2013 Running Thread

firstcall

Welcome to the happiest thread on BCO!

Lets talk about running…

Before, during and after treatment.

Or maybe you’re a walker but interested in running. Maybe you’re a survivor and interested in running or getting your life back.

Whatever it is, lets help each other get through this, and keep running/ walking/cross training or whatever it takes.

Walkers and runner wannabe’s are welcome too!

Who’s running?

Nov 9 - goldlining - Run Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon

Nov 9 - firstcall - First Call Veterans Day marathon Bothell, Wa

Nov 16 - lovestorun - Richmond, VA Half Marathon

Nov 16 - fredntan - Richmond, Va Half Marathon

Jan 10 - goldlining - Walt Disney World 10k

Jan 11 - goldlining - Walt Disney World Half

Jan 9-12 - groovygirls - Dopey 5K 10K Half and Full Marathon

Feb 23 - Sandlake - Disney Princess Half marathon

eulabt

Thanks for doing this Firstcall! Back to running and hoping to avoid injury. Still nursing a small stress fracture, so hopefully it won't interfer with my training plans this Spring. 

Firstcall- would you put me down for the Kiawah Island Marathon on December 14th!

Thanks,

Eula

Adey

Question...... I have shin splints from my one hour run/walk.  I felt them coming on so only walked 1/2 an hour yesterday.  Still there today.  Should I run/walk/take a break today?  Opinions please.  (c:

301724

Take a break. Wait until you feel better, then start up again. Check your stride length.

firstcall

Adey - think cross training.  If its bad you may need to just rest, but most of the time you can do something lower impact, cycle or swim. 

SharonLC

Adey ... I never had shin splints ... so no advice, but happy to see you back on the thread

I used the foam roller yesterday for the first time on IT bands ... how often should I use it, daily? weekly? Left side hurt more than right when using it and today is a little tender when pressed on ... didn't effect running today though and I did feel a bit more flexible. Thanks!

QueenKong

I've been doing some walking and want to get running. I read a bit of this thread and the roller things confused me...WHat?!?!? is that for?!?!?!   

I've seen people running in the park with these tight black pants, what the heck are they and where do they get them? They have to be some kind of warm materical because it's so freaking cold I can barely stand to go outside. I lost a lot of weight during chemo treatments and while I had pneumonia. I'm finally pretty much over the pneumonia. (It was pretty serious, I was hospitalized and it was likely an allergic reaction to the Abraxane) Anyway.....I need some pointers for running in the cold. I have a hard time warming up. I'm soooo cold. And what to wear. I was walking 4 miles before the pneumonia during the AC and walked 5 miles three days last week before the extreme cold hit. Thanks for the help and advice in advance.

goldlining

Welcome QueenKong.

Foam roller is about 6" diameter, 24" long, styrofoam. Mine is blue. There are instructions in the wrapper. You basically put it under you on the floor (or yoga mat), and lie on it with the body part you want massaged out and use arms or legs to roll forward and back along it. Your body weight will press the body part into the roller which is quite hard, not soft like a pillow, and this will help stretch the bands. It is popular for hips / IT band but I also use on shoulders. I used to use it as often as daily. Sort of part of the everyday routine. Have fallen off a bit but still enjoy it.

I also swear by the compression tights. I have CW-X. They really make me feel something is pushing me forward. Definitely wear those in an endurance event (with my tutu or sparkle skirt over top). For training, I will wear a reasonably snug tights or capris like Lululemon, also with a training skirt over top (nobody needs to be looking at my butt). I got the compression tights at the running shop, but a great place to check out all the gear is watch for a big marathon or half marathon to come to your region and go to the free expo. They are open to anyone, not just the participants. You can see all the latest merchandise there that you will never find in the average community running shop, sometimes with discounts, much better selection of clothing, sports bras, compression and therapy gear even running nutrition and stuff like shirts with insider runner humour on them, plus often there are speakers etc.

With the compression tights during an event I use regular running socks, but I put on compression socks during recovery after a half marathon. I believe all this gear and tricks (like the icewater bath) is used by the elite runners for a reason, and it's worth a try for me. I have had really easy-peasy recovery despite my obscene lack of training. 

In this cold, I am not running outside. I have asthma that is aggravated by cold OR exercise and I am not subjecting it to cold AND exercise. However in temps as low as -5C, I might go outside. For the base layer, I like the merino wool rather than the synthetic wicking for really cold. Over top, I would wear windbreak pants and a wicking cold-weather midlayer pullover and windbreaker, a hat that opens on top for ventilation, and gloves/scarf etc.

Runners World website has a good "what to wear" calculator where you can input the weather and how you like to feel when you run and it will make suggestions. I started keeping track of what I wore when I felt too hot, too cold, and just right, and that helped. Just Google "runners world what to wear" and you will find the tool.

I just had to post this: I saw the physio yesterday for the usual, and it was the first post-Disney Half Marathon session so I was focusing on the neck knot and tight ab muscle. It was actually a pretty easy run but tight ab muscles pull me forward then the upper back has to support my head more than it would if I was in alignment. I have had a tight, like rock-hard ab muscle as part of a post-DIEP muscular traffic jam in my shortened front side and she had noted it before I went but we did not work on it then. It is literally a ball of muscle on just one side. Yesterday, she put ONE acupuncture needle there for like TWO minutes, and the muscle just went "sproing" and relaxed to be similar to the other side. She said it was not the rectus abdominis but rather the top end of the psoas. Psoas!!! Damn you. Much psoas stretching in my future!

301724

Hi QueenKong,

You might want to check out the Galloway method (http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/index.html) that moves you from being a walker to a runner. The main thing you want to do is to not get injured by doing too much too quickly.

