast cancer, how important was exercise?

E.C. "Exercise was very important, especially mentally. I could feel my recovery and strength coming back from what I was able to do. It was important for me psychologically to know that I could again be strong and healthy.

Getting back in shape was a reality check. I took baby steps. After one of my treatments, a 20 minute walk was exhausting. When I could walk for an hour, I thought I was sitting on top of the world!"

How did you get from a one hour walk being all you could do to playing professional basketball?

I followed the same progression. I took small steps but I still pushed myself to the limit. I started biking every two days, then every other and gradually worked my way onto the court. Everything had an order. I remember the first time on the bike…I needed three days to rest! My body told me to rest, but I was so excited with each step of my recovery. I could not wait to get back on the court!"

What did you learn from your recovery that can help others reach their fitness goals?

"Push yourself to your limit, but recognize your little progressions. That is so important psychologically. These small steps fuel you for the next time and each time you try to do a little more."

What do you do now for cardiovascular training?

"I do most workouts on the bike. I do intervals mostly because basketball is a game of intervals. I am trying to get my heart rate to simulate what I would do in a game. Cardiovascular training is good for everyone. I can't say specifically what someone else should do, but I do recommend variety."

What other training do you do?

"During the season I only lift twice a week. Stretching and yoga are keys for me holding on to my agility and athleticism. I highly recommend yoga."

How do you motivate yourself?

"I pretend like today is the last day to do what I am doing. Everything comes back to--there's a bigger picture. You can make yourself the best you can be and this is the moment you can do that. We don't make the most of our lives because we think we have another shot at it. 'I'll do it tomorrow, next week.' We postpone. Create some urgency in the need to take care of your body; that's your motivation.

A moment I had with Edna prior to her first surgery in 2002 changed my life. I was in the waiting room with her prior to her operation. Edna took my hands, looked at me through brave eyes and said "You gotta live now. Live now. Don't wait." I often think back on that moment with her. After talking with Edna about exercise and getting back in shape, she is telling all of us the same message. Live now.