2012 Running Thread

goldlining

Welcome Melissa10, I did a half marathon six weeks after my second mx with immediate DIEP. That is about as beat-up as you can get, other than having lymph nodes removed. My time was no marvel but I beat the straggler bus by a good 45 minutes. I had my PS support to do it. Running after mx with no recon is even easier. There's nothing to jiggle. I did a half ten weeks after my first mx and only lost 7 minutes from the previous year on the same course (and I also didn't get the wrecked IT band I got the previous year, so BONUS!)

Waiting for the mx depends on what stage of cells you had in you and where they were. If they are certain there is nothing outside the lumpectomy site, then your mx would be prophylactic and there should be no unholy rush, I wouldn't think. At this point, once you know what YOU want, you can tell the surgeons, this is MY plan. What is YOUR timeline to carry out my plan, given that all things being equal, this is what I would like to do if I can. I postponed my lumpectomy to do the Disneyland Half and attend a conference, but they said there was no rush as it was just DCIS and they were fine with that.

firstcall

dltmhn-- Im a little suprised that you would be advised not to wear a bra while running.  I would think you would want some kind of support to the area, like a seamless sports bra.  While my issues are not the same, I've been wearing Under Armour compression garments while exercising, and through the day.  I think it has helped quite a bit.  But my issue was more post operative swelling, trying to prevent lymphedema.   I can see not wanting a seam or wire or something, but it seems like having the area supported, and even some light to medium compression, would be good during running.  You might want to clarify, if you havent, whether your PS meant to run without one, or just what the concerns are. 

eulabt

Melissa10- You sound so positive and encouraging! Thanks for joining this post. I was walking on the treadmill 4 weeks after my BMX. I had tissue expanders and had them for 3 months. I was running by about 8 weeks I think. I had my BMX 1/31/11, exchange on 5/2/11 and started back to yoga and trainging for a half the beginning of June. I healed quickly and didn't have many restrictions. I think I was running sooner than I posted. I remember cheating and my PS told me it was fine. It would be so wonderful if we all get into the NYC Marathon. What a way for all of us to kick cancer's ass!

goldlining

All this discussion has me motivated. Just signed up for Niagara Falls Women's Half Marathon, June 3. Out and back alongside the Falls. :-)

orangemat

goldlining, that's great! The course sounds wonderful, along the Falls. And there's something really special about an all-women's race... have a wonderful time in Florida, hope the weather's great for you.

eulabt, now that would be truly amazing, all of us running NYC together! As much as people have been complaining about the entry fees being so high these days, it's still a bucket-list item for me.

dltnhm, I'm with firstcall, I think that's odd to be banned from the bra (heh). But every PS has their own protocol, I suppose. 

ymac16, it was cold here in NJ this weekend as well. But I had plans to run with friends on Sunday, plus a race I had signed up for on Saturday, so I had no excuses! And you do know, that it's only cold for the first 10 minutes or so...

Hi Melissa! Yes, I'd love to hear more about Hartford. We have family that lives in Bloomfield, so that might be a possibility for a place to stay overnight before the race.  

Congratulations TreadSoftly! I wasn't aware you were getting married soon, so happy for you! Yes, keep at it with the running, it's a great stress reliever.... though there's nothing stressful about planning a wedding, right? 

Had my pre-op appointment this afternoon. Ran intervals at the track this morning. We do what we do, and life goes on. And that's a very good thing!

groovygirls

Hi Melissa- I had a bilateral mastctomy with immediate reconstruction 9/12 and I did the Goofy Challenge on January 6. I heard from everyone "just listen to your body" mine was telling me to get out there! I was walking 3 miles about 5 days after surgery (fall in NH was amazing- I could not be cooped up!) I tried my dog's leash around my waist and off we went. I did not ask my PS if completing 39.3 miles was part of my recovery in case he said "no". he laughed when I told him what I did last week!

I am in for a half marathon in May and NYC in November!

Good luck with your decision. PM if you have any questions

dltnhm

firstcall et al -- Believe me I heard loud and clear what his directive was ... if I want to run this week .. I have to run WITHOUT the bra. After next week -- no restrictions (except no underwires ... which, LOL, is NOT a sacrifice for me.)

My PS is tops in this area so I have followed all of his directives and am pleased with the outcome ... so if that means I have to jiggle a bit this week to get to next week, so be it! From participating on different areas on the discussion boards I have come to find that our experiences are often quite different even though we all have breast cancer. Imagine that :-)

I am just thrilled with the green light! So rejoice with me and don't worry about my girls moving around. I'm going to tight braless camisole them into place - not my choice for running - but will do for a week.

Oh ... and to the Team n' Training gal ... I ran the Honolulu marathon for TnT in 1995. Does that ever date me ;-)

Hugs everyone! Happy VD!

Diana

NancyHB

I'm so glad to have found this thread!  I have been agonizing over running/not running during chemo, and all of your comments and suggestions have been inspirational!

