2013 Running Thread

Dallas262

Hi!  I'm new here.  I saw this thread and knew i would find encouragement here.

I was just dx with DCIS and have surgery scheduled for May 15.  I hope to be back out on the road as quickly as possible.  I don't expect to have any lymph nodes removed so I'm hoping for an easy recovery.  I just did a PR at the Nike Women's Half in DC this weekend so at least I'm going it to the surgery in race shape.  I have Marine Corp Marathon scheduled for the end of October and was supposed to start training May 21.  It isn't my first marathon so I know what to expect.  But I really want to give it a shot and at least try to finish.  I won't be setting any land speed records, but then I don't really run that fast anyway. 

Any experiences from those who have gone down the road before are much appreciated. 

LuvLuLu

Welcome, Dallas! You've come to the right place for encouragement! Will you have any treatment after surgery?

NatsFan

Welcome Dallas - I just ran the Nike Half in DC as well.  I love my necklace - I've hardly taken it off since Sunday.    

kcmanis

I had to take 6 weeks off from running after the mastectomy. It was the hardest thing to do.  I did get on the bike and elliptical about 3 weeks out, but my incisions took a while to heal and I sweat a lot when I work out (i also push myself very hard).  The dr then told me to ease up, which I didnt really listen too, but found ways to keep them dry when working out.  The first few weeks were hard but then I got better.  The chemo has set me back again. All depends on what type of treatment you are having after, if any.

Dallas262

Thanks!  LuvLuLu - I think at this point they just plan on rads for 7 weeks.  No chemo.   I always wanted to get a tattoo, but not this way.  Think they will tattoo 26.2 on there instead of just the dot???  Guess I could add the numbers later. 

NatsFan - it was a great race!  Wasn't too excited about the sign up and no website, but the actual race we great.  I would do it again. 

Kim556644

Hi ladies! I'm trying to build my strength back up! Running on treadmill 30 min few times a week, lifting weights, stretching, doing elliptical some days. Had my recon dec7th, 2012. I tell ya- I love to work out but am struggling now. I'm tired. I sleep ok, not great. Any advice? Running helps clear my head, gives me energy. Once I'm at the gym I'm usually good. Sometimes getting there is tough. Help! I'm still so tired. Is this normal?

lewing

Totally normal, Kim556644.  You've been through a lot.  In addition to the mental and physical stress, I think a lot of us are also dealing with subtle (or in some cases not so subtle) changes in our sleep quality and patterns.  I know it's way harder for me to get up early in the morning than it used to be.

The fact that you're making a point of dragging yourself to the gym is what counts. 

Anyhow, welcome, hope you stick around.  (It's really great that this thread has become so active.  Oh, and NatsFan - I don't think I congratulated you properly on your HM . . . congratulations!)

Linda

sandpiper1

Thanx Sharon and KC.

Welcome Dallas and Kim.

I was walking 4-6 miles 1 month after surgery. However, while on Tamoxifen, I suffered from debilitating fatigue. I still walked but the fatigue and joint pain left me doing half of the activity I was accustomed to.

We are all different and react differently to meds, but I so admire everyone who is able to push through the SEs of tx.

Maybe W6D2 tonight ????

xoxo

Piper

Add to edit: I think I may have tendonitis. I am extremely bummed to have come this far. I actually did W6D2 tonight only to have the pain return. I am doing I.C.E. At the risk of dx myself seems to be a case of patellar tendonitis. UGH! Anyone have this problem?

lovestorun

A belated congratulations and woooooohooooooo Mary! 

Piper - "runners knee" is solvable, if that's what you have. Frustrating as heck, for sure.   You may want to get checked out so that you can get the pain resolved and then get a plan for building back up.  There is strength and flexibility work that you can do to help keep that kneecap in place. 

Dallas - I'm partway through treatment for DCIS - was training for the DC half when I got my diagnosis - and will pm you. 

sandpiper1

Thanx Luv,

I did look up some strengthening exercises for my at home rehab.

Went to my health plans' med clinic and the doc says it is bursitis. I think I was almost relieved it wasn't my tendon or miniscus or etc etc. (SP?) Not that bursitis is something that cannot conitnue to be a problem.....Guess..in my mind I believe this is more manageable. He gave me a tapering steroid dose pack and says I should have relief in 24 hours but I am to be out of commission for at least a week.

The staff asked me if I was training for the marathon. LOL! Our citys' marathon is coming up very soon, but I informed them the best I was hoping for was a 5K.

The doc was very nice, but suggested that I do lower impact or running in the water when I resume my exercise regimin. AND He meant that in lieu of running ever. I quote "You and I are no spring chickens anymore!" Speak for yourself BUD!

