2011 Running Thread

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

    I have soaring heart rate too. No chemo or rads, just two surgery anaesthesias (so far). I have endurance for ages, just no speed. For example, the time I take to go 4km would have got me 5km before, i.e., lost 20% of speed. My peak running HR is higher than the "upper theoretical limit" for my age so I go slow and use HR instead of pace as my limit. My last surgery was about 11 mo ago and exercise HR is still high (but very normal resting HR and BP). And what would I tell the cardiologist? "I have suspiciously nornal HR and BP"? My next anaesthesiologist is actually pleased with this info, as now he knows that my heart can go that fast without keeling over. But it sucks to be such a turtle. I was not a rabbit to start with!

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  • kks_rd
    kks_rd Member Posts: 363
    edited November 2011

    Huh. I didn't know anasthesia could do that.  That certainly explains my crummy pace these past few weeks.  I thought it was post-chemo (and that could also be part of the equation).  I've been working on my endurance.  About two weeks post-op, I gently started with 10-minute run stints sandwiched with walks.  I've been pleased to increase my run time to about 45-60 minutes, with fewer and shorter walk breaks (like warm up, 30 minutes run, 2 minutes walk, 20 minutes run, cool down).  This was more or less my baseline at the time of dx.  Hoping my next surgery tomorrow doesn't hold me up too much but I suspect I will continue I will limp along doing the best I can until after rads are done.

    Thanks for sharing about the anasthesia.  Never occurred to me that there were long term effects!

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

    Kennard4, i had chemo as well, and your running experience during chemo sounds very similar to mine...I could go out for 30 minutes - maybe 45 minutes if it wasn't hot and I threw in some walking breaks. In addition to just plain feeling beat up, I was pretty anemic at that point. But I bounced back pretty quickly afterwards - so quickly that i think a lot of it was psychological, just knowing that there wasn't another round of chemo ahead of me made me feel better than I had any right to, physiollogically speaking, if that makes sense. Where I've run into problems has been adjusting to my new menopausal state; I've put on a little weight and am still struggling with general feelings of sluggishness. Hopefully you'll be smarter than me and listen to your body better, as others have suggested.



    Linda

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

    I can't think of any physiological explanation why anaesthesia would still be affecting me, but I don't have any other explanation. It's not just deconditioning because I did the same things about the same frequency as before. I was never a big trainer so I didn't have any outstanding times, just not-bad-for-my-age times. I can still do a half marathon, just slower. More walking bits (though after letting my HR go down a bit I often go back to a "trot" rather than walk because it seems easier).

    I started on the treadmill for an hour after 5 weeks, just walking briskly, and ran for the last 30 seconds, and gradually picked up more running intervals, but completely resistant to getting back my pace.

    Good luck with surgery kks_rd! 

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  • kennard4
    kennard4 Member Posts: 3
    edited November 2011

    Thanks everyone for all the advise and support!  I am glad to know I am not the only one struggling out there trying to get my heart rate down and back into running like I use to.   Good luck to all of you!!

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  • teemee
    teemee Member Posts: 122
    edited November 2011

    Hello all,

    Well, it's almost the end of 2011 and I just found this forum but I'm very glad I did! I got MRSA mixed in with surgery/chemo/rads and my max exercise was walking 1/2 mile, resting an hour, and walking home. A couple of months I decided to take up running again, something I hadn't done in 10 years. I'm doing that "couch to 5K program" and finish it next week. So while it's not a lot, running about 5K 3x a week has really changed the quality of my life. I felt so sluggish all the time I didn't think I was ever going to be able to exercise again! Chemo-induced menopause and a new belly I never used to have sure didn't help.

    Anyway, I'm glad I found you and look forward to the usual wonderful conversation and support that's always on these boards!

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  • goldlining
    goldlining Member Posts: 1,178
    edited November 2011
    Welcome teemee to the cheerfullest thread on the board!
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  • lewing
    lewing Member Posts: 1,288
    edited November 2011

    I second that!  So sorry, teemee, that you got the MRSA bonus on top of all the other fun stuff.  It's good to know that you're running now and feeling good about it.  I hope you'll stick around and post lots!

    Here is the quick report on my California vacation running:

    Most fun - rounding Lake Merritt in Oakland.  Mingled with tons of other runners and walkers, chatted with a few (a woman walking a giant schnauser that looked just like my friend's dog, a couple of bird watchers, a guy who complimented my running form just when I felt like I was really dragging), and found a great coffee place.  I understand why Grenadagirl likes running there!