I'm 48 and started running for the first time almost two years ago.  The first summer/fall I ran 3 5k's - hated every second of it, but kept at it.  Tapered off over the winter but got back in big-time last spring, ran another 5k - and was then diagnosed with BC in November, shortly after my favorite 5k.  Between surgeries and now chemo, I am struggling to run.  Funny - I ran 2.5 miles the day after my first chemo, and 3 miles two days later, but have struggled to run ever since.  My MO has said that my heart is very strong because of the running, and that will help immensely through my AC treatments (I believe there was a reason I started running suddenly two years ago...getting ready for the biggest fight of my life!)

The steroids are giving me a fluttery heart which leaves me out of breath and struggling with exertion, so I'm cutting back on running the first week post-tx.  When I went back this week I can run/walk, but not nearly as far.  My body is just so tired.  So, I keep trying, even when it's difficult.

When this is over, I am determined to run strong again, even if it takes a while to get back in shape.

goldlining

Welcome NancyHB. I think the Running thread is the happiest thread on BCO. Even a bad run is something to celebrate. There is time for personal bests out the other side. Now is the time to run for what it does for you, not how well you did it. I also enjoy reading about other people's runs and plans to run. It's like vicarious running, so everyone, keep it up :-)

CLC

Well, I have been taking Adrian's advice and cross-training (with a short hiaitus for a head cold)...and I am loving going back to machine hopping at the gym.  I guess I needed to mix things up...I will still run, but maybe only 2 to 3 times a week instead of 4 to 5.  Adrian, thanks for the advice...I am feeling a lot better and enjoying the change of pace...:)

ymac16

OK, now I'm having a port installed tomorrow and I'm worried that I won't be able to run this weekend. Anyone else have one and if so, were you restricted from running? I asked about exercise and they said to limit arm movement for a week so technically I should be OK since I don't swing them wildly, right? My other concern is that a sports bra may irritate the port site. Ugh, I was really looking forward to getting out there this weekend.

dltnhm

First post surgery run! Circuitous 5 mile run around my neighborhood ending at our church. My regular pace is just 5 per hour and I was one minute behind that. Visited with folks at church then ran a 1.74 mile direct route home. I'm baaaack :-)



Hope all your runs today were this glorious!

firstcall

dltnhm   Whoo Hoo!   Sounds great   keep it up. 

orangemat

Good for you, dltnhm!

After two consecutive weekends of racing, I'm almost feeling like I want to do it again this coming weekend. Almost.  We're leaving for our cruise vacation tomorrow, and I hope to get some miles in on the top deck of the ship while we're away. 

goldlining

Let's all follow orangemat on her cruise! How many virtual laps of the deck can we all do?

I walked but haven't run yet, about 6 or 7 miles in Ft Lauderdale, to the beach and back via a very circuitous route. Spectacular weather. Very enjoyable especially for a northerner to be where it's warm! 

groovygirls

ymac16- I didn't have a port but what I found helpful in the beginning was to wear a size smaller compression top and a sports bra over that. I had to try on several bras to find one that was comfortable for me.

goldlining

Ran to the beach, a little over 3km, back to the 8 mins/km pace unfortunately, but it's humid and I am out of condition. I had a bite to eat and walked back. I just didn't have a round trip run in me. It was nice to do it. Was swollen in the flap when I got back, so that's still happening. Slept in compression, and it went down some. Same old, same old. Asked to see the surgeon's nurse about it next week. Surgeon is away, but fingers crossed she is in.

firstcall

Port Placement this morning, followed by my first Chemo.  Heading to the gym now for a cross training work out before I go in. 

So...here I am with my first chemotoday, and on Monday I'm the race director of a small Presidents day marathon.  We'll have about 100 runners.  I've put emails out to a few people who are most likely to be willing to help, and I'm counting on a few friends helpingout.  Hope I can pull this off. 

So,everyone....go out and have a great run, and post about it here.  I may need some vicarious runs this next bit. 

kks_rd

It's more of a future victory, but I made a commitment this week to lead a Couch to 5K 'learn to run' group at work. It will start inn a few weeks and the goal is get first-time runners to the level of a 5K before our organization participates inn the Chase Corporate Challenge in late May.  I could run a 5K right now but I thought leading this group would help get me back into a regular training routine.  Knowing that others are counting on me applies just the right amount of pressure, lol!

I will probably use the c25k workout as more of a warm-up and do some additional time solo, after the group run is done.  Weekends will be long run days for me.  I'm excited to have a plan even thought right now the post-rads (I finished on Tuesday! woot!) fatigue has me practically on my back today...

firstcall

Hosted a marathon yesterday, and its day three of chemo.  I wasnt sure how that would go, but it went fine.  I wanted to run, but did not.  We had about 130 runners, mostly from the pacific NW, but had some from BC, oregon, California, Idaho, Texas and Wisconsin as well.  It was a great group, and people were very good to me.  I had this race all planned before this BC thing, and I wasnt sure how it would go, but I made a decision to try to continue my regular routines as much as possible, and went ahead with it.  

dltnhm

Congrats firstcall!  That is wonderful news!  Good for you and all the runners that came out to run the marathon.  Glad you were able to be there and continue on with what you had planned and glad that others stepped up to the plate and helped you out.

firstcall

dltnhm - aren't you starting your Chemo tomorrow?  Are you ready?  I'm achy, and having a few symptoms, but doing better than I anticipated I would.  Still kind of looking over my shoulder, wondering what is next.  I hope you have smooth sailing... 

