2010 Running Thread

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  • English_Teacher
    English_Teacher Member Posts: 50
    edited July 2010

    Hi everyone!  I am so excited to find a thread devoted to running!  I was just diagnosed in late May, had my lumpectomy in late June and will have a re-do next week because of unclear margins.  On August 3 I start CMF chemotherapy followed by radiation.

    My podiatrist has wanted me to slow down for awhile now as Plantar Fasciitus has bothered me for almost a year -- not sure a breast cancer diagnosis is what he meant!  I was pretty sick from an infection following the lumpectomy but have been back to running now for a week.  I am pretty nervous about how my body will respond to the next phase of treatment.

    But I am still planning to run the Nike Women's Marathon in Oct (my 16th marathon).  I just hope my body will cooperate!

    It's nice to "virtually" meet all of you!  Cheers, Dianna!

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  • Blondie1964
    Blondie1964 Member Posts: 116
    edited July 2010

    Welcome, Dianna!!

    I am so inspired by your commitment to continue with your training during treatment.

    I did what I could (ran, walked) post surgery but did not choose to do chemo and was not a candidate for radiation so cannot speak to how those treatments impact training/running for fun.

    I wish you the very best!!!!

    Julie

    PS - all, i signed my hubby and me up for a 10k night-time trail run in October....SO looking forward to it, totally different from anything we've ever done before!!!!

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  • Charley
    Charley Member Posts: 255
    edited July 2010

    Dianna - I don't know what how bad the SEs are from the chemo cocktail you will be taking but good luck to you! I did run through treatment #3 but after that was unable to.  I have definitely heard of people doing it. I posted a while back of my progress following chemo and how quickly my body recovered.  I am running 10- 10:30 min miles for a full three miles.  I could probably go farther if it wasn't for the 100 degree heat.  Hopefully when it cools off I can start running longer.  I am undergoing exchange surgery this Friday and then no running for 4 weeks. Hopefully it will be cooler by then. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.  Marathon #16 --- awesome!

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  • English_Teacher
    English_Teacher Member Posts: 50
    edited July 2010

    Thanks you guys!  It is soooooo helpful reading how other folks are doing in terms of running.  Right after the lumpectomy in June I went with biking for two-three weeks in the gym since jiggling = not fun.  But as a teacher and grad student writing up a dissertation I NEED running to stay sane (besides the fact that I am still freaking out that I have breast cancer!).  But if my body decides that the SE's are "true" for my situation, then I will slow down and let the body heal first.  But I am guessing, from reading everyone's comments, that each person responds to things individually.  I'll know when I know!  And I think everyone here is a star for moving one's butt in any way while dealing with a serious "thing"!  Thanks for the kind words!  :D

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited July 2010

    hi all you runners out there...

    My dh and I are entering a 5 MILE run.  It will be on Sept. 11th.  I am feeling nervous about it.  Have been running about 3 miles now.  Hope I can do it....

    Harley

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  • Charley
    Charley Member Posts: 255
    edited July 2010

    Harley - Heck! You have a whole 6 weeks to prepare!  You will be able to run 5 miles and then some.  Just add on a little more distance every week.  Even if you haven't made it up to 5 by race day, the race day enthusiam will carry you ... Good luck!

    Charley

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited July 2010

    Thanks Charley.  

    Now I'm getting REALLY worried.... ONY SIX MORE WEEKS!!   Gee, I was thinking I had longer than that...   :D

    Harley

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  • English_Teacher
    English_Teacher Member Posts: 50
    edited July 2010

    Good luck, Harley!  Six weeks is a good amount of time, though!  I have no doubt you will be more than prepared!  I just want to get to the finish line of my next marathon in Oct (right in the middle of chemo and rads).  It might not be pretty but I know I can at least crawl (and I won't be silly enough to do if I am really feeling sick but I have hope that I will be fine but just not 100%).  I am a little jealous that you will have a partner pushing you along!  I haven't been able to talk my husband into doing a marathon yet! (But he has always been at the finish line with some chocolate or something for me!).

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited July 2010

    English Teacher,

    Thanks!  

    I don't know if having a running partner is a help or a hindrance, sometimes....    I try to go out at least every other day, and he has been working evenings, so if he is still sleeping, I go out anyway.  Also, he runs at a faster pace than I do.

    I know that you will be just fine with your marathon!  I admire you, for attempting a marathon while getting chemo, and rads....    You are a WARRIOR!!!!