    Most beautiful run ever - along the scenic coastal road in Carmel.  It was jaw-droppingly, OMG gorgeous.

    Ugliest run of the trip, if not ever - Santa Maria, past giant farms and packing plants.

    Eeriest run - through a former LA airfield being turned into a residential development.  It was a mix of new construction, renovated/repurposed buildings, and decay, and it was absolutely silent and deserted . . . to the point that I started questioning my choice of routes.  A wetlands ran behind it, and a brand spanking new, still mostly fenced off, park-in-development for the future residents.  It was so very quiet, and so deserted (of course, it was a weekend morning), that I wondered if perhaps work had started before the financial crisis and then been abandoned.  It was creepy, but also beautiful.  (For any of you who know Governor's Island in NYC, it had a very similar feel.) Still, I was relieved when I crossed an invisible boundary into a neighborhood that actually had people living in it.

    Linda

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  • orangemat
    orangemat Member Posts: 645
    edited November 2011

    Welcome teemee! The C25K program is excellent, good for you for sticking it out. Please post often, let us know how you're doing.

    Thanks for sharing your running adventures, lewing. Always interesting to run in new environments, isn't it?

    How's everyone else doing? Any Turkey Trots or other races/running events coming up?

    My 20-miler on Sunday (20.2 to be exact) was OK up until about mile 12, in spite of the gargantuan hills on the route (who knew?). My left achilles decided to act up and it was all I could do to try to maintain pace and find symmetry in my gait... hey if my right foot didn't hurt, I should try to replicate that on the left, correct? I managed to finish and made my way home, but my pace really dropped off those last several miles. Was hoping to average closer to 10:05 but ended up with 10:14. Not horrible, but come marathon time, I know I'll be even slower, so I need to work on consistency throughout, right?

    Today's interval workout felt find on my foot, though I was a good 15-20 seconds slower than last week. Probably still tired from the weekend's long run and I didn't want to try to push it any harder. Yeah, that's it.

    Happy running to all!

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  • Charley
    Charley Member Posts: 255
    edited November 2011

    Hello all, I haven't posted in awhile.  I did the Tulsa Run at the end of October (15k) and ran it in 126, 8 minutes slower than my 2009 time. While I am happy to be back and running, I wonder if I will ever be back to my pre cancer running condition?I know I am getting older, I am post menopausal, I am heavier, blah blah blah. But I am competitve with myself.  I want to do better. Just wondering if I will ever be back or if I will have to settle for average (for me). How pathetic I am!  Thanks for listening to my whine.

    I am actually very happy to be average. Smile

    Hugs, Charley

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

    I haven't posted any running stories lately because I've had a pinched nerve in the tailbone area. I didn't *do* anything to it -- I was fine after the half marathon over labour day weekend. It just cropped up while I was resting for a few weeks. The chiropractor has been stabbing me with electric needles and assigning me impossible strengthening exercises when I can't even roll over on the exam table under my own steam... I'm getting anxious because I've only run a couple of times since Labour Day and if anything I need MORE conditioning going into the DIEP next month. On the other hand (or foot), I don't want to make anything worse. My last adjustment was intense so maybe I'm crossing the mountain pass back into ambulatory-land. Always staying hopeful...!

    Please keep me supplied with running stories I can enjoy vicariously :-) 

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  • Member_of_the_Club
    Member_of_the_Club Member Posts: 3,646
    edited November 2011

    I should touch base again, not sure I've done so on this new thread.  I ran my 2nd marathon at teh end of October -- fun, but like my first I ended up taking long walk breask after mile 20.  I think I will now dial down and focus on half marathons.  I am running a turkey trot 5K tomorrow.  good luck runners!

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  • kks_rd
    kks_rd Member Posts: 363
    edited November 2011
    Yay!  I earned my pie today with a five-miler... my first since re-excision surgery 8 days ago.  I was aware of my stitches but the run went fairly well.  A few tiny walk breaks and gorgeous sunshine helped. Wink Thrilled to be back in the saddle again!
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  • CLC
    CLC Member Posts: 1,531
    edited November 2011

    Yeah, Kat!!  Wooh Hoo!!!

    Goldlining...wishing you a speedy recovery.

    To all...Happy Thanksgiving!!

    I got in 3.5 miles today, with hills.  What a gorgeous day!

