2016 Running Thread

goldlining

Welcome Trigirl13. What's your Half? Let's get it up in the top post.

No blistery problems for me. I read a week or so ago about research showing that paper tape is a good remedy for blisters. I filed that in the back of my mind for future reference. Anyone else with practical advice, or blisters during chemo?

goldlining

So, at 1 second past the noon hour, I clicked the link for advance registration for the WDW Half 2017, and spent an uncomfortable minute or so in a "virtual queue" illustrated by a crawling green bar and a little animated runner, but all was well. I got the registration completed with no drama at all. Good luck to those "racing to register" next week.

For first timers planning to runDisney, especially those who plan to register at noon sharp a week from now, it's good advice to set up an account on active.com ahead of time, and get that open in another window so that when you click the link on runDisney, it will already have you logged in and you just select whether you are registering for Self or Someone Else. You have 15 minutes to complete the transaction once you have identified the runner, but your space is reserved in that time window, so someone with faster fingers cannot snatch it away from you once you have got to that start point. That said, the 10K and Half events usually sell out quickly (along with the Goofy and Dopey challenges that include them) so don't snooze on those. I am usually on the dot of noon when they open, and some runs have sold out in well under an hour, but I am certain that some of that time to sell out is people who got in the queue well before that.

Hey panthrah, how did the run go?

panthrah

Im going to write two race recaps for the Inaugural Star Wars Darkside race weekend in Walt Disney World. My experience and a review of the race.

My experience.

This was one of the "test my limits" kind of race/weekend. The day before the race I had a pain on my left side, under my ribs. Felt like it went down to my uterus. Like a trapped air bubble. Nothing I was doing would make it better. I almost couldnt get off space mountain without help cause it hurt to lean forward. I was taking deep breaths to try to ease the pain and just focus on being in Magic Kingdom. Around 6pm we decided on a snack and a coffee. I was half way done with my coffee and I was done. It hurt to stand up, heart rate up, felt like I was over heating. Husband said I went pale. I was like there is NO way Ill be able to do the race tomorrow like this. Plus we still needed dinner. Got back to the hotel… felt a little better, went for dinner (plain mickey mouse shaped pasta) and within the next 30 min I was in agony. I proceeded to pee every 30 min a totally full bladder for about 2 hours and passed lots of gas ( tmi I know.. ) I was sweating, heart rate still up. Husband said " wake up tomorrow and go to the race.. if you get pulled for medical.. well at least you tried" I only slept for 2 hrs before the race ( damn time change) Morning of.. I felt better but not 100%..more like 80%. Ate 3 bites of my banana and felt worse. Went over to the med tent and explained everything. She says.. sounds like an ulcer heres some pepto. AND in addition to all of this.. Im on my period with bad cramps ( no advil on race day)

I get to my corral.. pretty much convinced Id get swept or end up in a med tent due to this unknown pain. Mile 3 I think.. my nano quit working…. Fine.. grab phone.. turn on Pandora.. that went in and out of service, quit working, crashed. I about threw my phone in the bushes. Garmin kept changing the time on me ..2am, 6pm, 3pm. I did everything "wrong" for the race compared how I usually do it. I ran the whole time with my powerade in my hand, drank water ( I never do that) every other water stations. Only ate 2 cliff shot blocks when I normally eat it all, ate half a gu ( dropped it) and never opened the other. And I actually felt ok. When the pain would kick in after eating or drinking.. id give it a min and then run. Running actually took the pain away… go figure. Then I would walk.. pain would come back.. so id run again. And get this.. I freakin almost PR'ed??? I was 3 min shy of a PR!! How in the heck did THAT happen?? The entire first half so was narrow and congested and dark and running was more challenging that I was willing to deal with. BUT if I could have ran that part.. I might have actually made it to a PR

Overall.. the force was with me. I still have this random pain yet is way less. Whatever it is .. its working itself out. On the way home.. my husband surprised my friend and I with our flight being upgraded to first class since we both had a rough race. I late found out my phone took 91 screenshots while I was running. On the plane my ipad went wonky, When I got home my laptop crashed twice. I have no idea why electronics and me were fighting this weekend but everything works again.. except the nano.. its dead. Time for a new one.