Anywho...it is a beautiful day and I am sad to be sitting instead of running in the woods. However, I am sitting on my back deck enjoying the breeze, 'RICE' and a glass of Cab

I will live vicariously through all of you over the next week.

xoxoxo

Piper

goldlining

grrr, piper, my family practitioner is the same. "Oh, just WALK. You don't need to RUN." No, YOU don't need to run. I DO need to run. 

Welcome dallas. I got my recall for magnified views just as I was packing for my first Half, put off my lumpectomy until I could run my second, and when the margins were no good, had a mastectomy and did another half about 10 weeks later, and another 6 weeks post DIEP. Still am not back to that pre-diagnosis time, but running has been there for me no matter what speed I'm going. And yes, at times my "running" has been slower than my FP's "walking" but in my head it's running and that what counts.

pat01

piper - I'm no spring chicken either - I only started running last year - when I first started I did get a bad case of bursitis and had to quit.  After a week I started walking, and then after a month I started running on a treadmill, slowly at first, and lots of walk breaks. The treadmill is much more forgiving on the knees.  And it allowed me to build up the muscles that were keeping my knees balanced.  Before every run I would take an ibuprofen, and after every run I would ice my knees. I also went to a running store and got fitted for a pair of new shoes.  It worked, and now I am able to run again. So hang in there, the bursitis might just be a temporary setback.

dltnhm

Sandpiper - Thanks for responding re: your bunions. Helps to know I'm not alone in this and that they can occur. So sorry about your bursitis. Hope that the steroids and rest will give you relief from that. As for that Doc telling you that you're no spring chicken ... well just shame on him My PCP said that it's a bunion but doesn't believe that anyone would do anything about it right now. (That's my synopsis of our conversation re that topic. LOL) He's a good doctor - had me walk to check my gait too. I needed to concentrate on the breast edema that I have. Since it's not a month post my last surgery, he believes it is probably related to that. I've been and am being seen by everyone and their brother these last few weeks with all my follow-up appointments converging again Just saw gyne, RO, PCP, and reconstruction surgeon ... Stitches come out tomorrow. MO next week. Breast surgeon appointment and breast mri on the 21st. And it's time for a new sleeve (lymphedema prevention) so I'll also get her opinion regarding if she thinks I need a swell spot. I'm glad they are all vigilant!

Kcmanis - Thanks for the tips re shoes for those of us with bunions. The Nike Frees and Lunar Racer. There are a number of shoes with a wider toe box so now it's just getting out there, finding them, trying them on and picking a good one. I prefer my running shoes very light - the lighter the better. I guess I really should have a 'walking' shoe for times like this (post surgery) when I'm not cleared to run. But just putting on my running shoes (even when walking) helps my psyche! Thanks again for the tips on the shoes

Happy running to all of you who are able to get out now!

Diana

sandpiper1

Diana,

Hang in there. You are doing fabulous. Ha, the merry-go-round of MD visits. Seems like it will never end Huh?I haven't gone through half of what most of the men and women here have. I actually took a doc/med holiday and every MD got on board with it, Then asked me how my free-time went. LOL Typically docs don't like to do bunions til they are painful etc at least that was what I had always been told. Now I want/need to have them done and don't actually have that kind of PTO time built up.

TY for all of the advice. Yesterday, My plan was to get fitted for new shoes, when I knew I should get a quick check of the knee instead. There are quite a few specialty shops in the area, but one in particular that is run/walk focused and has great reviews from customers. (A local place=not chain).

I will probably do that next tues. after my "Tat" session (HAHAHA-just the areola tat-nothing crazy.............YET!)

The phycians comment was kind of strange and funny.....I know he meant well but I kind of like living in my own version of fantasyland. Especially After a year of every medical professional telling me I am considered a younger BC patient.

Pat TY for your advice in easing back into running. This newbie needs that kind of guidance.

Of course I worked 12 hrs today and another tomorrow. Doesn't help the cause much, but I have to do what I have to do. At least I'll have the weekend off to be extra kind to my poor knee.

Sweet slumber all

xoxoxo

piper

Annette47

((HUGS)) to everyone dealing with bunions, knees, and assorted other injuries!  I had just rehabbed a wonky hamstring when I was diagnosed with BC, so I know how frustrating these things can be.

Posting today because I am going to *attempt* a 7 mile run in a few minutes .... I used to run that route regularly, about 4-5 years ago but not in recent years (had to take a long break from running due to severe PF, and have only been back into it for a little over a year now).   I'm thinking if I have made a public commitment, I'll be less likely to wimp out on it, LOL.