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  • Charley
    Charley Member Posts: 255
    edited November 2011

    It was a beautiful day in OK.  Did 6 rather hilly miles.  Loving this cooler weather!

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  • groovygirls
    groovygirls Member Posts: 223
    edited November 2011

    40 days until goofy! I have been on tamoxifen since 11/25- my knees are killing me!

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  • CLC
    CLC Member Posts: 1,531
    edited November 2011

    groovygirls...I am sorry to hear about the knees...  I hope you are feeling better quickly... 

    Charley...it is a beautiful day here in new york, too.  Perfect running weather...:)

    As for me, I went to PT first thing this am...and she let me warm up on the treadmill for 15 minutes before my shoulder work.  Then got in 35 minutes on the sun-shiny road!  Off to take the kids out in the sunshine at the park!

    Hope everyone is having an awesome day!

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  • TreadSoftly
    TreadSoftly Member Posts: 192
    edited November 2011

    Hi Ladies!

    Im doing a 10km Santa Dash tomorrow!  Its in aid of the Irish Heart Foundation, everyone is given a Santa costume to run in & you get a Santa medal when you finish - sounds like fun!! Smile

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  • kks_rd
    kks_rd Member Posts: 363
    edited November 2011

    That DOES sound like fun - have a blast!

    I have the opportunity to go trail running today, with my SIL.  Have never done it before; I actually haven't done much running with others before either.  So this should be interesting!  I am fully prepared to tell her to go on ahead since my pace is still abysmally slow. Wink

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  • MariannaLaFrance
    MariannaLaFrance Member Posts: 777
    edited November 2011

    Hi everyone,

    Did the Turkey Trot in Dallas this past weekend. In training for a 1/2 marathon in Dallas on Dec 4th. I can't believe this, but my metatarsal (ball of foot) hurts now!  Anyone encounter this before???

    Hoping desperately it's not anything serious. I was supposed to run 10 miles this morning, but decided to rest today, as I am supposed to be in taper anyway.

    Kestrelgirl- super impressed with the 4 Ironmans. I am in training for the Ironman 1/2 in Galveston this Spring, but am intimidated by the amount of time it is consuming ( I work and have 3 kids, so I have to choose time carefully~!!!) Any tips for how to fit it all in would be appreciated.

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  • CLC
    CLC Member Posts: 1,531
    edited November 2011

    Treadsoftly...I hope the Santa dash was lots of fun!

    Kat...I like the new picture!  I have never run with anyone other than my dog.  How did it go?

    Marianna...I have no advice to offer...but I do hope your rest day helped your foot.  I understand the kids and work and fitting it in.  It is so hard.  I aim for 5 hours of exercise per week and that is a desperate squeeze.  I cannot fathom training for an ironman.  (Well, I cannot imagine running a 1/2 marathon...my longest run was 7 miles and that is far from typical for me-I only started running just a little over a year ago).  My hat is off to you for such an awesome goal!

    Kestrelgirl...wow.  an ironman...how awesome!  The most I have contemplated is a small splash and dash...  

    Harley, if you are still reading...Today I did not want to go out.  I was down and out and feeling incredibly anxious and, well, miserable.  I had to pry myself out the door.  But, I did. I thought of you and our previous discussion...  Some days you just have to accept that prying yourself out the door is just awesome enough.  I had a day like that today.  Thanks for our chance to share before, because it was what got me out.  :)  And, while it was no banner run, I did run for 30 minutes and covered a little over 3 miles.  

    I hope you all are doing well...whether currently running or sitting on the sidelines waiting for a return to running...  Thinking of you all,

    Claire 

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

    Thanks for your post, Claire. I enjoyed the vicarious run and the good wishes.

    My last electric needle chiro session was just as painful as the previous but if I'm not mistaken, I feel a little better today. Hope that trend continues. I would like to get out the door just to trot for 30 minutes again. My calves are solid cramps and really want to go out for a plod - especially with the above average temperatures it looks so nice out.

    Happy running! 

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  • kks_rd
    kks_rd Member Posts: 363
    edited November 2011

    Well, the trail run was great - it was a beautiful day and other than a little mud, it was very pleasant.  The only thing was that my bro came along (I thought it was going to be just my SIL, whose pace is much closer to mine), so I felt pressured to go faster than I would have otherwise.  So the hills were tough for me.  We still got in 3ish miles - then I insisted they take off on their own while I took the dog for a walk on part of the "aggressive" trail for about 2 miles. 