The race recap

Expo- every spread out. Not used to it. And per Disney race norm.. a lot of the merch was gone day one within the hour. The expo is much smaller than the Disneyland expos. We didn't need anything there so that was fine.

When we went to get our bibs.. we found out we get the Kessel run ( both star wars races) AND the Coast to Coast medal??? I thought the kessel counted towards the coast to coast.. and Id be getting the C2C medal on my next Disneyland run.. nope. I get 1 race and got 3 medals.

The signage for the entire race was super super clear ( until the finish)

This was a first for wdw to have a point to point race vs its normal loop. Made no difference to me since we need the shuttles to and from anyways. But for the locals who drove.. whoa they were very displeased. The 10k-You park at epcot and finish at espn.. the shuttle/bus back to espn was 90 min!!! people were NOT happy about this. For the half they had triple the amount of buses I swear and it still took about 90 min however.. you get see the flow of people better and the organization had improved from the 10k. but still from race finish to hotel room.. it took us and hour and half. ( it didn't feel like it) .

The photo ops prerace/postrace were awesome

Mile markers were gorgeous!! ( I thank the people who stopped to get these pics)

Over an overpass they played star wars on a huge screen.. everyone was mesmerized that no one seemed to realize the hill .

Within a straightway.. there was a dj playing techno star wars remixes… it was clear, not overly loud , very good quality!

We ran on a dirt road ( on the way into espn) someone else said we ran on wood. I have a vague memory of noticing that

There were some road hazards that cast members were letting people know about ( dips in the road etc)

Your race pics are now on photopass not marathon photo. So far the feedback is "wow so much better"

OH and they had the interpreter in the little bubble at the bottom of the screen hehe old school

Finishline was very confusing to me .. but since Im not a runDisney rookie.. I followed the masses and figured it out. All while my phone is refusing to send my husband the message of where to find me. They gave us cooling towels. I swear it felt ike 90 when we finished. ( which it wasn't) but that cooling towel was the best thing ever!!!!

Overall.. I really like the point to point style race, I liked this course waaay better than the 2013 princess course I did. And I survived with 3 amazing star wars medals! Still not convinced Ill do another wdw race tho.. that time change is rough. The flight there was all race people and the flight home was pretty muach all the same race people. We all chatted and compared stories.. it was nice .

Runner70

Here's my story. I got Diagnosed in January and was training for my first full marathon. I had to cut back and do the half since I've had to do surgery and chemo during all this training. I'm worn out! I can barely run anymore because I get so short of breath. But this is an important event in my city and if I have to walk most of it, so be it. It beats lying on the couch all day! I have 2 more cycles of TC left. I have my hair in the pics because I'm cold capping. The news found out about my story after they contacted my running club looking for good stories. Someone turned me in. Lol. My hope was that it would convince just one person with cancer they could take a 15 minute walk and feel better.

http://newsok.com/okc-marathon-cancer-will-not-kee...

scrunchthecat

Way to go, Panthra! You inspire me to reapply next year.

Lunderwood

Wow Panthrah - what a run!!!! You are incredible. Great race review and I loved the bling. I am definitely going to add Disney events to my bucket list. Thanks for sharing.

Hang in there Runner70! You are a fighter - In reality you have already accomplished your mission of inspiring other cancer patients to be active by sharing your story! You are already a winner by continuing to train through surgery and chemo. If you are up to it you should definitely try the marathon. Plan on walking as much as needed (I know many ultra runners who incorporate a great deal of walking in their distance events). Give yourself permission to rest or stop if needed. You are an inspiration no matter how far you run and I absolutely believe you will eventually regain your stamina and resume "normal" training.

goldlining

Panthrah, you rock! Your symptoms sound awful, but so glad that running was the solution!!

The time difference going the other way is what makes me love the DL runs but I am sorry it made it worse for you.

