2011 Running Thread

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  • BlazerFanC
    BlazerFanC Member Posts: 71
    edited June 2011
    goldlining   Isn't the Tinkerbell Medal beautiful!  I love the Disneyland half medal for September too.  I just walked the Seattle Rock N Roll half on Saturday.  The medal was nice but doesn't compete with my Disneyland half medal from last year.  I was like you when I signed up for the Disneyland half this year.  My diagnosis was brand new and I didn't know where I would be, but I didn't want to miss it if I felt good enough to participate.  I was 14 rads in on Saturday and so far so good.  I actually walked 2 - 1/2 marathons in 7 days so I'm guessing that's helping fight any fatigue.  I'm much slower than runners but I can keep up with slow joggers most of the time.  My pace is steady.  Perhaps we will see each other.
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  • lewing
    lewing Member Posts: 1,288
    edited June 2011

    Goldlining, *three* face-plants in one 10K?  Ouch, ouch, ouch. 

    Yes, I'm totally capable of falling on hard, smooth surfaces as well - I have been known to trip over shadows on the sidewalk - but it tends to happen more on dirt. 

    Disney in January sounds great.  I've heard nothing but good things about that race.

    L

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  • runningran
    runningran Member Posts: 4
    edited June 2011

    txstardust. you are not out of your league.

    I am managing 3k with walk /jog. I was a marathoner before my treatments which began 10yrs ago.

    i am now on Femara for bone mets, the Femara has given me plenty of problems, one being joint pain and stiffness. I am so impressed with the people on this forum

    i have just turned 69,, on on I say

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  • Melanie_Ann
    Melanie_Ann Member Posts: 414
    edited June 2011

    Thanks lewing, I messaged her.

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  • goldlining
    goldlining Member Posts: 1,178
    edited June 2011

    I should be easy to spot, BlazerFanC: I already have half my "outfit" for the Disneyland Half in Sept. A sequined black miniskirt! (I have to wear a skirt over my shorts. Most people are NOT behind me, but I'm out there for a long time, and I don't need people looking at my *ss.) 

    Can you believe it lewing? That tri-plant 10K is still my best 10K time! 

    The Tinkerbell Half is a NEW run on the west coast in late January. They had to add another as there was only ONE west coast run and the popularity of the coast to coast medal just overwhelmed the 15,000 runner capacity with as many as 60,000 people doing the east coast in January (Mickey, Donald, or Goofy), February (Princess), or October (Wine & DIne). I will combine the Tinkerbell with the Wine & Dine for the coast to coast 2012. I like the Wine & Dine route: through Animal Kingdom (which I have never done on a run) and Hollywood Studios and on to Epcot for the after hours food and drink. SOME day I will be ready to try a FULL marathon, and only the Mickey will do for that. I can't get any motivation up for 26 miles on a dusty expressway in my home town.

    I'm not a run in a club/group person. Even if my husband runs with me, he has to stay behind where I can't see him. But add 500 people or so, no problem: they become scenery. But the runDisney (15,000 people) is in a whole other league of 100% unmitigated joy and optimism that's the Disney brand. In other circumstances, I don't know, maybe it would be cloying, but right now, it's just a perfect fantasyland where people will call me Princess all weekend instead of "Ms. Patient, the doctor will see you now". 

    I have no doubts about my stamina either. That medal is mine! Whenever I feel weak, I can look back on finishing a half 10 weeks post mastectomy at 2:58, and I tell myself "I can do anything". Now that I am running-running again, pacewise, my goal time is 2:30 but I said 2:40 when I registered. My run pace is okay (for me) but I'm just walking too much. Trying to get more run and less walk is my "distraction project". The real finish line is getting to the OR without ruminating on it all summer.

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  • goldlining
    goldlining Member Posts: 1,178
    edited July 2011
    (The formatting is being corrupted at the server end -- not in my edit window. Enjoy the puzzle!)
     
    I had excuses for my short runs all week but stuck with my increment to 9km for the weekend, and stupidly did it at 2pm in 29C (32 with the humidex) with NO shade. Never again. Learned my lesson and will definitely aim for morning/evening while it's hot.
    Hope everyone's getting in some soothing road and trail time over the holiday weekend!
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  • goldlining
    goldlining Member Posts: 1,178
    edited July 2011
    Never mind - I will post when the corrupted formatting is fixed.
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  • Just_V
    Just_V Member Posts: 841
    edited July 2011

    OK - I am four week post op for UMX, and last night I walked the dogs for their .6 mile around the block, then (with a support bra this time for my 'good' boob), I went running (and walking) covering 1.6 miles!  I ran 5 minutes, walked two minutes, ran 2.5 minutes, walked 2 minutes, ran 5 minutes, then walked about 5 for my cool down... I might get back up to running 20 minutes continuously just in time for my exchange surgery when I will get to go through this all again... LOL... oh well..