Goldlining gave good advice about the tights. I have a couple of pair - Mizuno are my favorites. They're great on a chilly day!

Welcome to running!

MMTOMH

I have good news! I finished my very first 5k today.  Time was 44:19 and I was stoked as I've only made it through W7D1...almost two weeks shy of the full plan, but I pushed hard and made it!  There was some speed walking involved, but I never dropped the pace below 4 mph.  This is me right after I finished...can't figure out how to get the picture right side up!!

MMTOMH

Oh man, now the picture didn't even show!

301724

Congrats MMTOMH! What a great accomplishment!

eulabt

Congrats MMTOMH!

301724

First 'long run' since my surgery and chemo! Feeling exhilarated after a 5 mile run in 10 degree weather!

NatsFan

You go MM!!!  The sky's the limit! 

LuvLuLu

301724:  SWEEEEET!  What an awesome feeling!

MMTOMH:  Nice going!!

Planning my first run with my youngest (age 26) son tomorrow morning. He just started adding distance (he ran in high school, hasn't run in awhile) and we both registered for a May half-marathon.  We're planning 5 miles tomorrow.  He'll probably kick my butt - or NOT!

eulabt

WTG 301724! I bet it felt great:)

goldlining

Great updates! Way to go everyone! Still way too cold and slushy out, so I did a half hour run with my fast new shoes and stayed on the treadmill walking an additional 45 minutes waiting for results of a ballot at the political leadership convention. Not as interesting as football but better than nothing :-)

MMTOMH

We need to get "like" buttons under our posts! LOL.  Thanks for all the congrats!

LuvLuLu

Had my first run with my son this morning.  He doesn't like early mornings, so I compromised and went at 7:30.  That won't happen often.  We did 5 1/2 miles together so I'm sure he'll build up his mileage in no time for our half-marathon.  He did 8 earlier this week. He thinks my stride is too short, I think his is too bouncy.  I reminded him that my legs are a lot shorter than his, and since I've been running going on 35 years pretty much injury-free, I'm not gonna start tampering with my gait at this point!

Cold but not windy - about 12 degrees so it wasn't too bad.

Great running, everyone . . .

Annette47

Just saw this thread and thought I might join in.   Not a big runner, but have been doing 4 miles at a time 3-4 times a week for about a year now.   Used to run more than that, but had to take over a year off due to severe plantar fascitis and this seems to be my comfort zone to avoid problems.

I ran up until my surgery in December, and started back a week later (strapped the girls in TIGHT with two sports bras, LOL). Have been running ever since, including this morning, but have just started my 2nd week of rads so I anticipate I may not be able to keep up my usual pace/schedule the whole time.  I figure that I'll do what I can, though .... I need this mentally more than anything else.   

I'm so impressed with all of you who run marathons and half-marathons!   Maybe some day, but for now I'm just aiming for a few 5K's here and there (have one planned in April).   Speaking of 5K's, want to hear something ironic?  I ran the Race for the Cure this year for the first time, having no idea that both my mom and I would be diagnosed in the next 6 weeks.

301724

Great to hear from you, Annette! This is a great group for running ideas and support.

SharonLC

Welcome Annette47, we have a lot in common ... my DX, surgery and rads (just started 1/23/13 for 33 treatments) have all fallen within the same time as yours ... coincidentally, too ... I signed up to run a HM, Run with Donna in Jacksonville, FL which is a fundraiser for BC research and financial support about 4 weeks before my DX .. it's on February 17th and I'm still going strong with my training ... no side effects yet from Rads ... last long run is this Friday before the race ... ran 4.5 this morning before treatment, warm in Florida today, but cooling off thankfully on Friday for a nice long run.

MMTOMH ... Congrats on accomplishing the 5K!!!  Thanks for the encouragement ... the appointment times have gone down to 20-30 minutes and RO gave me the cream today

301724 ... That's terrific, what a great feeling to be back to 5 miles already!!

Annette47

Thanks for the welcome guys!  

And Sharon, we do seem to have a lot in common, except that you can run further, LOL!   Good luck with training ... so far so good on my energy levels as well, but friends who have been through it tell me that weeks 5-6 tend to knock you down pretty good - I'll worry about that when it happens.    Nice having the appointment times get quicker, isn't it?  So far so good on the skin, but my RO tells me he expects me to start getting pink towards the end of next week.

goldlining

Annette47, if you are running the weekly mileage you are, there is no doubt you can do a half marathon if you ever found a medal, course, or destination that motivated you. The only question is your time. Not much to it if speed is not a priority: once you start, you just don't stop until they give you the hardware. If you can walk at a brisk pace for 3 hours, you're there. If you want to do a better time, it's easy to train 3X a week, just building up the weekend run to longer distances from week to week. The long distances are not of interest to everyone, but I'm one who hates the first 3 miles, so if I only ran the half hour training sessions, I would just stop running. 

So glad the rads sound under control. I think this thread is the happiest thread on BCO - I think because what we get from running is something we still control when the rest of it isn't so in control. Hope to see you back here with run reports!

lovestorun

OMG so happy to see this thread.  Running has been my "go to" for years now.  Diagnosed yesterday - consult next week so won't know what treatment recommendations are (am told to expect lumpectomy, possibly node removal & radiation) The thought of not being able to run through all of this is hard.  Crazy, right? 

For people with surgery & radiation - how did you maintain fitness during the process?  Can you walk? Pool run once the incisions from surgery have healed?   What kinds of things did you do beforehand to go into the process strong?  What kinds of exercise helped you keep your sanity?