    Hugs

    Harley

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  • Charley
    Charley Member Posts: 255
    edited July 2010

    Harley - I know I definitely run faster when I have a partner that is faster than me.  I went out a couple of days ago and PR'd PFC (that's a new term) while running with a girlfriend. I know I wouldn't have run that fast by myself. I used to leave her in the dust pre-chemo but now she's surpassed me.  I've got exchange surgery on Friday and I won't be able to run for at least a month. :(  Tulsa RFC is in Sept and that is my target race.  So I will only have a little time to get ready. I just want to finish in under 30.

    Harley - I'll be interested to hear your progress and how you are doing Dianna. Keep posting!

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  • English_Teacher
    English_Teacher Member Posts: 50
    edited July 2010
    All of you guys rock!  Smile  I barely know any of you and I am already feeling inspired! 
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  • sunflowergirls
    sunflowergirls Member Posts: 11
    edited July 2010

    Hi ladies! I am just getting back into walking/jogging, starting slowly, and was wondering if you all wear your compression sleeve when you run? Any tips and advice would be great.

    Thanks so much! Smile

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  • English_Teacher
    English_Teacher Member Posts: 50
    edited July 2010

    Sunflowergirls:  I don't use a compression sleeve so I can't answer your question with any insight BUT I think you should do what makes you feel comfortable.  You are smart in getting back into everything slowly.  Even though pre-breast cancer, I was easily running 35+ miles a week, I do now what feels comfortable.  I don't want to make anything worse in terms of my body so I think just getting out there and moving my butt (if only a mile) is better than nothing,  Right now I am still recovering from a re-incision lumpectomy and wear a sports bra that feels good for the incision (so I don't jiggle as much) but it doesn't feel super comfortable because it's not the line of sports bras I usually wear.  But again, it's just about me and being kind to my body no matter what right now.

    So I guess I haven't done much to help answer your question.  Sorry!  But if it's most comfortable for you to wear the compression sleeve right now (and this might be something to ask your doc about), then I would do it!  Or if you take it off, maybe just try for a shorter amount of time first?  Good luck!  Cheers, Dianna!

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  • sunflowergirls
    sunflowergirls Member Posts: 11
    edited July 2010

    Thanks Dianna!

    I was like that too, I jogged 3-5 miles every day before my surgery & chemo. I am just listening to my body and doing what feels right, but I make sure I do something everyday.  I actually never even thought of wearing one unless I was going to fly, but when I was fitted for one they said most women should wear it during exercise as well. So I don't know. Thanks for your help though.  Smile Meg

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  • Member_of_the_Club
    Member_of_the_Club Member Posts: 3,646
    edited July 2010

    Harley, you can do this.  Try one or two five mile runs before the race and don't forget to taper  a little bit the week before and you will be fine.

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  • Blondie1964
    Blondie1964 Member Posts: 116
    edited July 2010

    Harley,

    You definately can do this.  I swear that the adrenalin will carry you in a race situation.  If you can comfortably run 3 or 4 miles during training then during a race 5 miles will not be a problem.  Just pace yourself, go slow as you need to...and know that you can, cause you CAN...

    Julie

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  • tiff2008
    tiff2008 Member Posts: 278
    edited August 2010

    Everyone here is so motivating!! I'm actually a 2.5 yr bc survivor.  I ran/walked during Chemo and Rads.  Most recently I weight train 3 x/wk and run/walk 3 x/wk.  I want to run more but in this heat I get really over heated and my legs and arms start tingling when I get too hot, maybe I'm having a hot flash when that all happens, not sure!  Do any of you runners experience that?  Also, I have lots of aches and pains when running, is there any supplements that you all take that help with aches and pains.  And the other thing, I'm carrying an extra 15 lbs right now, maybe that's why the aches & p ains?? Does the running help you all with weight loss?  I take Tamoxifen too....

    You all are so encouraging to me....I'm so glad I found this thread!!

    Tiff

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  • Charley
    Charley Member Posts: 255
    edited August 2010

    Dianna, Harley - How are you guys doing in this heat?  It has been terrible here in OK --- heat index of 100+ everyday.  I just had surgery 2 weeks ago so I am not running yet. Hoping it will cool off a little before I get back out there cuz I HATE running on the treadmill.

    Tiff - You don't mention the location of your aches and pains.  Whenever I start hurting I usually think about going to get a new pair of shoes (if I'm feeling that it's about time) and start really stretching both after a short warm up and after running. Usually that will help.  If it's bad I take the advil supplement. ;-)

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  • English_Teacher
    English_Teacher Member Posts: 50
    edited August 2010

    The heat is killing me here in St Louis (over 100 degree the last few days) BUT I am OK with running on a treadmill as long as I have my MP3 player.  I live in a downtown loft that has a large fitness center so I have no excuse to go two floors downstairs.  But I know lots of folks like you, Charley, who can't stand the treadmill!