Edited to add - I did it.  In decent time (for me), too.   Felt good - could easily have gone farther but didn't want to push it.

goldlining

It was nice when I woke up today and I felt like getting back on track. "May the 4th was with me", and I just did a little 3.5km around the neighbourhood. Felt great and considering the little marking-related break I've been on, I was quite pleased with how far I was able to go before I needed to walk for a water break. It was really interesting to see (on the graph afterward) that my pace dropped a whole minute per km when my heartrate graph went above 170. I didn't feel like I was slowing down. Stupid heart. Well, I guess a high heartrate is better than no heartrate at all!!

MMTOMH

Congrats Annette and goldlining...I'm thinking I will try to get back in the swing of things this week.  Not sure if I'm quite ready for the "bounce" of running yet, but for sure some more vigorous walking and/or biking.  

goldlining

I nipped out for a short run midday, just 3k. Decided to stay home from work because I was in a snit, getting burned out, trying not to do any work today, but did a bit of email. The run cheered me up some. Again, the heartrate was my limiting factor at 188, but by the time I got in the shower, it was in the 90s. An unjustifiably healthy recovery given the ridiculous maximum, and indeed I sustained 90% of the run between 160 and 185 bpm, and 40% above 175 bpm! (Love those Nike+ analytics though!)

Happy running!

lovestorun

Way to go Goldlining and Annette!  MM, walking and biking sound pretty darn good too! 

It has been raining, raining, raining here.  I finished radiation today!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07n3mmF6BkE  

Good luck this weekend FirstCall, Road, Member and Tammy!

sandpiper1

Still taking care of the knee. I work long hours so I am taking longer to heal.

What a wonderful feeling........Lovesto...Doing the happy rain dance with you.

Have an awesome run this weekend FC, Tammy, 301 and Motc.....

xoxoxoxoxo

Piper

Tammy_M43

Piper, thanks for the well wishes. My hip is still sore so I'm going for a run/ walk strategy!

My event raises money for breast cancer research and I have a number of sponsors so I'm committed to do my best. My next event can only be an improvement :-)



Best wishes to everyone....

NatsFan

Loves - congrats on finishing rads!!  Now that they've finished cutting and burning you, you can start to recover.Tammy - run walk is great - you're out there doing it, and that's the important thing.  MOTC - you amaze me with your running schedule - it's great to see.  I see on the schedule we have several upcoming runs for the group this weekend - enjoy, everyone, and have fun!!

Back out for a quick run this morning - first run since my HM on the 28th.  The joints were pretty achey after the race, so I decided to give them a rest and a chance to recover.  It felt good to be out there again!  Looking forward to getting back out there on a regular schedule again.  Now I gotta find a 5K or 10K to sign up for . . . I think I'll leave the HMs to others for a while! 

goldlining

Good luck on those halfs and 10ks tomorrow!

ReneeinOH

Got an Ipod Nano for my b-day--suggestions about what kind of case to get--armband or clip?

301724

Hi Ladies - Just need to report I had my first PFC race today! It was a 10K trail run (I've never done trail running before!) with pouring rain on either side of the race. But the race itself was glorious - through the woods, up a big hill to a fabulous view, around a pond, and with a 2 mile down hill at the end! I loved it! I felt good. Took 3rd in my age group (old, slow, and persistent:-). It feels wonderful to be back to running and to racing!

Tammy_M43

Well, I completed the 4km run in 28 min 10 sec and I am SO HAPPY!!



I ran most of the way stopping for walks after 18 min (due to my hip) for about 3 min and in an uphill section a little later for another 3 or so minutes. I actually think I could have run the whole way but I didn't want to risk injuring my hip too much.



It was a beautiful day near Sydney Harbour so wonderful for a run and I raised $300 for breast cancer research!



Now for a 5km run.......

sandpiper1

Tammy and 301

AWESOMENESS!!

xoxoxo

piper

runnermom1956

Day19 post 1st infusion and I was able to run a 2 miler non stop..(far cry from my last Marathon lol) but it's something! I'll keep on plugging along..take the good days and rest on the bad. My goal is 26.2 with Donna 2014..I will do Gallowway if necessary but I WILL be there. I missed this year,,but I'll be back.

Love u all my running sistas!

runnermom1956

LuvLuLu

Hi everyone,

I still don't feel great, coughing and congested for 2 weeks now. My doctor thinks it's allergies, but I'm not so sure. No fever though. He told me to take Mucinex and he prescribed a nasal spray which I used for a couple of days, but then I started getting headaches and an MSG-like feeling, so I quit that and I'm back to what works best for me: tea w/honey and Vicks Vapor Rub at night!

Did 10.5 miles today in preparation for my upcoming half.  Walked some of it. I just want to be back to 100%!!!

Happy Mother's Day!

firstcall

Happy Mothers Day.  I hope it has been a good day for each of you. 

Here's a link I hope you enjoy...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQ4Rnba85o8