I think there are other point-to-points at WDW - I think Wine & Dine was WWOS to Epcot, for one. The ones that go to MK up World Drive start with that walk through the woods by Epcot and end at Epcot parking, but the ones that go through AK and DHS are point-to-point. Yours seemed like the reverse of the W&D route I'm familiar with. I prefer that course to the World Drive tedium for sure, and they use the Epcot-MK route in January as well as Princess. The AK-DHS-Epcot route has much more park and backstage distraction.

I am happy to read they had the terp onscreen. They had one on stage in January, but I couldn't see him/her (too far to make out gender let alone the ASL!)

PS, love the run dress!

Runner70, hang in there. I was lucky to have DCIS and no chemo but always remember firstcall, an emergency room physician who was our thread moderator in 2013, training through chemo for Boston marathon. I don't want to tell his story, which you can find in the 2012 and 2013 running threads. People on chemo always seem to post about being told to sit back and do nothing, but I think running (as slow as you need to go) seems like it would be such a valuable distraction through the pains. I'm glad you're going for it and representing

ReneeinOH

Hi Everyone! Congrats to all on your recent runs--you all are so inspiring!

I did my first half marathon on the 10th, and it was AWESOME! The weather was a bit colder than I thought it would be this time of year (it was probably 28 degrees at start time), but I managed to stay warm (dressed like a complete dork), so I felt comfortable. I finished in 2:24.04, meeting goals I set for myself: 1) to run the entire time, and 2), if I was able to do #1, To finish under 2:30.

goldlining

ReneeinOH that is awesome! I want to run under 2:30 so badly. I seem stuck between 2:35 and 2:45 (largely due to my irresponsible training "regimen"). I could do it if I could sustain my 5K time for 21km, so clearly I need to get down to business and train properly. So happy your first Half met your targets!

thejourney

I'm so happy to find this thread! I found it looking for information about using compression tights to manage joint and muscle pain from Arimidex, and also any other tips people have on this topic. I'm just starting to experiment with compression tights and they seem to help if I sleep in them. I'd love to hear what has worked for others.

I've been a runner for over 40 years - although as has been noted, sometimes "running" meant shuffling to and from the mailbox during chemo. I'm training for my first post-treatment half-marathon. I'm nervous, but excited.

goldlining

Welcome the journey! Hope to read about your runs here. What Half are you training for? We can get it up there in the top to count down to the starting line.

I loooove compression tights, though I wear them only when running, and my main rationale is that with my abdominal flab relocated to the upstairs region, now my weight collects on my thighs, and the CW-X keeps it all moving in the same direction!

I was using a compression shirt (Saucony long sleeve) instead of a compression vest to manage swelling in my trunk but that phenomenon seems to have been alleviated with a bit of weight loss. So far, so good, anyway.

thejourney

Thank you gold lining! I'm training for the Yellowstone Half Marathon on June 11.

ReneeinOH

gold lining: I think adrenaline was my friend that day!

The journey: running in Yellowstone sounds so wonderful! Please send pictures from your race! I wish I had some wisdom to share, but I am afraid with your experience, you're going to be more of a resource to me than I will be to you. Glad you found this thread

Bimsickle

just a quick intro, I was only diagnosed 13 days ago and start chemo this coming Thursday.

(Grade 3, her-2 positive, er pr negative, 4 tumors right breast .5-4cm)

So with that out the way, thank you for this board!! I was googling if I could continue to run and do my HIIT cardio through chemo and found you ladies!! You are all awesome and have totally lifted my spirits.

I have a 10km signed up and paid for in July and it was a sore point until I found you. Whether I attend, compete or watch my husband walk it for me are all possibilities that I am at peace with.

The thought of running my way through chemo even at a snails pace is something I am truly looking forward too

HockeyCat

Panthrah, you are incredible! You totally deserved those 3 medals! Thank you for the great & detailed race report!

ReneeinOH, congrats on finishing your first half! Well done!

Welcome to this board, Bimsickle.

Moderators

You are indeed all quite inspirational!

Bimsickle, welcome to our community, though sorry you find yourself here. We are equally impressed with your positive attitude re. your run in July!