    I thought I posted something this morning but I don't see it now on this thread -- I actually did my first chemo yesterday (CMF) and started the day with a short run (on the treadmill) and then 18.5 miles on a bike (also inside!).  I just had my reincision surgery last week so running for 15 minutes is all I can muster -- but the bike feels much easier on the tatas.  But -- I think it helped me stay relaxed the rest of the day so I would just remind folks that if you are active-minded, be sure to use that to your advantage on the days that are medically "tough" (even if it's just a brisk walk for 15 minutes).

    Tiff2008 -- I have been running since 2002 and lost about 70 pounds over the next two years.  I was lucky in the injury arena until last year -- I was diagnosed with a severe case of Plantar Fasciitus and, since I refuse to stop running altogether, I deal with the heel pain (but am more attentive to buying better shoes and I am an avid Vibram user -- those are the "barefoot shoes").  One thing I learned from this is to listen to my body's aches instead of ignoring them (which is what I did).  Even though the cancer diagnosis was crappy news, it has helped me a little bit in terms of my feet as I am cut down on running and moved to a bike.  At least my podiatrist is happy!

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  • lewing
    lewing Member Posts: 1,288
    edited August 2010

    It's great to read all these reports and hear about everyone's experiences.  Today was absolutely gorgeous, a welcome break from the heat.  Meg, on your compression sleeve question, have you been diagnosed with LE, or do you have the sleeve as a precautionary/preventive measure?  For those of us who don't have LE but are at high risk, I personally think a lot depends on your individual assessment of the hassle/risk balance.  So, for instance, I wear a sleeve when I fly (though I've skipped it for some short flights), but not when I run . . . the thought of running with a sweaty sleeve (I sweat A LOT) is more than I can accept as a precaution.  But that's just me; someone else might strike a different balance.  (I do pay extra attention to staying hydrated, and periodically raise my arm and clench and unclench my fist.) 

    English teacher, good luck with your running during chemo.  You sound as though you have just the attitude to make it work.  As crappy as chemo was, easing back on my running meant my chemo summer was the first time in years my hamstrings were twinge-free!

    Linda

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  • Charley
    Charley Member Posts: 255
    edited August 2010

    Dianna & Harley  - How are you all doing with your running? Harley - Have you increased your mileage at all. (I know ... hard to do in this oppressive heat!) And Dianna - how are you doing with both the chemo and running?  Have you had a 2nd treatment yet?  Hang in there!

    I will hopefully be starting back next week.  Riding on the bike in the gym is getting old ... very fast!

    Charley

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  • mightymon
    mightymon Member Posts: 823
    edited August 2010

    Hi there,

    I'm a runner (marathon is my favorite race, but love all the distance) I just been diagnosis with breast cancer 3 weeks ago at the age of 30! I'm also training for my first Ironman before I got this new. I just had my partial mastectomy on Friday 13 Aug and recover really well. Hopefully to start running again by the end of this month. Smile  I'm still waiting for my pathology report which will be ready on Monday 30 Aug. As of my age and have grade 3, chemo will most likely be my next treatment, the doctor said that wont start for another 6-8 weeks. The problem is I got Auckland Marathon coming up on Sunday 31st of October, 10 weeks away!!!! I really want to do this before the chemo treatment start. What do you think guys?  Laughing

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  • English_Teacher
    English_Teacher Member Posts: 50
    edited August 2010

    Charley -- I am doing fine!  Thanks so much for asking!  I have been doing a ton of cycling but just came in from a short 45 minute run (almost 5 miles) a little bit ago.  I was way off the first week after treatment but am back to normal now.  Chemo #2 is on Tuesday so I suspect I have to expect a few bad days!

    Mightymom -- sorry that you are joining us here on this thread!  My oncologist said to do what feels OK for my body -- I switched to biking for a few weeks after my two surgeries and have slowly slipped back into running (also been on the elliptical a lot too!).  So far the chemo (I am doing CMF) hasn't been too overwhelming so I am not only planning on running my already-planned-before-diagnosis marathon on Oct 17th but I just signed up for a biathlon in Sept and a short triathlon a week later.  I think my times will be off but I so desperately want to "go back to normal" even if my new "normal" is a little slower!  So I wouldn't rule anything out but see how your body responds to training!

    Thanks everyone for the ongong support and encouragement!  Runners rule! (and bikers and walkers and elliticalers, etc!)

