2010 Running Thread

Well ladies, I finally did it - I ran my first ever marathon!  It was such an amazing experience - it was a cold crisp autumn day, perfect for running really.  I took the advice I got on this thread and tried to pace myself at the beginning and not start out too fast.  Looking back at my mile splits over the race on my Garmin, I managed to pace myself really well - essentially 11 minute miles all the way to give me a time of 4 hours 50 mins.....Delighted with myself!!

Such a feeling of elation at the finish line - I was so determined to finish and to put the last year behind me that nothing (and I mean nothing!) would have stopped me finishing that race! The atmosphere in Dublin was amazing, so many people out supporting, giving out sweets and loads of lively bands etc giving it a really great atmosphere. 

I had planned to take 3 months off from running over the winter but when I got home, I looked up races in my neighbourhood and have signed up for a 10km on Dec 26th - I guess I really am bitten by the racing bug

I am so happy to have found this thread!  Prior to my diagnosis on 9/23/10 I was training for my first marathon.  My last run was 10/9, just before my lumpectomy.  I am chemo bound soon but have asked throughout this journey, can I still run?  During my post-op with the surgeon I asked him, "can I run 12 miles this weekend?'.  He laughed at me and said no.    I am slowly getting back in my running shoes, today I did a 4 mile walk.  Tomorrow, I am going to try a 3 mile run. I just have to get over my post-lumpectomy boob bouncing. 

I want to run the marathon still.  Is it possible to run long distance during chemo? 

Thanks, Laurie -- I appreciate the encouraging words!  I have had a harder time this week with any running at all -- I am thinking that I picked up a post-marathon cold (which is probably not surprising given the immune system issues; besides, it is not to uncommon for me to be sick after a marathon in even the best health).

I think it's also a mental thing.  I have two more CMF chemos to go but I start radiation on Tuesday.  I think it's the going everyday part of it that has me down.  But, like you said, running has always been a way for me to just "think."  So I need to figure out how to keep running with an insane schedule that is about to get a bit crazier! 

I hope everyone is well and exercising! 

ENGLISH TEACHER- I have done multiple marathons.  I would say about a 1/3 of the time I would get sick just after the marathon from over training.  It is a thin line sometimes.  Lots of fluids, get some rest.

So proud of you...

Laurie

Congrat Linda!,

I love running in a smaller race especially on the trail. 95 runner was my smallest. Get lost on the trail that is the beauty part on the trail running that you can't get from the road race. Not to scary here in NZ as we don't have any danger or poisonous animal, not even a snake.

I had miss a turn and lost my way so many time. As a newbie I was once use lazy looking cow which at the time lying down in the shade eating grass as my landmark for the turn point. And of cause it was not there 1 and half hrs later and make me miss my turn. One lesson learn that day, never use anything that move to be you landmark no exception. :0)

I had finish Auckland Marathon on Sunday in 4:46 hrs the worst time for me ever (PB was 4:11), but for someone who had find out about her BC 4 months ago and with 2 surgeries under her belt within that time (with the 2nd surgery 8 wks ago). This is to me will be one of my best time ever.

Also got my port in on Monday (the look on the surgeon was priceless when I told him about my run).    

I'm so happy to be at the start line and to finish it. I love every k that I'm run, yes I even enjoy that last 5k. My cheeks are sore from nearly 5 hrs of smiling. :0) 

 Keep up all the good work ladies, exercises & smiling surely will help us get though this journey. 

Mightymom,

Excellent, such determination. Great job!

Laurie

Hi, all -- I'm so excited to have found this thread!  Thanks, Linda, for starting it!  I was diagnosed in Sep following biopsy surgery, and had a re-excision and sentinel node biopsy a week ago.  Tuesday is my post-op, when I find out my final staging and hopefully get a clue as to what treatment I'll have.  I'm expecting chemo, Herceptin, radiation, the works (assuming I don't have to go for more surgery first -- axillary dissection and/or mastectomy).  I have both IDC and DCIS, triple positive, clinically Stage 1.