Was training to do a half mid-March and have kicked that to the curb, but am not ready to give up on a half in the fall (mid-November). 

  

Annette47

Lovestorun - Welcome!    In answer to your question, I can answer as to how it's going for me so far (I'm on my second week of rads).   I had a lumpectomy with sentinel node biopsy on 12/18, went for my last run on 12/17.   I was able to get out for a run a week later - only did about 2 miles (I usually do 4), and went kind of slow, but it was fine.   Gradually did more until I was back where I had been at a few weeks post-surgery.   So far, I've had no problem keeping up with running during rads - I know that there is a possiblity that I may have to stop at some point, but I plan on doing as much as I can for as long as I can ... the less time I spend on a "break", the quicker it is to come back from it.

Running is the exercise that helps me keep my sanity, LOL.   I always say it's the best stress-reliever I know.    I know going in, that one of my first thoughts upon being diagnosed was fear I would have to stop running for an extended period of time, but at least for me, for now, that hasn't been the case.

goldlining

welcome lovestorun - I "hid" all my surgeries behind run dates, so I was always looking forward to a half, not dreading an operation. I even optimized some surgery dates to do that. I really, really needed it. I am not good at running, but it is good to me. Having a half scheduled and paid for got me up out of bed walking - hobbling - soon after DIEP, which is some pretty major hacking, and I did it mostly walking but some running, and I made it all the way to the finish line, six weeks post op. Someone at runDisney smiled on me and put me in the B corral which gave me a lot of peace of mind because was a bit of insurance against the sweeper bus that sweeps based on the time of the last person starting. not each person's individual pace. I had my slowest net time ever, obviously, and boy do I feel bad for the thousands of people who finished after me. You cannot imagine how proud of myself I was.

So my take is, if you love to run, why cancel? Just discard your time goals and go and enjoy the event for what it is. I did not have rads or chemo. I went scorched-earth surgical while I had DCIS. But what I've read here from the rad and chemo people don't sound like you will have to give up running, just listen to your body in the running you do, and be good to you. Those tricks about "I can keep up the sprint to the next lamp-post"? Put them aside and just let yourself run the pace you can, and walk when you need to. My motto is "there's enough medals for everybody". You can pick up the pace when you're out the other side.

PS Edited to add, I found getting back to running after lumpectomy was harder than mastectomy because of the jiggle. Running with mastectomy was easy. Post reconstruction, the jiggle is back but I am smaller (more athletic shape) and superstrength sportsbra.

lovestorun

Thank you so much, both of you. Running definitely helps me keep my sanity : ) Your advice and stories are encouraging, reassuring and inspiring to hear. Annette, good luck with the rest of your treatment (is "rads" radiation?). Goldling, the mindset shift advice - good stuff (FYI - a Disney event has been on my bucket list!). I'll keep you posted on what they recommend and how things go, and what events I'm planning to do afterwards.



"I am not good at running but it has been good to me" - oh do I love this quote! When I trained for a marathon, alot of people said it was a good metaphor for life. I think I'll be digging deep into those experience as I go through this process now.

LuvLuLu

I'll have to remember that "I am not good at running but it has been good to me" - love it.  There's nothing like that endorphin rush to get you going.

It's in the 60's here still - after single digits a few days ago - but when I got up for my 8-miler, it was heavy, pelting rains and howling winds.  We took the workout inside for 20 min. HIIT treadmill and legs.

Too bad the temps are going to drop back tomorrow.

SharonLC

Hi lovestorun ... know exactly how you feel ... I was so happy too when I found this thread shortly after my diagnosis, the thought of possibly giving up running was not what I wanted to hear and this thread has been such an encouragement and was just what I needed to get through all of this. Just like Annette47, I am in my second week of radiation. I ran a race the weekend before Lumpectomy (12/6) and ran up until the day before. I was back to running 2 miles, too the first week after and by end of second week ran a long run of 7 miles and added a mile each week after that ... had to buy a high impact sport bra and wore a tight under armour compression shirt also ... the slightest bounce would hurt a bit and I had soreness moving my arm on the surgery side, too but after a few miles, body would adapt to it. After a month I was back on track training for HM training which is now in 2 weeks (pain has subsided, too). Just planning on doing the best that I can ... I did run a 5K 2 weeks ago at a faster time than one I ran in Nov. right after my diagnosis ... so I feel pretty much recovered and I have not been slowed down much from the Lumpectomy or the Radiation treatments ... the best advice I received was do what your body will let you do and get plenty of rest when you need it. I wish you the best! Keep us updated on your treatment plan and runs.

Annette47

Despite waking up with laryngitis (my husband oh so generously shared his cold with me) and 30+mph wind gusts I am proud to say I still made it out there this morning before having to go to radiation.   I thought about skipping it, but my dog who is my running partner (3 year old Lab) would have been devastated, LOL.

Sharon - I had the same experience (pain that subsided after the first mile or two) but have found (rads are making that side a little swollen and tender still/again) that doubling up with two snug sports bras (I have two different models from Champion that I like) keeps the girls strapped in nice and tight.

lovestorun

Sharon - thank you and good luck with your half coming up!  And thanks all of for the responses (and advice re: sports bras!).  This site, and you, have been a godsend this week.  I often feel like Alice falling down the rabbit hole. 

goldlining

lovestorun I recommend you check to see if your running store stocks "shock absorber" brand bras. They have nonstretch panels which is the secret to reducing or eliminating jiggle. The model I have is Ultimate Run Bra S5044, and it fit true to size, same as my regular clothing bra, if you want to take a chance and mail-order it. I got mine at a marathon expo in London, where I was visiting and had read that it's the most popular sportsbra brand in UK. If so, it is well deserved. (That link is to their UK site but they do have US and Canadian retailers and websites.)