SouthernSkies

Hi all! I am a runner of 3+ years now and was diagnosed 4 months ago. My favorite distance is the half marathon and I have been struggling since my diagnosis to stay consistent in my running after two surgeries and just generally not feeling like running. Last fall, I had signed up for several races for this spring, one being my first marathon. I did defer it until next year with it being a local race. I only had 20 total miles for January and February and knew I wouldn't be able to complete it and not get injured. I had also signed up for a trail 50k, but was able to drop down to the half marathon distance in which I completed this past Saturday. It wasn't pretty, but I beat the cutoff with plenty time to spare and I wasn't last! I did not have to do chemo and I have completed 15 of 33 radiation treatments. The fatigue has been a little challenging and I had not had any physical side effects until the race on Saturday. About mile 5, my left breast that I had the tumor in and having whole breast radiation, really started bothering me. It felt like I had a rock bouncing around inside my breast. I had not had this feeling before when I ran, even the 10 mile run the previous weekend I had no problems. I ended up holding my left breast while running to keep it from moving at all. I probably looked really weird, but didn't care! I was uncomfortable and had to do a lot more walking than I wanted to. I wear a good bra that I thought kept my girls pretty still, but apparently there is still movement.

I have another event this Saturday and not sure what I'm going to do. Double bra? Does anyone have a suggestion on how to keep my breast still? I really want to participate and I love to challenge myself. I have had a lot of self doubt since Saturday wondering if I am going to be able to continue running through RADS.

thejourney

Southern Skies, I'm glad you have been able to keep up with your running during chemo. I know its not easy! I ran a half marathon about 5 days after my biopsy/diagnosis. I ran with my surgeon's blessing. I wore 2 running bras, and although it did keep everything steady, I didn't feel like I could breathe normally. It may work better for you, but I would suggest that you try it on a few training runs before you do it in a half-marathon. Good luck!

scrunchthecat

So I have been running pretty regularly, but I have not ridden a bike since January. This weekend I did a 20-miler and - OMG - the pain! My legs were toast at the end. I didn't realize that biking muscles are that much different from running muscles? I am considering a sprint-distance triathalon at the end of the summer, but now I don't know. Thoughts??

sj

panthrah

thanks guys :) Im a little proud and my mom scolded me for not going to an urgent care

Southernskies- try a front zip up bra from under armor .. and get it maybe a size smaller? thats been my new go to race bra. its not comfy to do errands in or chill around the house in but seems to do the trick for races.

goldlining

welcome Bimsickle and SouthernSkies!

Please give me upcoming race dates and race names and I will commit you to your plan in the header post!

On the bra front, I am a loyal user of ShockAbsorber. Their Ultimate Run Bra has been amazing for me. I had swelling from too much movement and switched to this and find it really locks them down. The problem with a lot of run bras is that they rely on stretch/compression. ShockAbsorber uses NONstretch areas in the bra to prevent the wobbles. They go up to very big sizes as well. From time to time, they have great colours beyond the usual black and white. I have a turquoise and pink one, and a black and purple one as well as plain white/silver.

Welcome to the new posters and looking forward to reading some more race recaps.

I've been keeping up my 5K loop a bit better than I was, and am noticing better endurance and picking up improvement in the total time with a bit less walking. A group of 4 business friends all got in on registration for the WDW Half in January so I will have some company this year. (FYI the 10K and 5K are sold out but the Half still is on sale, and this year is the 20th anniversary - fancy medal maybe?)

Gully

Hello all you lovely ladies,

Found the new thread lol.... Just finished my first 5K of the season! Race the runways in Brunswick Maine, I managed to finish 3rd in my age group with a time of 28:08 first time I have ever placed in the top three.

I am three years out from the end of my chemo and am trying to get the guts to work up to my first Marathon. I plan on doing The maine marathon in portland maine on October 2 nd 2016.

To prepare I will be doing the Sugarloaf 15 K on May 15 and then the Bar Harbor half in Acadia National park on September 17th which I intend to use as a training run.

Totally scared but am going to give it the old college try. Any suggestions or words of wisdom as I start training on Monday? I plan on using the Hal Higdon Novice 2 plan. Anyone know it?

