2011 Running Thread

Thanks Charley -- I was more worried about skin irritation, along the lines of "don't wear underwire on the numb skin". My incision goes right to the midline and for the most part is a bit higher than the old (30+ yrs) and well-healed scar from my reduction that actually IS on the bra-line, except in the middle where I'm not sure where the monitor "module" would sit.

I use a heart rate monitor when I spin (indoor cycling).  I had a unilateral mastectomy, no reconstruction.  I used the monitor before and after the mastectomy.  I have no issues with it.

I'm not a runner, but I do work out with weights and I go spinning regularly.  I had a unilateral mastectomy in July.  I have been using a fiber-fill prosthetic and just tucking it into a compression bra when I work out.  It's not terrible, but not great either.  I'm self-conscious that it's lumpy looking, so now I'm on a quest for another solution.  Any ideas from the runners out there?

Lewing, you ran on this crazy snow day??  You are dedicated!!

Give yourself some time Sherry!  You will get there.  Make it a goal for a spring/early summer 5k. You are only 1 1/2 weeks out.  It will get better every day.  Hang in there!

Goldlining, I had a December mastectomy, too!  I thought I saw you on that thread!  How cool that you did both Disney Halfs.  So great that you're going back for the Princess at the end of
Feb.  I'm looking for a race to do right after I enter my new age group March 2.  The first weekend after, there's a local NYC St Pat's themed 5K, and the same weekend, my SIL is doing her first HM in Fla.  I'm toying with the idea of joining her, but I have no idea how I'll be feeling 1/3 through my weekly Taxol + Herceptin treatments.

MOTC, is that you from the RWOL forum?  (I'm SeRUNdipity over there.)

Hey everyone I am so glad that I found this thread. 

Before my bc diagnosis I really did not take the time to do anything for myself and had gained a lot of wieght, always intending to start working out and wanting to run but never really made myself do it.  While in the hospital following my first chemo treatment the nurses on the oncology floor got me to start walking the halls, started really slowly at first could make it down the long hall and back once,(because of the serious of the infection that I had and how ill I had gotten) By the end of my stay I was walking very briskly up and down the halls.  Following my second chemo, and second trip to the hospital once I felt better the nurses would joke that I was running up and down the hallway. I then tried to do intervals but found that having not run for such a long time it really took to much out of so I instead began walking 4-6 miles every day that I felt up to it.  Always had to talk about a week off inbetween because of chemo. (not that any buddies body like chemo but mine really hated it)

In August I started doing intervals again working up to running milage.  I cant say that I run very fast yet but am improving my speed slowly but surely, and my long run milage increases each Saturday.

I will be running a 1/2 marathon at the end of April and before that I intend to run a 5k and a 10k to get ready for the half.

Thriceblessed - where are you going to run your half marathon at in the end of April.  I will be running in Nashville TN.

Those of you who are running during chemo you are also my inspiration, so when I feel like stopping in the middle of my run I will think of you.

goldlining, thanks for the tip about lululemon and been-a-boob.  I really appreciate it and will check them out.

Another comment about heart rate monitor: the chest band should sit well under your mastectomy scar.  The monitor part should sit at the center of your chest (between breasts if you had 2 of them, and just below).  Since the monitor needs to be against skin, I tuck mine under the elastic band of my sports bra.

Good luck with the Princess run.

Goldlining, keep it up!  I think it's great that you have a goal to work toward, and no matter how you finish, it will be such a great feeling of accomplishment.  

Sherry, I'm impressed that you're getting out there despite the fatigue from rads.  It is tough to get moving when your body is exhausted.  Like Charley said, it does get better, and probably even quicker if you're keeping up with the exercise.

Lisa, how did it go with the 5k today?  Congrats on getting out there during chemo!  And don't worry about what everyone else says, do you makes YOU feel strong.  I know your family and friends want to "protect" you - maybe if you tell them what positive effects running has on you, they'll understand.