MMTOMH

You ladies are giving me something to think about...I had BMX and didn't run before BC, so I didn't even really think about support.  My TE are "high and tight" so I just put a regular sports bra on, but I really don't need anyhing.  However...I will have exchange in two months and I'll have to support the new girls! LOL.  

Anyway, today I switched it up and did some interval training, I guess.  The plan was: 5 min warmup, 4 minutes at 5.0 mph, 8 min at 6.0 mph, and 4 min at 5.0 mph.  I knew I wouldn't be able to do the 6.0 because I usually just run at 4.2-4.5 mph, so even the 5.0 is pushing it.  Well, I ran 4@5.0, 8@4.5, and then 4@5.0...felt AWESOME!  Finally working on speeding things up along with building stamina...yay!

SharonLC

Thank you lovestorun!

Annette47 I hope the swelling and tenderness goes away for you! I'm doing good so far with 8 treatments behnd me ... the countdown continues

MMTOMH Terrific and great attitude!! You'll get there!!

Beautiful day yesterday for running ... cool and sunny ... 13 mile run (2hrs 20min), I needed to be able to do the distance before the HM to help me mentally get through it. Legs tightened up quite a bit the last 1.5 so I used the foam roller later that day ... I love it ... muscles released the lactic acid build up and I have no muscle soreness whatsoever this morning ...that's a first. Thank you goldlining and others for that suggestion!!

LuvLuLu

Sharon, great time!  Your half is coming up soon, no?  Sub 2:30 for you for sure!!!!

My half isn't until May so I'm not building up yet.  Did my 8 miles this morning.  The weather was actually nice, 20's but no wind and saw the sun come up over the water.  Then hit the gym for back & tris.

Every morning when I get out of my warm, cozy bed and get ready to meet my running partner for our 5 AM run, I think to myself, "OK, I'm not doing this anymore. It's too much work."  Then I just laugh at myself because as long as I can put one foot in front of the other I'll be out there.  The rewards are so great.  And the feeling of the last half mile towards home is the best.  I remind myself, if I can do this today I can do ANYTHING!

lovestorun

I wish this site had like buttons a la facebook : )  Yalls reports are helping so much with positive thinking - keep them coming!     

Goldlining - thanks for the tip. We have a wonderful running store here in town and I will ask them.  

Thanks all.  Happy running.

MMTOMH

SharonLC--I don't know what scares me more...13 miles or running for 2 hours 20 min! LOL...maybe someday.  Thanks for the encouragement!  I'm so glad I found this site!

SharonLC

Thanks LuvLuLu!! Yes, it's in 2 weeks ... I hope I do break 2:30 ... if the weather stays cool, I think I  should be able to do it.

MMTOMH My thoughts exactly about 6 months ago ... my friend asked me about doing this race with her last September ... I laughed and said I haven't even done a 5K race, are you kidding? Two weeks later,  after I checked out the website, I told her I would do it and we started to train.  It's been a blessing to have the race to focus on I am really loving the long distance running and all the benefits from it!!

LovesDogs

MMTOMH:

Way to go!  You should be proud of yourself.  Keep it up!

LovesDogs

MMTOMH

Thanks ladies! 

LovesDogs

Lovestorun - Welcome!  I'd have to say "ditto" to the wonderful advice that Annette47 and goldlining gave you.  I was able to continue running after surgeries, during chemo and radiation.  It helped me keep up a positive attitude and was a definite mood stabilizer. 

I have a good website that I ordered a foam roller from www.fwonline.com - I ordered the "Cando", 36", full round.  I use it daily to roll out my legs and IT band.

I signed up for a series of 6 races called "The Distance Challenge" and I've finished 5 of the 6 (10k, 10 mile, 1/2 marathon, 1/2 marathon, 10k, 1/2 marathon).  The last half marathon is the Livestrong on Feb. 17. 

I'm just thankful every day that I am feeling well and able to run!

LovesDogs 

NatsFan

Still hanging in there with my HM training - I have my schedule posted on my wall - it's great fun crossing off every day when I finish doing what's scheduled for today.  Sunday is my "long run" day - I'm up to 5 miles.  Ran it yesterday in light snow - very pretty.

I did my best to exercise during chemo, and was able to manage it for the first few treatments.  But by the end it was all I could do to drag myself to work and back (I worked full time during chemo).  I did as much exercise as I could, but some days I could only manage a slow walk to the corner and back, and there were even some days when I was unable to manage that.  But 2 weeks after my final treatment I started a gentle yoga class and hopped back on the elliptical.  That first class I managed only a handful of poses and had to rest most of the time.  On the elliptical I only lasted 5 minutes and was going so slowly the machine kept blipping off.  But it was a start.  Slowly but surely my conditioning came back.  My recommendation would be to do as much as you are able as it will help you, but if fatigue or other s/e hit you hard, then respect your body's need to conserve energy to deal with being poisoned or burned. 

Anyone listen to audiobooks while running?  I use Nike Running+ to track my runs, and have been listening to music.  But just for fun I treated myself to a book.  I tested out listening for the first time yesterday and I enjoyed it - I was so absorbed in the book that the miles just flew past. 

firstcall

NatsFan - I think audiobooks is a good idea.   I subscribe to a service that records excellent medical lectures from around the country, and alternate them with my favorite music.  It works out well, and I feel good about double tasking. 

MMTOMH

NatsFan-I thought about doing the audiobook thing, haven't tried it yet.  Read somewhere that you shouldn't listen to music or books because it distracts you!  I was like "uh, yeah, that's the whole point!" Lol.  

