2013 Running Thread

Donnabelle

Hi Fran- I have been a runner all my life and even managed to keep running somewhat during chemo but not a lot. Instead I walked and was amazed to find how much I enjoy it. I have heard that a brisk walk is as good as, or even better than running because running is a more natural motion for the body. Walking fast pushes the body in a way that is less natural, so therefore you can burn even more calories! Does that make sense?



Having said that, running is such a part of my life that I am trying to get back to it, but my 4th and final chemo knocked my off my feet. I pushed myself to do 2 miles this morning and it felt like mile 25 of a marathon. Ugh. Trying not to be depressed over this.....



Donna

goldlining

yay piper! I enjoyed the 5K report. I love that sense of community too.

I haven't logged a run in 2 weeks. Last week, I walked a lot both days but because the primary motive was transportation (roads into my house closed to cars for a festival), I didn't fire up the Nike+ and I have no record of it and it bums me out.

Am due for training run this weekend (it's a long weekend here, so it's still the weekend for me) and having a hard time with getup and go. I hate running in the same old places. :-P Spent some time looking at the Nike+ "heat map" trying to find interesting places in the city that would be even a little unfamiliar. (Just booked a one-day trip to Baltimore in a couple of weeks and looking forward to a run there, even though it'll be a day after my 15K.)

Rdrunner

Walking at a brisk pace is supposed to be as good as running.. chemo kicked my ass too and I ended up walking for my last two cycles. Proper and adequate running shoes are a must. for those that are having a hard time with joints and or bone pain.. try to run on softer surfaces  where possible. You will find if you are loosing weight that the joint pain will get better as you become lighter.

Morningsun1

Rdrunner, are the running shoes very different from tennis shoes? I play tennis and have tons of tennis shoes. I am wonder if I can use them for running as well.

goldlining

My 2c on the shoes: For 2km once or twice a week, probably no big deal, but if you find you like it, go to a good running store (or the expo at a marathon, which is free admission to the exhibits, and you can get analysed by fitters who work for the shoe companies and often get a discount) and treat yourself.

I have seen people running marathons in bare feet so clearly, you can run without running-specific shoes, but I found that the right shoe makes an incredible difference to me. Just switching to a lighter model has been beneficial and my previous shoe was top of the line, just heavier than what I have now. My rule of thumb is that people who do more of it than I do use the tools and tricks they do because they work better. Hence, if they use a foam roller or shot blox or wicking clothing or a cold bath, then I'll try it.

I wouldn't routinely run in shoes made for other specific different sport because I'm not very good at running, and I need all the help I can get. I even find my running shoes not all that great for long walks. I find my knees hyperextend when I walk, whereas my knees are bent when I run. (High heels are perfect for walking - the heels prevent me from walking far enough to make my knees hurt!) And I like that my running shoes are something "special" that makes me better, in comparison to all the "special" things I've had that are just to make me almost as good as I used to be.

coraleliz

When you play tennis, there is much more lateral movement & pivoting. This could cause your shoes to breakdown in ways that you can't always see & may cause problems. I wouldn't do it except for short spurts(run 1/4mile, walk 1/4mile).

Disclaimer: I'm just getting back to running after being sidelined for 1 1/2years with plantar faciitis. So I'd approach running shoes selection very carefully.

On a funny note. My son, now 15, insists on running in converse high tops(and they have to be worn out!). Mostly he just runs in PE class. He seems proud of himself that he can beat the "jocks" who having real running shoes. My husband convinced him to accept a pair of running shoes a couple of years ago. He never wore them & ultimately outgrew them. Would love to see my son become involed in track or cross country, the interest just isn't there.

alaskamama

Tammy: I'm not a shoe snob and run in old beat-up running shoes, BUT... tennis shoes are heavy and are built for almost the opposite attributes as running shoes. So I'd agree with those who suggest shelling out some cash for a pair of actual running shoes. That said, I don't think you have to go with something super expensive (which is likely to happen if you get "fitted" at a high-end running store) if you find something comfortable.

I made a rookie mistake years ago in buying running shoes my actual shoe size. Many bloody toes later, I tossed them and now wear running shoes 1-1.5 sizes above my street shoe size. I've learned this is typical; you want lots of space so your toes don't get jammed into the front with each footfall.

Good luck!

Becca

(I ran an hour today! chemo tomorrow is likely to knock me out for a few...)