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  • mightymon
    mightymon Member Posts: 823
    edited August 2010

    Hi English Teacher,

    I'm so glad to find this site!! stop me from going mad!!! I'm was fitness freak who spent between 10-15 hours a weeks on running, riding, swimming, yoga, weight lifting, and boxing. I'm not a smoker and not a drinker, eating very healthy, and yes I got breast cancer at 30. It was hard to cope with this when I first find out. But hey what can you do? Life is one unpredictable beast and when we least expect it can throw us a significant curve ball that really rocks our world. 

    You are Rock!!! English Teacher, marathon and biathlon while on chemo, that so inspiration!! 

     Mon

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  • English_Teacher
    English_Teacher Member Posts: 50
    edited August 2010

    Thanks, Mightmon!  I do not see myself as any type of inspiration but just a running freak who refuses to stop!

    If it helps you to know this, I am very similiar to you -- I have been a dedicated runner for 10 years (about to run marathon #16), non-smoker, and a vegetarian.  I have no family history of breast cancer and I am 41 (a little older than you!).  I was diagnosed in late May -- like you, I never saw this coming.

    But it did, in fact, come!  So I am thankful it was caught early and I try to live a "new normal."  I am CMF chemo which is not as harsh as some other folks' and so far I am doing just fine.  I will be undergoing chemo #2 next week so we will see how it goes!  I am focusing on taking care of me 100% so I don't overdo it on the days I feel "off."  I'd suggest you do the same -- run when you can and don't stress out about it when you can't.  I already know my marathon time in Oct is going to suck because (1) my training is way off what it should be right now and (2) I am a bit more winded in general.  So instead of being all competitive about it, I will just go with the flow and enjoy the race!  If I walk at some point, I walk.  But I will finish!  Cool

    Good luck to you -- and all the fabulous runners, walkers, and gymers on this thread! 

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  • mightymon
    mightymon Member Posts: 823
    edited August 2010

    I will print your reply and show it to my husband and a few good friends who think i'm crazy to run marathon while having a BC, just to show them I'm not the already one! I love it when you said try to live a "new normal"  an awesome attitude!!

    Yes it did help to know that we are similiar . I only start running seriously about 2 years ago, but alway be into other form of fitness. This October will be my 4th marathon. I had check about the cut off time I had 7 hours!!! plenty of time! Smile Before my diagnosis I was training to break 4 hrs but now I happy to be at the start line and maybe finish within 7 hrs.  Laughing  

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  • Member_of_the_Club
    Member_of_the_Club Member Posts: 3,646
    edited August 2010

    I have LE and run wearing a compression sleeve and glove.  I wear a Moeben sleeve on the other arm for balance.  It hasn't affected me at all and while the compression garments are hot in the summer, that is more comfortable than the aching I get from heat if I don't wear the sleeve.

    I am trying so hard to qualify for the National marathon in March, it would be my first marathon.  I am scheduled to run a 10K and a 10 miler in October.  For the 10K I have to run 1:05 or for the ten miler 1:50.  Not sure I can.  For 5k's I come in around 30 minutes, but I can't run that pace for a longer run, I don't think.  I'm trying tempo runs but they are tough for me.

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  • mightymon
    mightymon Member Posts: 823
    edited August 2010
    What the course like, is it quite hilly? Hills running always my priority when I'm train (lots of hills here in Auckland Smile) I alway try to train on the course that are harder than the actual race. Help me go a bit faster on the race day. All the very best and you will qualify for the National Marathon I'm sure plenty of time for training. Laughing
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  • Member_of_the_Club
    Member_of_the_Club Member Posts: 3,646
    edited August 2010

    Here's a picture of me finishing up a 5K last month, wearing my compression sleeve and glove and my Moeben glove:

    http://www.colellaphoto.com/CAN10/08%20Times%2029-31/content/CAN10_0712_large.html 

    Good advice Mightymom.  The National marathon has some hills but the 10K and 10 miler I'll be running don't.  I have some hills on my run but its been so tough running this summer in our awful heat and humidity I'll be thinking of that as training in conditions harder than the race.  If I qualify for the marathon I'll start doing hill repeats.

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  • sunflowergirls
    sunflowergirls Member Posts: 11
    edited August 2010

    Hi Linda,

    Thanks for your response that really helps. I have not been diagnosed with LE but I have had some pain and mild swelling near my arm pit. Dr's have told me they don't think it's LE but may be from where my pec muscle had to be cut. The tumor was sitting on it so they wanted to check it. This surgery was in January though and so I'm not sure if it is or not. I am flying in October for the first time since my journey began & I am a little nervous about it.  Any tips/advice? Thank you so much. 

    Member of the club, good luck! I'm sure you will do it!  Smile  

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