I ran for a solid 28 minutes today...2 1/2 miles...yay!

Goodie

Hi Ladies!  You all are such an inspiration.  I started interval jogging/walking in the fall.  I walk a lot - every morning with my golden retriever for at least 2 miles but Drs. said (both oncologist and my family doctor) I need to up it so I started jogging/walking too 3 days a week.  I'm not as consistent with this cold weather but my DD bought me some earcuffs that have headphones in them.  Love them.  Today I jogged 26 minutes and walked 10.  I think I actually jogged a little over 2 miles.

Thank you so much for talking about the foam rollers.  I bought two; the regular one and a textured one.  I found them at Target.  I absolutely love them.  They are awesome for my back!  They also came with a dvd too but I haven't watched it yet!  I will soon though.  Thank you again!

NatsFan

MM - I'm with you - distract me all you can!!! Goodie - that's exactly how I started.  I did a lot of walking through my neighborhood, and just for fun one day decided to jog to the next driveway.  I felt fine, so I walked for a couple of driveways, then jogged to the next one.  Soon I was jogging for two driveways, and walking for one, then jogging for 3 driveways and walking for one. Not exactly a fancy training plan, but it worked for me.   

For all the experienced HM and marathon runners out there - my marathoner and IronMan mentors both recommended gels.  My long runs are starting to get into the hour+ range now, so I think now's the time to start experimenting.  Both mentors stressed finding out one that works for me and getting my system used to it during training.  Both had hideous stories of trying something new on race day and finding out that their systems didn't tolerate it!

Any gel recommendations?  I've been doing a little reading and think a low or no caffeine one would be better for me - I'm hypersensitive to caffeine - I can't even have a caffeinated soda after 12pm or I'm up buzzing all night.  If I dare to have a Starbucks or Caribou coffee - even a half-caff - I get lightheaded and a little dizzy, and actually see little white lights in my field of vision for a few hours.  Something tells me that would not be a good thing to happen during my HM! 

lovestorun

Goodie - run walk is a great way to start! It's how I got mine many years ago.   Jeff Gallway (sp?) has some very good programs if you get the bug.

NatsFan - I've done a fair bit of distance running (6 half marathons, 2 fulls, and no I'm not particularly fast, just stubborn) pre-diagnosis; I've not done anything since (it's only been a week).  "no new is the good new" is very solid advice for race day.  Now's the time to start experimenting with gels / hydration, clothing, socks etc. so that you figure out what works for you.  Keep a journal if you can, and remember that if you have a bad training run, it's another experience to put in your proverbial hip pocket for race day.  They happen.  They are frustrating, but you'll know better how to course correct if something doesn't go as planned.

Re: gels, I've been a huge fan of Hammer brand gels, but it really comes down to what your digestive system can tolerate.  I don't do the ones with caffeine, my system just can't handle them.  I'm also a fan of NUUN hydration for most runs; they don't have sugar and are an aquired taste; they are tablets that you dissolve in water. I only drink Gatorade or Powerade on training runs if it's a really long run or it's really hot out, and I need the sugar boost.

I take my gels about 50-minutes to an hour once I'minto a run; I don't do them before.  My stomach can't tolerate an entire gel pack at once, so I usually do about half to 3/4 with some sips of water.  I just roll them up and put them in my pocket and they don't drip or come undone.  Post long run, try to get some nutrition into your system w/i about 20 minutes of your long run. It will help with recovery.  Feel free to pm me with any questions you have - I'm no expert but I do love running and what it's brought to my life so far, plus the "normal" talk will be good!  

Annette47

You guys are making me want to try some longer runs!   Of course, I'll have to get over this darn bronchitis that I've come down with which has kept me from running for a week now .    I'm hoping to be recovered enough by this weekend to try to at least run a little bit even if I have to walk some as well.

goldlining

For nutrition, I use the Clif Shot Blox because the chewing is an interesting distraction :-)

I usually start about an hour into a run, and have a block every 15 minutes or so rather than half a package at once. I time them to the water stations so I don't have to have as much water with me. If I start to feel hungry, I will just go ahead and have another even if before 15 minutes. At the same time, I will have gatorade and water at the water stations until I start the blox, and then reduce gatorade to every other one (or less if tummy starts to feel squicky).

The music and audio book distraction is probably just one negative about being deaf. Generally I love it, and never more than on an airplane full of babies, but I find training can be boring and I need things to distract me. Running down main streets and looking at store windows will work, but not running through the park and looking at trees zzz. I think this is why I can haul off and finish a half marathon despite lack of training, because there is so much visual stimulation, I barely notice the time. 

Right now, I am just weaning off the decongestants from that 2-week cold everyone is getting, but it is very deep snow out there and going to the gym and hitting the street are both out of the question. Husband took 2 hours to streetcar/subway 7km this morning. I have a snow day and can't get myself working either. Bla. 

NatsFan

Thanks everyone!  I have a $25 gift certificate to my local running store - I may use it to buy a few nutrition gels and bars to start trying out.  Gold - LOL on not hearing the airplane full of babies!  Hoping for a speedy recovery for Gold, Annette, and everyone else who is ailing.  Be safe everyone in the northeast!

groovygirls

Hi everyone-

I have been lurking and not posting. Lots of new faces and adventure!

I have been trying to be more consistant with running since Disney. I committed myself to running the Boston Marathon- 66 days away! I am so super excited- this has been something I have always wanted to do. I am running for a charity- I will never be able to BQ. I will be the one dressed as a panda crossing the finish line last! (running for the Franklin Park zoo!) 1/2 marathon distance for this weekend!