Lewing, from a very beginning runner here, your dedication is so motivating!  I haven't gotten out there in two days, because it's been COLD down here in TX - I'm not used to the biting wind in my face, and don't last very long!  But, reading about your going four miles in the snow is motivating me - I'm gonna go out there today.  I know that the cold probably doesn't faze you so much living in Michigan, but let me tell you, temps in the 20's are unheard of down here!  But today it's in the 40's so I'm gonna get warm and get out there!

Beetle, I also had a very difficult time during chemo, being hospitalized after 3 of my 6 chemo treatments for febrile neutropenia.  It's great that you decided to take back control and build yourself back up.  Keep up the good work!

I've only just begun running again in the last month, and every time I get out there, I feel so much better inside, because I know I'm doing this for me and me alone.  The next month and a half will be a little bit of a challenge for me, finding time to keep up my new schedule of exercise.  I normally go out after taking my kids to school, but I've got an internship that starts at 7:30 in the morning, and I'll have to get up much earlier and go out when it's colder.  Boy, is it hard to get out of my nice cozy bed!  I've just got to keep in mind how proud I am of myself when I do get out there and get moving.  Seeing you ladies in this thread really does make a difference, so thanks to all of you for that!

I'm off now for my four miles!  Today's the day I increase my run to 2 minutes and decrease my walk to 4 minutes per cycle.  It's funny how every time I get to the running part, I always seem to be on an uphill portion of my course...  

Wish me luck!   

Hey beetle25, your progress is awesome. Keep up the focus. Loved the positive vibes from the nurses. I hate people saying "don't push yourself". If I feel like pushing, I want to push! 

Lisag - how was the Lady Track Shack run? The rest of the continent is socked with this cold icy crap, and Orlando was beautiful this morning. I savoured the delay of my departing flight as an extra 60 minutes of looking at bare ground and palm trees. 

txstardust - I heard the running-uphill part is supposed to repay you in speed dividends later. That's what I mutter to myself anyway. If it turns out to be false, I shall be looking for a refund on all those hills.

JanS, thanks for the tips on the monitor. I love the tech toys so I wonder how many days before I get one!

Yeah BC runners. So far I've committed to 2 half marathons this year. LaJolla half in April and Santa Barbara Wine country in May.  My training has not been very steady so I anticipate more of a walk/run approach. Last year during radiation I completed the Nike Womens half in San Francisco and had such a great time I immediately signed up for 2 more. Many years ago I called myself a runner but the last 10 years or so I am more of a fast walker. I walked the 2010 San Diego 3 day for the cure which was one of the best experiences of my life.  I'm already signed up for the 2011.

As for running bras I am a big fan of Moving Comfort Fiona.

Has anyone experienced neuropathy in your feet due to Taxol?  Have you found anything to improve the condition?

Is anyone running in the Lance Armstrong Live STrong marathon in austin Texas tomorrow.  I am not but one of my best girlfriends will be there.  Just currious.

I have been doing an hour at a time -- a wonderful run winding through the French Quarter of New Orleans on a trip last week, and a miserable profanity-laced butt-kicking hour on the treadmill at the Y near home. My pace has been ranging between 7 and 9 mins/km (11.2-14.4 min/mi) depending on how tired I am (physically and mentally). Not great except my pre-BC/surgery pace was only about 6 min/km and the mast was just 2 months ago and I've only had a month of getting on the treadmill or out on the road once or twice a week.

I'm packing for travel in the morning to the PRINCESS half next Sunday, and am SO excited. Of course I'm "tapering" now :-D but I am sure to be out for some 2-5K light runs to enjoy the heat wave. If I beat three hours I will be stunned but I know I will be smiling ear to ear 90% of the way. I'll be winning it in my mind. You'll all be with me, too! (Though I think you'll be those people off in the distance ahead of me...!)

Congratulations Goldlining! You are an inspiration to all survivors!