When I was diagnosed, I was in the middle of training for my fourth marathon & had just completed my first of four planned 20-milers.  Unfortunately, at the same time, I was hit with another whammy -- tibial stress fracture!  Not being able to run was almost as depressing as having cancer!  That knocked me out of running for 6-8 weeks, with the marathon only one week from the day I was cleared to run again.  I was seriously considering run-walking the marathon, but then my breast surgery was scheduled for two days before it, so I although I was disappointed to miss the race, I was "saved" from having to attempt a race I didn't feel truly ready for. 

I'm not sure how much longer before I can resume running.  I ran about 2 weeks after the biopsy surgery, but this lymph node surgery in addition to the re-excision seems a little more involved.  I know my doc will tell me Tuesday, but I'm so eager to get back to it!

I intend to run as much as I can through whatever treatment I have.  I have two marathons on the horizon for next year, including one big destination race that was going to be part of my celebration of the year I turn 50 (even though it's nowhere near my b-day).  Although I never expect to BQ, I thought it would be fun to see how well I can do in my new AG.  Now, however, I'm just really, really hoping I'll be physically able to do them, at any pace.

I only began running a few years ago and was just starting to see some really exciting improvements in my speed.  Having cancer knock me out of training the way I'm used to for what -- a year?  Two? is really a pain, but I just hope to overcome it.  I've talked with other runners who've gone through treatment and assure me there is a light at the end of the tunnel -- so I guess I'll just keep running toward the other end of that tunnel, LOL!

You will need to fast forward through the first half of the radio broadcast to get to the section about BC.

http://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2010/11/13/791-hormones-breast-cancer-and-bones/

Hello fellow runners!

I'm new here and so glad to see this thread!

I was diagnosed with IDC 4 days ago. 42 days ago on 10/10/10 I ran my first marathon in Portland, OR.

My running story is that I ran long distance in high school and was on the track team a couple of years. I quit running on a regular basis shortly after high school graduation. Four years ago when I turned 40 I decided I wanted to train for a marathon. Two years later I started, and this year, finished my goal. Running has become a definite part of my life I intend to continue for the duration.

I'm signed up for a 5K on December 5th. I'm determined to continue despite my situation and would like to run more races, particularly half marathons.

It's great to have this support! I hope to be a help to others as well.

Blessings,

Renee'

Hello all my fellow runners.  Nice to be in touch again.  Runnergirl- I was at Portland, OR also, although I did the 1/2 marathon.  Congratulations to you.  I am 52 years old and have run my entire adult life. Kind of addicted I guess.  I find now I am both physically and emotionally dependent on my exercising.  Will be having BMX with GAP in December so I am not looking forward to doing nothing for 2 months.  I could just imagine my muscles atrophying as I lay around healing.  However, after all is said and done I am determined to get back to running.  The road will be slow and long but I will get there. 

Laurie

runnergirl,

Just remember what ever the results of the biopsy, there is a thread on this web site that will help direct you in your decision making.   I have learned that we need to be our own advocates when it comes to health care. When you get your BX result it will take a while to absorb all that was said.  Writing on this site and communicating helped me get through this.  Now I have a plan of action and feel empowered.  You will also, maybe not at first, but you will get there as you sort through everything.  There are the most wonderful women on this web site.  They will share their own stories to help you sort through this all.  I am here for you also.  

There were days when running was more difficult just because my head was not into it.  I initially did not want to do Portland because I was upset and distracted.  Usually racing for me is 1/2 mental and the rest physical.  This time I just did not have my head into it.  HOWEVER once I got to the starting line and got pumped for the race, I reverted back to my old self, for a while anyway.  Then I felt great for the rest of the day.  It helped so much to be with all those wonderful runners.    It was a familiar place for me where I found comfort.  

Now, getting ready for surgery I am determined to be in absolute prime shape so that I may recover more quickly.  Also, when I get stressed I have a tendency to really add on the miles.  The only thing is, I hope I do not get injured from over training.  Up to this point I have been forcing myself to cross train more, to avoid injuries.  However, lately I have been adding on that extra loop or so because I think I need that adrenaline rush and the feeling of being exhausted afterwards. The exhaustion really helps me sleep and relax later. i know- you know, exactly what I am talking about.

Anyhow, let me know how the BX comes out.  We are all here to help.  You may PM me...

Laurie