SharonLC

I hope everyone faired well with the bad weather and are able to get outside and run again soon

Great information/advise on the nutrition/gels/drinks for long runs from everyone. I haven't tried any of it and with my HM race being this weekend, I will wait until afterwards to start experimenting. My first 5k race I accidentally drank Gatorade instead of water and immediately cramped up. Just been drinking plain ole H2O, but am interested in trying some of that out for future long races. 

I've completed 14 radiation treatments ... started to get red/itchy toward the end of last week ... no fatigue but I am more tired at night than I normally am ... none of it has effected running. I ran a 5k this past weekend, husband ran his first 5K with me and daughters ran the 1 mile fun run ...  we had lots of fun and all ran PRs ... the race was Run for the Cookies ... Girl Scout Cookies ... so we have had no problem overly replenishing our calorie loss with yummy cookies.

Firstcall and Lovedogs ... I hope you both run great HM races this weekend!

Happy Running Everyone!

groovygirls

May 26th I am also doing Boston's Run to Remember. I am running for the Alzheimers Association and in memory of my dad who died with this horrible disease 12/1/12

LuvLuLu

Hey, groovygirls, good luck running Boston. You'll have a blast. The real exciting thing is you never know what you're gonna get with the weather. Last year was record breaking heat; the year I ran (back in the 90's) we had a blizzard the week before.

I'll see you at the Run to Remember.  Haven't started adding distance yet, but I'm a real long time runner (going on 35 years - GULP - showing my age) and I have done some 1/2's and a couple of full marathons.

Usual run is 8 miles, but this morning (due to 27 inches of snow) we had to do our "winter" run of 6.2 miles.  It's an awful route, uphill, uphill, and more uphill and somehow the downhills coming home don't seem easy, then one last uphill to get home.  Did I mention this is at 5 AM in the dark? But it was mild this morning, about 35 degrees. Soon I'll up it to 10 miles, once the roads clear.

One foot in front of the other, that's all it is!

goldlining

Hi SharonLC good luck with the upcoming run. 

I only use water in training too, but I never train as far as the half marathon events I do, so I actually do take the powerade in the halfs. I decided to deviate from the "never do something new on race day" when I read the program for whatever Disney half event it was (there is one for the upcoming Disney Princess Half online now.) On pg 11, it summarizes common "race day mistakes". Item 3 and 4 seem to contradict themselves on this topic for the water-only trainers: "eating something new" and "drinking only water". Pg 37-39, the medical tips, also suggests powerade, even a small bit. I waffled and waffled and finally decided to follow the instructions even though I hadn't trained with it, and it has always worked out for me. (Tips on page 30-31 are by Jeff Galloway about race day tips and I read them religiously every time.)

As I say, I don't take electrolytes when I train either, but a half is a long run. I don't avoid them for training, but I am carrying enough crap with me and it's one more thing I don't need to carry.

Your cramps: too much gatorade, or not enough? Or maybe not the gatorade, but the speed of drinking it (gulp vs sip, 2 oz vs 6 oz per station, etc.) In a half last summer, my husband felt nauseated mid race and stopped taking powerade at the water stations, and ended up at the finish line very dizzy. He still blamed the powerade for the dizziness. The next half, he drank only water, and ended up in the medical tent for an hour afterwards, hooked to ECG and all. He took some salt and started to improve, and they told him to get some sports nutrition advice because he seemed to have an electrolyte imbalance.

Be sure to tell us what you did and how it went! Good luck!

I'm off to New Orleans tomorrow and hoping for nice weather so I can run outside! Through the gutters full of beads and vomit, I suspect...

301724

For races longer than 10 miles, I drink half water/half Gatorade. For my one and only (so far!) marathon, I also used Clif Shot Bloks - 1 piece every 2 miles or so, starting at about mile 5.

pat01

Goldlining - enjoy your trip to New Orleans - we just got back from there a week ago (superbowl!).  My son lives there, and judging by his facebook photos you are right, the streets are full of beads and vomit!  His last picture was of the police closing down (or I guess you could say opening up)bourbon street at midnight last night, the official end of mardis gras 2013.

firstcall

Hope everyone is doing well.  I've been increasing my running to get ready for Boston.  Last year I went to Boston to run the Marathon, but took a deferment because I was in Chemo.  My final chemo was two days after the marathon.  I was going to try to see how far I could go, anyway, but when the temps went into the 90s I decided to defer.  So....this will mark the one year mark from my completion of Chemo. I won't be setting any records, but I'll be there.  I'm doing a half this weekend, part of my training plan.  I had a stress fracture in my foot the first of January, so that was a bit of a set back.  It seems to be doing pretty good now, but I'll take it pretty easy on Saturday, and walk it in if I need to.  

Regarding gels....I usually use GU.   I dont think it has caffeine, I didnt see it listed on the ingredients.  I generally use 3 or 4 of them in a marathon, about one every 45-60 min after the first hour.  

Hope everyone is doing well with their runs.  

eulabt

Firstcall- Could you add the Color Vibe 5k in Rochester,NY on April 20th! I am running it with my daughters who are 10,12 and 14!

lovestorun

Good luck this weekend Firstcall,  SharonLC & LovesDogs! (Firstcall - good luck with that foot, Hopkinton awaits!)

Way to go ladies!  Yall are such an inspiration.

friedom18

I relate to running as my "go to" for the last 23 years> Diagnosed 1/24/13 W/DCIS. I am so greatful that this is my dx, but I am in such a state of shock. No drama, but cannot get on my treadmill, and too treacherous to run outside- northeast nj. I am not sure about treatment choices, but desperate to be me and run again.

goldlining

welcome friedom18 -- No fun to be here on BCO at all, but you've found the cheeriest forum on BCO.

