2013 Running Thread

MMTOMH

Lewing-Way to go! Impressive time!! You had two miles down in about the same time I run one! I think it took me about 44 minutes to finish my 5k.  Great job!

firstcall-fingers crossed that foot feels better very soon.

firstcall

So.....you know what follows Easter this year?   April 1st!  Just curious if any of you cellebrate that day. 

I have a little thing I do each year on April 1st.  I will wear a light colored long sleeve shirt.  I then take a thread using a contrasting color, like red or something bright.   Using a needle I place the thread so that there is a piece of thread lying on my arm which people can see.  What people cant see is that the thread goes through the sleeve and it is part of a longer thread which is inside of the shirt.  Invariably, people (sometimes even total strangers) try to help me by picking the thread off of my arm.  But as they do so, it just keeps coming because its a long thread, most of which is inside of my shirt. I love the reaction I get when they try to figure out what they have done by pulling on the thread. 

LuvLuLu

Oh, Lewing, what an awesome run!  And what a great finish!!  Congrats to you. 

Isn't it funny how you can never tell a runner by his/her looks?  You thought you would be eating LaChinita's dust, and there you go, passing her. 

How true is this? You size up your fellow runners before the race, but it never works out that way.  Sometimes you see a really slim, fast-looking athletic type and you think admire her now cuz you'll never catch her, and there you go swooping past and feeling good. Then all of a sudden, someone in shorts and baggy T-shirt with quite a few pounds on you will just move right past you and you feel quite humbled.

Runners come in all shapes, sizes and abilities!!

Keep moving, everyone, just one foot in front of the other. xoxox

lewing

LuvLuLu, that's so true about sizing up runners beforehand -- and being surprised one way or another.  That's especially true for me since my move to Brooklyn.  In Detroit, where I'd been running for years, it seemed as though I knew everyone: which fast guys would be duking it out for the top spot, which women would be running what pace, etc. etc.  Here in NYC, I'm clueless, so I have to resort to stereotypes.

Linda 

RunFree16

Love this thread!  I've been reading it for a while but haven't posted.  Lewing, you are FAST!  My best 5K is about 6 minutes slower.  Goldlining, amen about professors' workloads!  I'm one too and if I weren't on a half-schedule due to this BC, I'd be frantic right now.  I am in rads now, have done 5 of 30.  I decided that during rads I would get up early and get in 30 minutes of walking on the treadmill and just run once a week on weekends, unless I magically find myself with extra time and energy some afternoon.  That worked pretty well this week.  I had a great run on the treadmill today--I'm very much a fair weather runner!--and even upped the speed a little.  Just 2.5 miles, but it's good to break a sweat and breath hard sometimes.  I'm not sure what I'll be able up for after a couple more weeks of rads.  I just know it makes me happier when I can still run a little.  I'll finish rads at the end of May and then I hope I'll be able to build back up over the summer.  The chemo question is STILL undecided, though.  I know chemo could slow me down if that's what the summer holds.  (I wrote about this on a chemo thread.)  Thanks to everyone for all the inspiration.

Katlou, you got great advice about using the Jeff Galloway method.  I also just read about a good method from Coach Jenny Hadfield, co-author of Running for Mortals which is my favorite running book, a great place for beginners to start.  She said, when you're starting out, run until you can hear your breath, then walk until you can't, then run again, and so on.  You'll naturally be able to run longer before you hear your breath as you get stronger, so this method gets your running phases extended and walking reduced without having to keep track of minutes.  Also, there's absolutely nothing wrong with keeping short walking intervals in your runs no matter how good you get.  Jeff Galloway was an Olympic marathoner but when he started doing putting in regular walking breaks, he stopped getting injured and started to enjoy running more.  Here's a really good article about that method:  http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/02/health/02well.html 

Not-Me

LoveLuLu~You are so right about that one.  Runners do come in all shapes, sizes, and abilities.  I never worry too much, I know what is right for me.  

Runfree16~You might surprise yourself.  I ended up running the normal schedule (as well as keeping up with my usual physical activites) during the entire course of rads.  I did not listen to the "tired" side effect.  I was working full time plus and going thru my MBA program...no time for tiredness.  But it effects us all differently.  

Keep on running everyone.  I walked 2.5 miles the past two days...hoping to get back to running in another two weeks after restrictions have been lifted.  

Donnabelle

Hi everyone!