LuvLuLu

Just a comment: My running partner asked me why they're called running shoes - we used to call them "sneakers."  Well, when you pay around $100 they're no longer "sneakers"

pat01

Been absent here of late - I have been working on C25K, but taking it really slowly due to knee bursitis and general discomfort.  So I spent a month on C25K week 1 - at this rate I will be set to run a 5K sometime next summer!  But I feel comfortable moving on to week 2 now, for however long as it takes, and I think my legs are getting stronger which helps with the knee pain.  I am doing an obstacle run in September, so it looks like that will be a little running and a lot of walking between obstacles, but that's OK, it's a really fun event.  I'm signed up to do a color run the end of October, so hopefully will have progressed along to a lot more running with fewer walk breaks by then.

lovestorun

All this shoe talk reminds me of this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dz7Sk8mhQ7k

In all seriousness, I too would recommend running shoes over tennis shoes.  And even being fitted at a specialty store if your town has one; a good store wil work with you on finding a good fit based on your gait, as well as have a good return policy.  I think the rule of thumb (or toe) is that they should last you from 300 - 500 miles depending on the surface you run on, your weight, gait etc.   Good luck! 

    

Morningsun1

Thanks for your responses, everyone. I think I will stop by a running store to check them out.

coraleliz, that was funny about your son. Years ago, when I was in high school, I use to like running with regular shoes, with 3/4 inch thick and hard soles. They gave me a push off feeling each step I took and I run some school races in them and did well speed wise. Now with 55 year old knees and with a recent major surgery for BC, I need some extra help. Other than running on the tennis court, I have not done any serious running for many years. I hope to get back started after my PS gives me the ok to it.

Happy running!

goldlining

Good luck TammyT. Your bio is the same as mine (except my DCIS was grade 3 and my mx/DIEP was in two steps). I took my first running step exactly 6 weeks post DIEP (barely able to straighten up), with the blessing of my PS. I was relieved to sign on with him as I could tell he was a marathoner at one point (though he says he is too busy now), and he understood. I wasn't fast, but by golly, I did it. Ran continuously the first 3K of 5K at DIEP+6 weeks +1 day, in I believe it was 39 minutes for the whole 5K. So much better than I expected, and really alleviated my panic about the half that was coming up 36 hours later. Get your PS on board and happy running!

Morningsun1

What a coincidence, goldlining, my number one passion is tennis and I found out after my DIEP surgery that my ps also likes to play tennis, but he does not have much time to play now. With tennis, one needs courts and partner/opponent items that are out of one's own control. With running, all one needs is motivation. I hope to get started and stay motivated.

alaskamama

So... I had my third infusion of adriamycin/cytoxan today and feel GREAT. I completely attribute it to running. After a slow week following my last infusion, adn really low counts at the one-week mark, I started to rebound and the last three days I ran for 50-60 minutes per day and today before chemo my counts were HIGH!!!! And so am I!!! (don't worry, girls, naturally so...)

Just wanted to share because I'm excited and in case it motivates anyone else to run through chemo. I am really convinced based on what I've read and now what I've experienced that there's a strong link between excercize and immune boosting.

Happy trails!!

Morningsun1

Went to New Balance store and they had me on one of those sensor thingy for 5 seconds to check what type of feet I have and then recommended a $120 pair of running shoes. I walked away thinking that might not be adquate fitting. Will try to go to a differnt one over the weekend. PS said to me that I can exercise as long as I feel comfortable. I still have some discomfort, so I don't feel like starting yet.

goldlining

Yay TammyT, the first step! I think the ideal is a store that carries multiple brands so you can compare because they have different design strategies and philosophies as well as features. That said, we don't all have the luxury. I went with Adidas because they were the only ones that had size 11, but now Adidas is not bringing W11 to Canada any more, even online, so I am screwed. I'll have to hope for shoe selection at race expos. Good stores will often let you wear them on the treadmill at your gym and return if they're not what you thought they would be.

Good to read the endorphins from alaskamama! I could use some of that.

sandpiper1

Tammy,

quickly...here are a few to check out...

True Runner-Shadyside (celebrating their first year in the city-discounts, but not sure how good-never been-just saw the ad)

Fleet Feet in Mt. Lebo-Many peeps rave about this place-again no personal experience with the store-they have lots of extras=running groups etc.

Elite Runners and Walkers-I believe they have stores in Monroeville and Robinson.

Up-In-Running Valenica (Rt 8 N) I actually bought shoes here-they had a good discount at the time of purchase.

REI-Southside works

Mojo Running-Seven Fields

Many of these places support local runners in many ways.

I cannot attest to prices or customer service, though Fleet Feet, up-n-running and Mojo have been liked by some people I know.

I think I covered most parts of town

I am running the Great Race and just saw today that the 10K has reached it's max # of registered runners. Glad I signed on early enough.