Bimsickle

thanks for the welcome

The race I am registered for is "Run Melboune", 24 July and is 5k, 10k and half. I am signed up for 10k

goldlining

You *think* you're running 10k - did you read about the 12 year old girl at a 5K ran the Half by mistake?

Her Half time was better than my last one, and the course was hillier too!

Watch your turns

SouthernSkies

Thank you for the welcome and the bra suggestions! I normally were Champion No-show running bra. I do have Motion Comfort bras too that I haven't worn in awhile. I'll drag one out and give it a try tomorrow. I talked to my RADS onc yesterday and he said it's the inflammation in my breast that I am feeling.

My next race is a timed trail race, Three Sisters Ultra 6|12|24 hours in Maryville, TN on 4/30/16. I'm doing the 6 hour. Since I'm not expecting much running, I'm putting my mileage goal at 20 miles. My original goal was at least a marathon. It may just be a fast hike!

Congrats on your 5k, Gully! You have some great goals. I always say that if my goals don't scare me, they aren't big enough! I was two weeks into my first marathon training when I was diagnosed. Next spring!

goldlining

Those admiring the runDisney medals but unable to pull together the logistics might be interested in this:

runDisney is getting into the "virtual race" business. They have set up a series of three 5K "races" where you run 5K at some point in each respective window, report your run to them, and they send you the corresponding medal. You can register for each one on its own, or the set of three. The runs are on the honour system, but you pay to register, so essentially, you're buying the medals. But they're cute medals. Registration is open now. See the runDisney blog here:

http://www.rundisney.com/blog/articles/announcing-the-runDisney-virtual-running-shorts-series-04-28-16

Bimsickle

Goldlining that's a nuts link!! Good on that girl for continuing!!

I hope I don't make a wrong turn, if I do I will have 2 friends with me making the same wrong turns

goldlining

I have a colleague that signed up to do a 15K with me once, but he is a bit scatterbrained and doesn't always pay attention to his surroundings. He arrived later than intended and sort of followed the herd and ended up in the 30K pack. Didn't even know there was a 30K event at the same place. He bailed at 22K so he didn't get either medal. Now me, I study the course maps for weeks ahead of time. No fooling me!

So, I registered for the runDisney virtual races, and I'm thinking I will do the first one in Italy, and the second one in Shanghai. Have to figure out where I can do the third one, because I am not planning any travel in that time window, but it seems like something I need to do! Can't very well just do it in Orlando!! That's too obvious!

Bimsickle

oh he was so close…

I don't study maps, but then again I have only done Mini triathlons which you can't really go wrong with. Let's see how I go, knowing me I won't look at the map beforehand.

One thing about this race I am very keen on is as it will be in the middle of winter, most racers bring a jacket just for the start. If you throw your jacket on the side of the course and don't come back to collect it all of the jackets get donated to the homeless for winter!! How cool is that

A virtual race sounds cool, kind of like the runkeeper world race days things I guess!! It's nice running for a purpose

goldlining

Disney collects discarded clothing as well, but there is no option to come back to collect it, with 15,000 people running. My first Half Marathon was runDisney Princess #2. (Missed the inaugural year as I had just started running.) It was unseasonably cold in Orlando that winter. (It had been below freezing for the January marathon weekend and unfortunately did not turn it around for February.) When I left the hotel, it was 4C. Thinking "Florida", I had planned to run in a tank top, but I switched to the short sleeve event shirt, arm sleeves, gloves, a light windbreaker. It still seemed too cold. I thanked my lucky stars I had packed a crappy velour track suit I had misguidedly bought years before and had brought for lounging in the hotel room, and put that over top. I was a bit worried people would think I was a total doofus, going to run looking like Carmela Soprano, but lo and behold, as they started packing the corrals closer to the starting gun, people started tossing their outerwear over the fence. I understand they collected multiple transport-truckloads of clothing for Goodwill that year. I often forget, but I always mean to bring some Goodwill items with me because it can be a long cold wait at that starting line.