I found this forum by accident and am so happy that I did. I have been a runner for 35 of my 59 years and running has gotten me through so much. I know you all understand that. I was diagnosed 3/13 with IDC under 1cm and grade 3. As of now I am scheduled for a MX and reconstruction on 4/30. Not sure about the treatment yet, but I am sure happy to hear from lewing that you ran through your chemo! That gives me so much hope. I can only hope to do as well . Last year I did my first (and I thought only) marathon. I am now thinking that when I kick this cancer's butt, my goal should be to train for another! I grew up in the Boston area, so I wish those of you running Boston this year the very best luck!!!

firstcall

Welcome to our newcomers.  I did run and cross train through chemo, and it was a very good thing.  I really believe it helped me quite a bit.  I was pretty slow by the time chemo finished, but I know it helped to stay as active as possible. 

So.....Saturday I did my long run, tapering for Boston.  I'm a little concerned, because my right foot has been hurting since then, enough to keep me awake last night.  Its feeling better today, after a day of rest.  Two weeks before Boston is not very good timing.  It is hurting in the same place that I had a stress fracture the first of the year.  I thought it was healed, but as I've pushed my miles it has started hurting again.  I guess its cross training for now, and see what happens.  I'll probably look at it with my ultrasound tomorrow.  That isn't how you normally image stress fractures, but its convenient, and I was able to see the fracture pretty well when it happened in Jan. 

I really encourage those of you who are wondering if you should run (or walk or cycle or swim or whatever) during treatment to do so.  And don't worry if someone else does more or is faster or whatever.  We are here to encourage each other, and help each other get through this. 

LuvLuLu

Donnabelle, welcome.  Not that anyone WANTS to be here, but this is a great place to be for encouragement.  You and I have a bit in common - I'm 59, been running for 35 years and I've lived all my life in the Boston area.  In a couple of weeks I turn 60! Just in time for my half-marathon - new age group!!!

RunFree16

Not-Me, good point--I will not rule myself out.  I have a bit of running resistance sometimes, so it made me feel better to think of running as a weekend treat only for now.  I am wildly cheered by these reports of people running all through rads and chemo!  I ran two weeks after my lumpectomy and it was a great rite of passage. 

Donnabelle, sorry for your recent diagnosis but it does bring people together!  Also, like you, I ran one marathon (Disney, January 2012) and thought that would be it, but now I think it would be a great declaration of completion to work toward another.  I think a half-marathon first, this fall or next spring, and then work up to another full.  I'd love to bandit Boston, or run it for charity--I never expect to qualify by time--because I used to live in Watertown and we went to the turn in Newton every year to cheer people on, which was magical.  Good luck to the Boston runners!

SharonLC

Wow, lots of posts this weekend ... just checking in since Friday.  Welcome to everyone that's new!!

Saturday: 45 min water jog/run
Monday: 55 min gym's elliptical machine

Congrats Katlou on finishing rads!!!!

ReneeInOhio ... if you don't have the technology mentioned in previous posts, I have used mapmyrun.com to map out running on roads/sidewalks, it doesn't work for trails though. My husband bought me a Garmin 210 after I ran the HM & completed rads, unfortunately I haven't been able to use it yet because of injury. I am looking forward to not having to map out long run routes anymore when I can get back to running ... hopefully it will be sometime within the next 4 weeks ... technology is much easier if you can afford it but mapmyrun.com works out good as well ... better than having to drive your route in your car to estimate it.

Linda ... I loved your race narrative ... felt like I was there with you!! Congats on the age group win!!

Firstcall ... I  hope you don't have a stress fracture in your foot again, let us know what you find out. If you don't and are able to run Boston, I would like to track your bib on the computer, too ... Roan and GroovyGirls also if you are willing. I did that once while a friend ran Ironman, it was cool cheering him on from at home and knowing what his final time was right away.

Keep those checkins coming,
Happy Running Everyone!
Sharon

Annette47

Went out again today, without my running partner so was able to do 4 miles (she's only up to 3 so far), but man am I having a hard time getting my time back up .    Don't know if it's the lingering effect of the rads, or just getting older, or what, but it seems like my stamina is not picking up at the same rate it has in the past.   A bit discouraging to be honest.

lewing

Annette, I know how discouraging it is.  I was downright disgusted with myself sometimes.  I think the key is to go easy on yourself, run because you love it and it makes you feel good, and DON'T make comparisons with how far/fast you used to run. 

Easier said than done, I know. 

ReneeinOH

Thanks for all of the tracking miles suggestions.  I'll probably start low tech, since I have some regular routes I run.  And thanks firstcall for the "just do it" message.  I have been battling fatigue lately.  I don't know if I'm still recuperating from surgery (getting tired as I get back to my normal work/home routine), or if inactivity/lack of real exercise is contributing to the fatigue.  But, whatever it is, I do know keep moving is important. 

sandpiper1

Hi Gang,

W3D3.