I am also a DCIS person and even though it was the best possible bad news, it's still a reckoning. I'm professionally focused on minimizing risk by fixing problems at the source, so I went the scorched-earth surgical route. That gave me plenty of recovering to do, but having runs to anticipate helped take my mind off the series of surgical procedures. I'm north-er than you and am known for my love of escaping to runDisney events in warmer locales. I've got all the gear and run outside other winters but am not into that this year so it's been treadmill for me.

Hope to read about your runs!

LuvLuLu

Welcome, friedom18.  This is a wonderful, positive group to talk to.

DCIS, me too.  Also from the northeast, dealing with running in the cold and snow.  I have a wonderful running partner who pushes me thru when necessary, and kicks my butt quite often.

I see plenty of running in your future!!!

NatsFan

Cold weather runners - I have a question.  Sunday my HM schedule called for a 6 mile run.  I've done that before - it's not easy yet for me, and I run it slowly, but it's certainly doable.  It was 20 degrees with a wind chill in the single digits, cloudy with occasional snow flurries - the first time I've run in weather like that.  I layered so I wasn't cold, but it was an rough run anyway.  I felt like I hadn't run in months - I had no stamnia at all!  I made a slow 3 miles, then had to walk a bit before being able to run another mile, then I had to walk more before tackling another mile, then I had to walk even more before I could finish up the last mile.  I usually don't have to walk at all for that distance. 

Was it just a bad run, or does cold hit you like that when you're not used to it?  Any tips?  Or is it just a matter of running in the cold a few more times to let my body acclimate?  The course was a bit more hill-y than my normal courses (we were out of town) but not drastically so.

SharonLC

Welcome friedom18!

Natsfan ... I don't live in really cold weather, but I do live in hills ... most likely both contributed to you feeling bad on your run ... hills can effect your breathing and fatigue legs if your not use to them. Don't get discouraged ... you'll do better next time in more favorable conditions.

Thank you for the good luck posts everyone!!

I had a great first HM race on Sunday ... 2:08:56 ... a bit faster than I expected. It was cold and not hot (Yeah!) ... sunny upper 20's to mid 30's with wind chill (20 mph winds which I felt a whole bunch especially on the beach and over the bridge) ... a beautiful course with lot of great people out in the cold cheering ... after two miles I could feel my feet. I did take a 1/2 a GU gel around the 5 mile mark ... they were handing them out ... and I had packed GU chewables but only took one piece of those around the 10 mile mark ... drank a few sips of water every mile after the 5th mile ... overall felt well until the last mile ... I got a cramp in my right butt cheek and started to feel like I wasn't able to concentrate fully, so I probably needed to take more of the GU, but with a mile left, I just dug deep and kept running til the end. Then I ate all of the GU chewables that were left while walking through the chute and other food that the race provided in the runner's village and felt fine mentally after that, but got very cold and legs started to tighten up. The GU worked well with my stomach so I am going to incorporate that into my long training runs to figure out what amount works best. When I race in the heat in the future, the gels and power drinks will be a necessity to replenish electrolytes ... I'm planning on continuing to do HM's and a also run the Full Marathon next year at this race ... I am going to do this race for as long as I am able to run/walk ... it was very inspirational and a top notch event. My quads are still hurting today, but nothing got injured ... medic tents reported that they had a lot of people with muscle problems due to the cold weather and the elite marathon runners said they didn't feel warm until they had 3 miles left ... I don't think any of them layered up at all. I did get to see the top two men marathoners run very quickly past me the last mile on the bridge ... my HM chip time was actually faster then their's but my corral started about 10 minutes after the official start so that was pretty cool seeing them on the course at the end of the race. I saw my Radiology Oncologist today and he took a look at my skin and said "yuck" ... the weather was harsh on it because of the base layers collecting moisture and with the coolness against it for a few hours. It just looks bad though ... still same amount of itchiness and not peeling ... so I am happy regardless of how it looks ... 13 more treatments and then it should start to improve.

I hope everyone is feeling well and having good runs!

Firstcall and lovesdogs ... how did your HM races go?

LuvLuLu

Nats, definitely you have to acclimate.  The cold doesn't bother me too much any more but the wind is always an issue.  It takes a few runs in the cold weather for you to get used to it, but you will.  I always found it hard to get a full deep breath when running in the cold until I'm acclimated. Don't get discouraged.

Do you keep a log?  I always enter my times and weather conditions - they so make a distance.  Of course, I have notebooks and notebooks from years of running. My son has one app on his phone that keeps all his records . . .

LovesDogs

Hi all,

I completed the Austin Livestrong Half-Marathon on 2/17.  It was the last race in a series of 6 that I signed up for.  Time was 2:14:13.  Perfect weather - cool and sunny!!  Hilly course, but my goal was to RUN up all the hills and I successfully did that.

This time last year I was in the middle of doing chemo.  I am so grateful to be feeling well now and able to run.  Not sure what I'll do next, but I'd like to try some more trail running

LovesDogs 

NatsFan

Thanks for the reassurance on the cold weather - I just gotta get out in it more, I guess. That was so startling the other day so I appreciate hearing that it wasn't unusual.   I use the Nike+ Running app on my phone to keep track of my runs. 

firstcall

Just catching up, and I enjoyed reading the race reports.  I did run my half marathon on Saturday, and it went well.  I didn't run a step in January, because of the stress fracture in my foot.  Did a lot of swimming and biking, and started back running this month.  I've been keeping the pace light, and my time for the half was 2:25.   This week I'm running 6 miles a day, and I did some hill repeats yesterday.  Saturday I plan to do another 2:15 run, to try to stay on track for running Boston.  For those of you who are new, I was scheduled to run Boston last year, but my last Chemo was two days after the marathon, and it was a 90 deg day.  So I had to defer.  So, I'm trying to increase my mileage and stay injury free for the next two months.  I appreciate everyones encouragement, and I look forward to hearing how each of you are doing with your running. 