As a side-I walked form day one out of surgerym but not such a great leap as I have been an avid walker my entire life. It wasn't easy, but I pushed on as much as my body would let me. I managed to walk 126 miles last August=the month following my surgery. Of course I am a newbie this year to running. I do though believe in starting out small and keep setting those goals. I just had no idea I would be running this year, for the first time ever in my life and one year out of surgery.

Honestly, if anyone told me I would be running anywhere besides down the stairs I would have laughed....still laughing-at myself-it isn't easy........I just keep trying-some days are easier than others.

(GO AK MOM-SIMPLY AWESOME!!!)

LOLOLOL LuLu

Keep on trucking Pat

XOXOXOXOXOXO to all.

Piper

PS=Gold has a good point-a great return poicy is key-The store I went to required I save the box and had a few weeks to wear and return if I wasn't happy/ Some online running warehouses have the same deal.

Morningsun1

Thanks piper. I work in Oakland, might give True Running a try at lunch time. I may try the 5k in North Park, I can always walk.

sandpiper1

2 more places T, I bought a pair of Nikes that I use on the trails-lucky Gabriel Brothers find.

I just got a pair of Asics Gels at Kohls-of all places-good price reduction on a standard white pair and plain style

Also-Great Race expo at the convention center weekend of the race...I am going-not sure which day.

sandpiper1

LOL T, I work in Oakland too, but such long hours-I don't get a chance to stop anywhere after work or before for that matter. Except the grocery store.

North Park has loads of runs and fun walks for all kind of causes. Looking at the one for Ovarian Ca.

RunFree16

I've often gotten good deals on running shoes at Kohl's.  Definitely worth a try. 

sandpiper1

I am so excited to report a true 5 mile run today around a park lake I have often frquented but never ever run around. OK...so I am still working on endurance and will someday (maybe) work on speed. I ran at a steady 12:45-13 min/mile pace. And honestly for someone who has only done a 5 mile trek once, I thought this was the bomb. hahaha. I don't care. I am moving my body, which is more than people half my age (and that I work with) can say or even do. I think this group rocks for that very reason. We are doing something rather than nada! I have to mention that there was a free yoga session in the park which prompted me to take on the 5 mile lake. I have never been a huge yoga fan, but the instructor was awesome, sweet and really gave me energy and a positive attitude with which to carry forward through the rest of this day. I just had to share. I think I may be a new yoga convert. It just felt right to do for a pre-run activity.

Sooooooooooooo.......question for the experienced runners in the group.........I had a case of the chills twice during my run. The first time didn't bother me as much as the second case of chills toward the end of my run. There is probably nothing I can do about it due to sweating and the body tring to cool itself...but it shook me a little at the end of my run.

Happy weekend and I would be remiss if I didn't also add:

GO STEELERS

GO PIRATES

SORRY I JUST HAD TO!!!!!

GO BC RUNNING THREAD!!!!

Happy trails!

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Piper

goldlining

Yay piper! That's the secret - "just keep going"!

I can relate to finding the chills kind of creepy. Obviously, if the air temperature dipped, or you were in the direct sun and then a big cloud or shady trees came along, and you were sweaty, you'd be cold. I presume that's not what you mean. Hard to say without knowing the weather at the time and what you were wearing etc. However, you mentioned sweating. A running store guy once mentioned in passing that new runners sweat more. I guess getting the metabolism into it or something. The more you sweat, the more you can dehydrate. If you don't rehydrate, you may have problems. You didn't mention when you hydrated or how much, and when and what you ate before running. Maybe it was low blood sugar, for example (or maybe you have the flu coming on and it's nothing to do with the run!)

Like all the experienced runner tricks I copy because I figure they wouldn't all do it if it did not work, I use a "fuel belt" with water. I am a very thirsty runner because of all that sweating. For an hour or less, I just use water, but people do take powerade/gatorade for longer runs. The fuel belt has four 8 or 10 oz bottles in it. I don't know about your area, but everyone and their dog in Toronto has these - they are a staple of the Running Room (store chain) training clubs, just like that damned jacket they all wear. While it can be annoying to have this big Sam Brown gear on, it's better than a single bottle smacking you in the bottom the whole way. I can totally drain every last bottle in a 5 mile run like you did today, and even make a desperate stop for another 500mL bottle of water at a convenience store if it is a hot day. (This is partly why I hate running at home! The catering is nowhere near as good as Disney!!)

With Disney runs, I just carry one empty bottle of my own, because they have water and powerade every 2km or so. By 15 km, as I am getting more tired and thirsty, I may fill the bottle to sip between stations. I follow the Disney advice to sip some electrolyte drink at water stations in a long event (that would be more than a 5K, for me, and I'm about 7 mins/km or 11:15/mi when I run) and when I get past the 1 hour mark in a longer event like that, I break out the Clif Shot Blox and eat one every 15 minutes. (Gives me something to do and keeps my energy up.) Once I start those, I am more conservative on the powerade, maybe every other water station.