CLC

Yeah, firstcall!  I am so glad you were able to stick with your original plans!  It is so great when you are able to feel, at least a little, like life is normal.  I am glad your chemo is starting out smoothly...:)

Kat...Yeah on finishing rads!!! Woo Hoo!!!  I hope the fatigue is letting up.  And...I am so impressed...leading a group...that's commitment...  I wish I could run in your group!! 

I haven't been running much...I have taken firstcall's advice of crosstraining a little too much to heart, I think...It has been so good for me to mix things up...and the four pounds I gained after surgery have started to budge, that I find I just want to go back to the arc trainer and the bike.  I am running intervals, though...just no long runs.  Don't feel like it right now, I guess.  I will get back to it...

kks_rd

Running intervals is still running!  At least, that's whast I tell myself

dltnhm

Hi there!

Firstcall. Yes, my chemo starts tomorrow. There was a bit of snowy slush this morning which wouldn't normally deter me but did today. I walked in the mall I stead. Fast pace. Worked for me. I hope it's clear enough to get in a good run in the a.m.



I have everything on my list I think and still have to pack it all up. I will err on the side of taking too much to the appointment and learning to cut down for the next one. I do t want to be there and wish I would have brought x and y. So physically I'm prepared and pretty much mentally. I know where my Hope lies so I'm all right spiritually. Emotionally? Thus far pretty calm. This is a big step but it's not like wondering if you'll wake up from surgery or whAt exactly it will lok like when you do wake up. I am not wild about what SEs I'll have but I do agree with those who try to embrace them in a way because at least you will know the chemo is in there trying to attack all those cancer cells.



Hope you feel better and your energy level increases! Give yourself a break though you just put on a marathon. That would exhaust me without chemo :-)



Hugs!

Diana

firstcall

Day 4 of chemo.   Achy day yesterday.  Spent the night in front of the fire.   

Wanted to try cross training again today, so did the elliptical.  Here's how it went:

Minute 3 -Feet feel puffy, hips and legs aching big time..rough start.  

Minute 5 - I don't know how long I can do this....feels like about mile 23 of the marathon...

Minute 10 - Still a lot of aches, waist down, and my port is talking to me...

Minute 27 -  Somehow I'm still on this thing, and it seems to be going a little better.  

Minute 35 - Still achey, but a whole lot better than when I started.  Feet feel better.  

Minute 45 - doing ok....not going to push my luck....time for a short warm down, and then get ready for work.  

I feel better than I thought I would on day 4 of chemo. I think the exercise helped, I don't feel as puffy.  I'll probably take a short nap before work.   

eulabt

firstcall, Thanks for keeping us updated. I am so glad that your chemo is going well. Take Care!

iswimibikeirun

Hi, new to the thread (and really to the board too).

 I'm sure all of you will appreciate this:  I was so hoping when I went in for my lumpectomy that the nurse practicioner was going to ask if I ever experienced shortness of breath--my reply was going to be "Only when I try to run sub-8 minutes miles."  It was so strange since they even asked me, "Do you tolerate exercise well?"  My response:  "Well, since we did a 4 mile run last night and figured we wouldn't be able to do one tomorrow, yes."

 Seriously though, if I hadn't been running, I don't know that I would have noticed symptoms from my DCIS.  I scheduled the lumpectomy so I would have a couple weeks before the half marathon I ran this past weekend (it was awful, not b/c of the surgery but because there was a huge rainstorm and the entire race is on the beach--there were lots of ruts and sand kept getting in my shoes).  I've now scheduled my BMX and DIEP around a race for which I'm the on the race committee.  These two races are the only 2 that I'm now "streaking," so I think it's important to me to run it.

 I think the hardest part is going to be starting from scratch after recovery, but then again, dropping the 10 or so pounds might help!

goldlining

Hi iswimibikeirun! Welcome. I think a lot of us are "guilty" of putting race dates above surgery dates when scheduling our priorities! It's not running vs. health, it's physical health vs. mental health, and sometimes the physical can hold on while we top up the mental health tank.

I just got back from the surgeon, who I moved up from March because I was anxious about the healing from the DIEP. After I ran the half at 6 weeks post-op (with surgeon's okay), I was kind of alarmed at the swelling afterwards, and it's been coming and going for the past 2-3 weeks since, particularly on one side. Anyway, he said it all looked fine and was not the least bit concerned. Some of the comments on the DIEP thread to the effect of "how could you talk your surgeon into allowing that?" and "I would worry that it would jiggle the blood vessels apart" put worry in my mind. His comment was basically "pffft". So now if I can get this wretched post-virus asthma to knock back, I will be running again. Now, I'm starting from 8 minute kilometres, not miles, so I have a way to go before I am back in full working order and maybe never to 8 minute miles, but feeling better. 

eulabt

iswimbikeirun- I love the sub-8 minute miles. Only a runner can understand! Welcome:)