I will say this about last year's Boston Marathon.  Even though I didn't run it, it really helped me get through chemo.  I kept it on my schedule, and planned to run it.  It was very helpful to keep looking forward to it.  During chemo I saw my speed go from 9 minute miles to 15 minute miles, but I know that the running helped me get through it.  I went to Boston, thinking I would run as much of it as I could, but when the weather turned out so hot, I knew I had to defer.  My last Chemo was two days later, and my oncologist told me that if I messed up my electrolytes, I couldnt have the treatment.  They've never offered deferments before, but did so because of the heat, and I took the deferment.  So.....I'm on track to run it.  I'll definately be a back of the packer, and I'm a little behind schedule in training because of a stress fracture in my foot the first of the year. 

I think I have the calendar caught up.  If I missed something, point it out to me and I'll update it.  I think some of you are holding out and not putting your races on the calendar. 

lovestorun

Congrats all! This thread rocks! 

SharonLC

Thanks firstcall and lovesdogs for your updates ... it was a beautiful weekend for running HM races ... fantastic times!

Having a race on the calender to train for definitely helped me mentally get through, too. Something to look forward to doing and a great distraction from BC.

Thanks lovestorun ... Any info on your dx and treatment plan?

Annette47 ... Are you feeling better from your bronchitis? Any runs lately? Has your RAD treatments effected your running at all?

MMTOMH ... How's the running going? I hope you are still doing well.

Goldlining ... How was your running in New Orleans? I hope you had a nice vacation and got a break from the cold.

goldlining

I didn't run in New Orleans although I walked a fair bit there in the evenings after I got the suit and heels off. As soon as I got home, I packed for Florida and in 3 days have also not put the shoes on. Just one thing after another (not a vacation - one night did a night shift work thing, then after 3 hours sleep, back to work activities the following 2 days - 12 hours the first and 8 hours today. I didn't get a chance to have dinner until 10 tonight and I have to be up at 7 tomorrow just to get to the airport, so no last-chance run tonight. I am sad to miss out on it and it's making me crazy that I didn't sign up for the Princess Half and it's right here and I'm going home too soon!! Just too much work. I don't want to sound tooooo complainy though... there was lots of roller-coaster riding in the work.

MMTOMH

In a bit of a rut right now...not much running this week.  I think I'll fit a run in Saturday or Sunday.  Lots of stuff going on right now at work and with the kiddos 

lovestorun

Thanks SharonLC.  DCIS - lumpectomy (next week!), radiation & tamoxifen - so much to be happy about in that news.  Have not run much in the past few weeks - lots of reasons and I just went with it - but am looking forward to lacing my shoes up and getting back out there.  Still targeting a half in the Fall with some shorter fun runs in between now and then. 

Disney Princess runners, have a great time this weekend!  I hope the weather holds for you.

Member_of_the_Club

Hey fellow runners!  I've been away from these boards for a while, too busy running.  I'm big into half marathons and am a member of Half Fanatics (a national club of folks who run half marathons and have met certain criteria, organized through a website.  Marathon Maniacs is the sister organization for marathoners).  I ran 4 half marathons and have 4 scheduled for this spring, so far.  I'm starting with the Rock and Roll USA HM.  (Did a 16 mile run this morning and now I taper).  Natsfan, since you're local, which half are you training for?  I'm probably running it!  I'm the one wearing the compression sleeve and glove (yes, lymphedema).

As for gel, yes you need to get used to consuming it.  I like GU brand.  Some of their gels have caffeine, some have super duper caffeine and some have no caffeine, so you should experiment to see what you like and what your stomach can tolerate.  I'm currently bouncing between the expresso flavor (high octane!) and the vanilla (some octane).  I usually use the gels for runs over 7 or 8 miles, though in teh summer I lean more on Gatorade and use the gels for longer runs.

firstcall

Hey member of the club - lets get your runs on the calendar.  I'm in the half fanatics club as well as the marathon maniacs club. 

Member_of_the_Club

You're a double agent?  But of course, you're in the northwest, so home to both clubs.

I didn't know there was a calendar.  Do you meanf or races?  This is what I have now:

March 16 -- Rock and Roll USA Half Marathon, DC

April 28 -- Iron Girl Half Marathon, Columbia MD

May 11 -- Maryland Half Marathon, Howard County, MD

June 1 -- Zooma Half Marathon, Annapolis, MD

I'm also thinkiing about an addition May anad August half and there will probably be five more in the fall.

Annette47

Thanks for the shout-out, Sharon!

Bronchitis is over with, but the radiation fatigue has really kicked in big time, so haven't been running in a few weeks.   I only have 6 more treatments though, so am hoping to get back to it soon.   I'm guessing if I hadn't had to stop for the bronchitis, I might be able to handle at least short runs now, but after not running for a couple weeks from the coughing, with as tired as I am these days, the idea of putting on my running shoes is just too daunting!

I dreamt I was running last night though ... I really do miss it!   I've signed up for a small (in memory of a local child who just died from brain cancer) 5K on April 14th, so that will give me some motivation to get back out there once I'm done with rads.