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  • goldenmom
    goldenmom Member Posts: 134
    edited July 2011

    Go vhshea!  You're really doing great. I haven't tried to run yet, but I'm really enjoying getting out and walking. Today, it looks like the treadmill - it's pouring rain!

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  • goldlining
    goldlining Member Posts: 1,178
    edited July 2011

    Yay vhshea! That's good progress! absolutely, it's train and snap back, train and snap back. 

    I foolishly did this week's long run (which per the incremental +1 per week schedule was to be 9km) on Sunday at 2pm, 29C (85ish) with 32C humidex along a route near my parents' place that turned out to have NO SHADE. By the 4km point, I was struggling, and it was so hot that on the heart rate monitor I was topped out of the red zone (182 at age 54) and it was only coming down 10 beats when I walked, so I just walked most of the rest.  I swear the last 1km I seriously deliberated "turn right toward the showers or go straight toward the Emerg??" The two destinations would have been equidistant at that point and my arms were numb and tingling and my hands bloated and blanched. I was so out of it I made a wrong turn that added 0.5km to the distance on top of that all. Needless to say, on a hot day, I shall henceforth do this in the morning or evening!! I know you guys in the south may contend with heat year round, but I forget how demanding the heat can be. The good news in the whole thing was it was me vs. the sun, and I didn't think a bit about past surgery, future surgery, or any of that. Seriously, the next day, no problems. Felt great, no stiffness, no particular fatigue. Freaky! :-)

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  • Just_V
    Just_V Member Posts: 841
    edited July 2011

    Goldlining - I know - the heat is a killer... and I've done that wrong turn -- funny how far it seems on foot!  Glad to know you made it though!

    i need to go in the morning before 6am when it is still in the 70s (high 70s, - but 70s), by 8 we've hit the 80s then 90s by noon ... the hottest part of the day in Dallas is 5pm when it tops 100 and by 9pm we are still in the 90s -- but no sun at night!  So I will haul my butt out of bed tomorrow or Friday morning at 6am and revel in the coolness!  But I was so excited that I still felt like running is 'doable' (although I literally could feel my love handles jiggling - and I had gotten rid of those!)....

    Goldenmom, I am so wishing I had a treadmill or, better yet, an indoor track about now...

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  • groovygirls
    groovygirls Member Posts: 223
    edited July 2011

    New to this group-diagnosed yesterday! I was to have started training for NYC Marathon the week I had my biopsies done. Not sure what my plans are for November at this point

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  • goldlining
    goldlining Member Posts: 1,178
    edited July 2011

    welcome groovygirls. No one wants to be in this running club, but if it weren't for the running, it would be even suckier. I think this is the most positive outlook thread on the boards :-D

    If you read upthread, a lot of people are able to get out and move in reasonably short time after surgery, even chemo and rads, and derive some meaning and "power" from the symbolism, endorphins, or both. I'm only a half marathoner ("only half crazy" like the shirt says) and did a half 10 weeks post-mast. Not in any way fast, but I stayed ahead of the van which was all I asked of myself, and a little bit better. The training and anticipation of something as special as the NY marathon can be a valuable distraction to displace the worry. We will ALL be cheering in your corner, even if you walk 90% of it.

    I was candid with all my doctors: I'll take any medical direction that I need to take, but if it's all the same to you, do whatever you can to schedule my treatment in such a way that I can make it to regular running events because from the neck up, I need it..I cherish these medals like they're bravery beads, like they give the paediatric patients. The doctors have all been supportive of it, and I personally swear by it for "training" the cardiorespirator endurance for anaesthesia and the extra demand on different body parts to move and get around after surgery.

    Looking forward to hearing your happy road tales as you deal with your unhappy dx. We're here. 

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  • groovygirls
    groovygirls Member Posts: 223
    edited July 2011

    Only half a marathoner- don't discredit your accomplishments! It takes as much dedication to put your shoes on and get out the door for a walk, 5k, 1/2 marathon, marathon, or ultra! I am super slow but I get out there, meet lots of fun and interesting "back of the pack" people and have a blast! I am going to continue with my training- if it takes me all day to finish themarathon- I am going to do it!