FC, how's the foot.

Annette and Renee be kind to yourselves and give it time.

Notme-keep on walking and healing

Welcome Donna

Looking forward to a little warm up here in the northeast by weeks end.

Have a good week and catch up soon.

Happy trails....

xoxoxoxo

piper

firstcall

I'm nursing this foot along.  It is feeling better, but I've stuck with only cross training.  I think I'll try alittle run soon, and see how it does.  I think I'll mostly do cross training for now, hoping that I can do Boston. 

NancyHB

W2D3.  Shin splints are killing me.  Went from my old Mizuno's back to my Kinvaras (minimalist) and I think that really helped.  Dang, this extra 25 lbs. is kicking my butt!  I'll have to read back through all your wonderful posts to catch up, but wanted to say Happy Tuesday to everyone!

Katlou

Welcome to all of the new ladies!  I'm so sorry that you have a reason to be here but you have found a great, positive community of wonderful people.

Thanks RunFree for the info.  I will definitely check it out.  And thanks to all for the congrats on finishing rads.  It has been a celebratory  few days for sure!   I got so used to leaving my office at 11 everyday for treatment, that it actually feels weird to stay put.  

Firstcall, I am sending lots of positive vibes your way.  I really hope you are able to run, but if not, I hope that you'll still celebrate 1 YEAR AFTER CHEMO!!  That must feel incredible!

 I'm gearing up for my very first run this weekend.  It's the 10k Cooper River Bridge Run in Charleston, SC.  I'm questioning why, for my first, I picked one that is more than a 5k, that has a long substantial incline and that is known to be incredibly packed and chaotic.  Regardless, Charleston is one of my favorite cities and I'll be there with friends.  I'll cross the finish line at some point!

Annette, don't be hard on yourself!  You'll get there.  Keep in mind that we're all doing a lot more than most people that have not gone through any of this!!

I hope that everyone has a great rest of the week!

Kathleen

lewing

Happy Tuesday back atcha, NancyHB!

Firstcall, injuries suck.  No two ways about it.  But your training is already in the bag, and your race is still 2 weeks away . . . lots of time to heal.  I'm confident you'll toe the line at Boston and have a great race.

I did strength intervals on the track tonight, 4 x 1 mile, aiming for 10-15 seconds slower than my half marathon goal pace of 8:15.  I actually ran my mile repeats a bit faster, around 7:45 pace.  That's not necessarily good - workouts are supposed to have a purpose, and doing them too fast can defeat the purpose - but I'm hoping it's a sign my HM goal is a little on the conservative side. 

Linda

Edited to add - Kathleen, we cross posted, so I didn't get a chance to wish you GOOD LUCK in your 10K this weekend.  Looking forward to a a great race report, and hope you have a fabulous time in Charleston (never been there, always wanted to go).

Donnabelle

Thanks everyone for the welcomes.

I am going to run like crazy throughout the month of April and go into surgery 4/30 in great shape and hope that helps with recovery. Does anyone have experience with a Tram Flap and how challenging that is to get back to running?

Luvlulu we do indeed have much in common. Good luck in your upcoming half! I love that distance.

Runfree16 I was intrigued reading about the NH marathon. It is in Bristol and runs around Newfound Lake. My family has been going to Newfound every summer for almost 50 years. I have run around the lake a few times - it's beautiful, so I was thinking of making that my goal for October 2014. Having a goal to work for has always helped me a lot.

Fight on ladies!

Donna

RunFree16

Donnabelle, I ran the NH Half-Marathon in 2011.  It's a pretty course.  The half was a little hilly--the full gets more of the hills.  You probably know that having run around the lake!  Maybe I'll be ready for that one in 2014 too!

LuvLuLu

Donnabelle, we must be soul sisters or something, we have so much in common.

1. The half is my favorite distance as well.  I don't like 5K's you have to push too hard and a marathon takes so much out of you. The half, you just go a nice, comfortable pace and you're not dead for weeks afterwards.  But that's just me . . .

2. I had a Tram Flap and I don't regret it.  If you'd like I can send you a private message w/all the details.  I had it immediately following my mastectomy in July. You walk bent over for a couple of weeks and gradually straighten up.  I was out walking right away and within a couple of weeks had worked up to walking 8 miles a day, split up, 4 in the am, 4 in the pm.  By the 4th week after surgery, on vacation, I was doing a 5 mile daily walk, throwing in a few light jogging steps (from here to the lightpost, etc.), but be very careful, I think you're really not supposed to run for about 10 weeks. Don't rush it, I think it took me about 3 months to get back to my total pre-surgery routine.  A little at a time, just pace yourself.