By the way, speaking of the Mouse, people still looking for a guide might be interested to download the next Disney Half event program for the race-day tips pages. Just click and save the pdf and enjoy at your leisure. I find it's easy and helpful advice for not-all-that-experienced runners like me.

http://as1.wdpromedia.com/media/rundisney/pdf/disneyland-half/2013/DLHM13_Program.pdf

You go!

Belinda977

Kudos on everyone's progress. Thanks for all of the info on running shoes. I think it's time to invest in good running shoes. Did my 8 mile run today (only my second time) and I am exhausted. Did the Dirty Girl Run yesterday. Now I will sleep for 2 days. Lol.

LuvLuLu

Signed up for the Malden Irish American 10K Road Race on Labor Day, September 2, 2013.

Firstcall, if you would post that for me please and thank you.

My son is doing it also.  Since he ran that half marathon with me back in May he has been seriously bitten by the running bug.  Awesome to see!

Hope everyone is well.  Keep on moving, one foot in front of the other!

lovestorun

Way to go everyone!  Love all these inspiring updates! 

Question for those of you who went through radiation.  Working my mileage back up to about 15 - 20 miles a week and the darn swelling and achiness in my radiated breast and pec  has returned.  I'm pretty sure it's connected to the running and the compression sports bra, but I can't run without.  Anyone else experience this? Any recommendations? 

Morningsun1

Hi Piper, I signed up for the "NOCC 5 Mile Run in Norh Park" on September 8. Well, kind of by mistake (my own). I thought I was signing up for a 5K instead of a 5 mile run. I guess I will have to tough it out. Got some shoes from Elite Runner and Walkers on Saturday. Just waiting for the soreness to go away so I can start  running. Hit a few tennis balls this morning with limited movement and felt pretty good. Also walked the stores for over two hours yesterday, so I know I will be able to at least walk that 5 miles.

RunFree16

Hi Lovestorun--I haven't had a return of swelling, but I've had a return of itching, and it's ferocious.  Do you know how to do LE massage?  (Please forgive me if you've answered this before!)  Seems indicated.  If you have a PT or a PCP or could call your RO, you might do that.  They might have some ideas or want to see you.  As for the bra, goldlining pointed out to someone else a while back that you don't necessarily need to squeeze so much as you need to hold the breasts still.  There are sports bras that are not as stretchy, so not as squashy.  I think goldlining recommended a brand on this forum, or you could try a good sports store with an experienced (probably female) staffer who could talk this through with you.

goldlining

My favourite brand is Shock Absorber, specifically the Ultimate Run Bra. The bra looks ferocious, and has not just the hooks but also a latch midway up the straps in back. However with clothes over top, it doesn't have a "sportsbra silhouette". You have a figure. It's pricey but I have not regretted a cent of it, and just bought a second one, a limited edition black and purple (like my homegirl, the Evil Queen). The use of nonstretch fabric in key areas is the key. 

sandpiper1

Lulu-I love that your son is bitten by the running bug-mostly that you 2 now have a shared passion-too cool.

Loves2- I have no experience with rads, but had some side discomfort on the recon side. If I couldn;t or can;t tolerate a snug bra - I do layer-I use a cami bra (walmart) and another soft /light-weight aports bra. Or..a light sports bra with a snugger fitting top (yoga tops with a shell support-usually without the pads). Double layer-like that way too.

Awesome Belinda!! Rest well until your next run

Tammy-OI! Lot's of people walk the local 'races'. Or many do the run (jog)/walk combo ( look up Galloway Method). YEAH-I am glad you found some shoes you like! I'll let you know if I end up doing that particular event.

check out the resources posted here and the disney one posted by Gold.

GOLD-Thinking back I believe I may have had a little dehydration combined with a lowering blood sugar. I bumped my fluids before/after yaga (prior to my run, but took nothing with me) I stopped twice-for a sip of water from the fountains. I am researching the waist bands as suggested and no they don't seem to be all that popular (yet). I see scattered peeps with them, but mostly people with hand held bottles, which I am not a fan of holding anything while running.

The Disney PDF had some great info. And in fact I had also taken Motrin for several days and that morning which  I never realized could lend itself to hyponatremia.

I feel like I have developed one of those weird summer colds. Not quite full blown but annoying. Worse yet I have conjunctivitis in my one eye. Not sure if it is related to the cold symptoms I am having/allergies or from the yoga mat I borrowed.

Honestly!

Anywho.......

xoxoxoxoxo