    I spoke with a plastic surgeon Wednesday and he assures me he can get me to race day 

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  • goldenmom
    goldenmom Member Posts: 134
    edited July 2011

    Welcome groovygirls! I agree that this is the most upbeat thread. I enjoy reading everyone's accomplishments and am in awe of those who run 1/2 marathons & full marathons! I haven't entered an organized race / run in a few decades, but I love running to stay strong and healthy. I'm amazed at vhshea too for running only one month after her UMX. We shared the surgery date but I still haven't tried to run. However, I am back to a fast walking pace and it feels great.

    vhshea - I normally don't like the treadmill; however, it really comes in handy during the South Florida summer! I much prefer to run/walk outdoors whenever possible.

    Happy running everyone. I'll be back there soon. 

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  • Just_V
    Just_V Member Posts: 841
    edited July 2011

    So I did go running Tuesday night - 13 days post MX op... felt good on Wed, then Wed night the soreness of the pec muscle hit -- should have concentrated on stretching it, but i didn't... so I took a pain pill and Thursday morning felt awful..  decided to work from home and about 1pm took a pain pill... then felt really bad and groggy - did not know what was wrong.. at 5pm left for my hair appt... realized this morning that I took an Ambien rather than a pain pill... ugh!  so I hope to get out tomorrow for another run -been a bum the past few days.  Those Ambiens are killers!

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  • groovygirls
    groovygirls Member Posts: 223
    edited July 2011

    Went for a very slow 3mile run today. I am vacationing at the Cape with my family and the route was beautiful. I was really worried the past few weeks because I have been more short of breath- I was thinking I have mets to my lungs! MRI should everything looks okay-all in my head! I am going to plan for NYC still. Beats sitting home feeling sorry for myself- love those endorphins!

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  • kks_rd
    kks_rd Member Posts: 363
    edited July 2011

    I miss running.. all kinds of working out really. During chemo all my workout time has been replaced by naptime.  I'm a new runner and haven't run outside during the summer months before - hoping that when chemo finishes in September I can get some good fall training in.  Thanks for letting me read about all your accomplishments - keep me mentally in the game until my body catches up!

     Hugs to all -Kat

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  • Just_V
    Just_V Member Posts: 841
    edited July 2011

    groovygirl - good news about your MRI - it is hard not to think that each new ache or pain or symptom is cancer - I do the same thing....

    kks-rd - I started running in Feb of this year, then had my MX early June, so, like you, not used to the hot weather running (had begun running at 6am before things heat up in June, but July/Aug in Dallas has lows of about 80 so no really cool time to run).... I did go at night about a week ago and made it through it but paid the price with extremely sore pec muscle (I have a TE under my pec)... but I hope to be back at running regularly in a week or two so maybe by September (my exchange I expect in early Oct) we can compare notes...

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  • LMichele
    LMichele Member Posts: 165
    edited July 2011

    Hi groovy girls sorry for your diagnosis... Maybe shortness of breath has some thing to do with anxiety? I know I had A LOT of that. meds helped when exercise was not enough...



    Anyone out there running with Tissue Expanders? My PS didn't want me to get my heart rate up till I was done expanding! I have not worked out in 2 months! Now I am filled and can start working out in 2 weeks and I cannot imagine how it will feel to run with these huge boulders on my chest! Any advice?

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  • mamaoftwo
    mamaoftwo Member Posts: 267
    edited July 2011

    I feel great, almost 5 weeks out of chemo and ran a 4.7 mile trail race tonight.  It was so much fun!  I start radiation next week and hope not to feel any fatigue and keep up the running and swimming and biking.  I don't know if that's possible but I hope.

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  • groovygirls
    groovygirls Member Posts: 223
    edited July 2011

    That is so great! Way to go, Mamaoftwo

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  • lewing
    lewing Member Posts: 1,288
    edited July 2011

    Mamaoftwo, a trail race sounds like loads of fun; you live in such a beautiful part of the country, too.  I'm torn between wishing there were more trail races in my area, and feeling relieved that there aren't (because I wouldn't be able to resist entering them, and given my track record, would surely wipe out on rocks or some gnarly root).

    On that theme, I developed bursitis in my elbow after my last stupid fall - was freaking out about lymphedema for a while, then found some helpful info in the LE forum that pointed me toward what turned out to be the right diagnosis.  After a few days, to add to the fun, the swollen area became hot and and a really scary brick red.  Freakout time again, a visit to the urgent care clinic, a course of antibiotics, and all is finally well.  

    Groovygirls, I bet your Cape run was gorgeous.  I spent last week traveling around Puerto Rico, and didn't do a lot of running while there (too hot and/or too hilly most places), but during the couple of days we spent at the beach, I got in some amazing barefoot runs by the ocean.  Just me and miles and miles of sand and surf.  (So excited that you're planning to run NYC!  I hope to be there to spectate . . . I love that race.)