It does help going into surgery in great shape.  Private message me if you'd like - I kept a journal and it might help answer any questions you have.

301724

Donnabelle - I had a DIEP flap. Absolutely love it. Was walking laps around the house as soon as I came home from the hospital. Walking more than a mile outside within a week. Started a little gentle running maybe 2-3 months out (and that was after a DVT and a readmission, IV abx setback). Seriously back on my running schedule by 3-4 months. Now 7+ months and have a half marathon coming up in 8 weeks:-)

goldlining

Donnabelle, DIEP for me. Walking in the hospital, 100m laps, 10 at a time, five times a day. Once I got home, I started doing an hour on the gym treadmill 4mph on a weekly basis from about 2 weeks, wasn't able to straighten up for 6 weeks, but the side rails of treadmill helped a lot to stabilize. Didn't feel comfortable with a trot until the 6 week point, but ran 3K of a 5K (in about 39 minutes, with a lot of crowd congestion), and 2 days later finished a half, where I ran maybe the first 20 minutes and mixed running and walking for the rest. Just listen to your body and do as much as you can. The surgeon will have some limits particularly on the abs. Mine said no ab exercise like crunches for 6 weeks, or lifting over 10lb, but walking is good. 

I'm with LuvLuLu - the half is the best distance for me. I'm not fast enough to impress anyone with my 5 or 10K time, but for a half, you just need to be stubborn and people are impressed. :-) My personal best and personal post-surgical worst are only 20 minutes apart, so I don't stress out about my time. I'm in it for the "me" time and the people-watching -- and the bling. I'd do a full marathon if there was a lunch break with sandwiches or something about mile 14, but as it is, I am too hungry after a half to even contemplate continuing the same amount again.

301724

The one marathon I did (so far!) was slow but I fueled as I went - Clif Shot Bloks and boiled potatoes with salt. There was clam chowder at the end. Awesome!

RunFree16

Goldlining, a lunch break with sandwiches mid-marathon would be wonderful!  In my one marathon, I did jelly beans, fig newtons, and bananas (which they handed out at mile 14), but I've read the ultrarunner Scott Jurek will stop and have pizza.  I also wolfed down half a plain bagel, nothing on it, at one point.  But I agree, the half is a great distance and the training won't eat your life the way full marathon training can.

lewing

301724, where was this marathon??  I've heard of boiled potatos being handed out during ultra trail runs (not that I've ever done one), but not during marathons.  And clam chowder at the end sounds fantastic!

Linda

301724

Hi Lewing - It was the Cape Cod Marathon. I brought my own boiled potatoes:-) The clam chowder came at the end. Along with pasta, bread, and dessert! It was Halloween weekend and someone handed out candy at mile 19. A small and wonderful marathon! I highly recommend it.

goldlining

Hey everyone, the runDisney January 2014 marathon weekend registration opens on April 9, but the early registration link has been leaked, so unless they close this loophole, if you were entertaining a Disney 10K (either only the 10K or 10K as part of the Dopey or some other combo), you should go to this link and grab a registration. 

Not a bad idea to grab the registration for half, full, or goofy early either, if you were targetting this for 2014. I learned the hard way that you can always choose not to go, but you can't always get a place later.

I predict that when the open registration starts next week, the 10K will go in minutes. The Disneyland 10K sold out 5,000 places in "under an hour", because most were sold during the early registration week before the open registration as part of the Dumbo package. I would expect that to be repeated here due to the new Dopey combination (5K+10K+half+full).

I signed up for 10K Friday Jan 10, and the Half Jan 11. The 10K is the inaugural, so it seemed like a nice medal to go for, but I do like my halfs.

The registration asks for pace for the 10K and expected time for the half/full. They want "proof of time since Jan 2013" but it is a text field. I input my aspirational time and my excuses (surgery! foot injury!) and hope for the best. I generally get a perfectly acceptable corral doing that. However, if you're in a slow spell proof-wise and decide to go with only the time claim you can prove, you can always bring proof of a more recent faster time and switch your corral at the Expo at the Runner Relations booth. There's a lot of training time between now and this run!

They are also offering gender-specific shirt sizing, which they previously only did for the "girl" events (Princess/Tink). 

groovygirls

I am DOPEY! So excited! Wondering if I should sign DH up too however I dont think he has forgiven me for pressuring him into the MCM this year.

Firstcall- you are more than welcome to do Boston with me- I will be at the back of the pack and loving every minute of it!