    LMichele, I hope someone weighs in on running with tissue expanders . . . I think that question has surfaced before; there may even be a thread on it.  Good luck!!

    Hello to all . . .

    L

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  • citykitty
    citykitty Member Posts: 244
    edited July 2011

    LMichele -- I had no trouble running with a TE for 5 months, including 3 months of chemo (although I guess my TE was relatively small, expanded to 300cc max).  I just wore my sports bra and stuffed whichever side needed extra help (mx side early on, and natural side later on when the TE became bigger than the natural side).  My PS didn't object to my running with it.  The biggest setback was after the exchange surgery -- no running for 6 weeks!  I just resumed running at the beginning of June and am slowly building mileage.

    groovygirls -- Welcome, though sorry you have to be here.  I'm planning on running NYCM, too.  Maybe I'll see you at the start corrals, along with 45,000 of our closest friends!  Last year I was training for NYCM when I was diagnosed in September.  I would have run it, except I also developed a tibial stress fracture at the same time.  Now, post-mx, post-chemo, and post-exchange surgery, I'm training again for NYCM.  I also have another marathon 2 months before that, which I will take very slowly and treat as an extra long training run.  Good luck to you in your training!

    I'm up to about 21 miles/week.  This week was a cutback week, with a long run of 7 miles.  Next weekend is scheduled to be 12....but today I just bought a new pair of shoes and want to break them in carefully, so we'll see.  Next week I'm traveling for work in Florida -- must remember to pack my trusty Amphipod water bottle!

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  • lewing
    lewing Member Posts: 1,288
    edited July 2011

    Citykitty, great to hear from you. I'm excited that there'll be two posters on this thread running NYC. I hope to be standing out there on 4th ave in Brooklyn cheering you on.



    The heat has been making running pretty miserable this week. I bailed on Sunday's long run; had planned 10, but called it quits after 7. Thursday night, before the heat settled in, I did make it to a group run for the first time in ages. I had to dig all my post-run gear - towel, comfy sandals, etc. - out of the bottom of my closet to bring along. So, after our 6 mile loop, I used the towel to wipe my sweaty face, and GACK! It was covered with cat hair.



    L

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  • goldlining
    goldlining Member Posts: 1,178
    edited July 2011

    My head wants to run but my body is saying no way. I finally dragged my butt to the massage therapist and by an hour of hard labour, she had got the knots half out and we'll tackle it again next week. I feel it's the asymmetry - it's different hauling a jumbo rubber chicken by a shoulder strap, vs a natural breast attached all the way around. The humidity is not helping the situation, and my last run ended in heat stress. So I have a mood bomb right now being mad at myself for not moving. Taking it day by day to try to get out of the hole. 

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  • goldlining
    goldlining Member Posts: 1,178
    edited July 2011

    I did it! 3.7km, 28C with 80% humidity, but it was after sunset so it was tolerable. I kept the HR under 180 for the most part but the average was 168 so couldn't push the pace any more. But I did it. Yay me.

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  • LMichele
    LMichele Member Posts: 165
    edited July 2011

    Hi gold lining, you are in km's and C's!!!! But it sounds hot! Tomorrow I will have my two week post fill date cleared to workout Friday... Leaving for points north on saturday am early (NH) I wish like hell I could swim in the lake but they say no at least I can run! I am so nervous tho I am glad I have a really tight sport bra and I will alternate jog? Walk? Run?
    Wish me luck and some calories burned!

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  • goldlining
    goldlining Member Posts: 1,178
    edited July 2011

    The heat dome has settled in here. Probably like any given Wednesday in Florida but not what we're used to in Southern Ontario. It's now (at 9pm) 34C (93F) with humidex of 42C (107F). I had chest pain in the middle of the day today and I was worried it was a delayed effect of last night's run. I normally would have gone for aspirin but I have a Botox appointment next week, so I took a bunch of Tums and hoped it was just indigestion. So far so good, but methinks I'll stick to walking outside or treadmill/track inside for now.

    Good luck LMichele on getting back on the road, and happy running everyone!

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  • groovygirls
    groovygirls Member Posts: 223
    edited July 2011

    I have decided to defer NYC to next year- I am very sad but my PS did say "I'm pretty sure they will have it again next year" I really did not think I could recover from 6 weeks of no running....

    I am looking towards a BMS. Did anyone do the implants vs. TRANS? I don't think I want the trans because I don't want to loose the stomach muscles. 

    Any thoughts?

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