    Took today off after 16 miles in three days.  I really want to thank you ladies for giving me the confidence to run on consecutive days! 

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

    Kat, so glad this thread has been helpful!  Your muddy trail run sounds like loads of fun. 

    MOTC, it's great that you checked in . . . I knew you were doing a marathon sometime this year, but couldn't remember where or when, and was wondering how it went.

    Had some good runs along the Chicago lakefront over the Thanksgiving holiday, including one 10 miler.  I didn't feel especially strong (the wind was killer), but I did it . . . and was gratified later, when I told others how far I'd gone (it was basically the route from our hotel to my daughter's college, so we drove it every day) and they acted as though it was an Olympic-level athletic achievement to run that far.  "You RAN all that way?  I can't believe it!" - more or less an exact quote.

    To all who are injured, heal quickly.  And to all who are in pre-race countdown mode, good luck!

    L

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  • GrenadaGirl
    GrenadaGirl Member Posts: 3
    edited November 2011

    Hi Linda,

    I'm glad to hear you had lovely runs on your California vacation. My friend has a tiny cottage in Carmel where we go for mental health days. I love that place!

    I did the Run Wild for a Child run on Sunday. Just go slow and steady my five-year old daughter told me.

    Ran Lake Merrit yesterday. It was foggy and cool. Saw many birds I could not name.

    Keep running.

    Cheryl

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  • groovygirls
    groovygirls Member Posts: 223
    edited November 2011

    36 more days until Disney Marathon Weekend! I planned this trip before I got my diagnosis and I will be there with a smile on my face until the bus picks me up for being too slow. Not much I can do about not pushing myself for several weeks

    I have been taking advantage of the past couple of days here in New Hampshire. We have been having unheard of warm weather (50-60s) I have been trying to get out everyday. I tried running some distance for the first time yesterday- walk 2 minutes, run 1 for 10 miles. I did pretty good concidering I had a bilateral mastectomy in September and I am not medically cleared to run yet! Prior I was walking really fast! Ran into someone coming the other way with a rifle- oops forgot it was hunting season! Ultra orange for me and Bella (my favorite running partner- a golden!)

    Tried yoga and did okay except for the downward dog and high/low pushups.

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  • orangemat
    orangemat Member Posts: 645
    edited November 2011

    Yikes, only 36 more days?? Yeah, it's 6 weeks out, according to my training schedule, so I guess that's right.... can you tell I'm getting nervous? My left achilles has been bothering me for several weeks now, ever since the Avon Walk, and I'm rather worried it's going to be an issue for me. I have a 21 mile run this weekend, so let's hope that's without incident. Did some intervals today, the timed ladder I like to do, and that was the first run I've had in over a week that felt good and strong. Even my 8k race on Thanksgiving Day felt weak and mediocre. Oh well, here's hoping for the best!

    Happy running to everyone :)

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

    groovygirls, bear in mind the bus comes along at 16 min/mile from the time the LAST starter crosses the starting line. Disneyland starts seem to have less time between corrals, but at WDW, that is easily 30 minutes from Corral A to the last one. Why don't you email the runDisney contact people and ask for Corral B or at least C on compassionate grounds, like you could use just a little bit of a break here? If you're fast walking now, and you have 36 more days, you're golden, especially if you can buy some minutes slack that way. The bus speed is slower than a fast walk. Just keep going until you get to the end.

    One day I'll do THE marathon weekend (maybe the Chip & Dale) but I will be with you and orangemat in spirit. I am next up at Disneyland Jan 29 for the inaugural Tinker Bell, hip, belly and boobs willing. (I think my wonky right hip is on the road to recovery and I just need a trigger point released in the left. I may get some running in before my DIEP.) Fingers crossed!

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  • orangemat
    orangemat Member Posts: 645
    edited November 2011
    Ooh, it's up! The New Year's Day race I had mentioned awhile back... 1st Day 5k
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  • kks_rd
    kks_rd Member Posts: 363
    edited December 2011

    Bump! 

    Ever since my lumpectomy (which required a re-excision), I have been trying just to get out there for 30-60 minutes 3-4 times per week.  It's been going well!  Next up is 6 weeks of rads.  My RO says I shouldn't have any problem continuing to run during rads, unless my skin reacts badly or the fatigue slows me down. 

    Can any of you share from your experience?  I was originally thinking I might have to stop all vigorous physical activity during that time so anything I CAN do will be a bonus.  Just wondering what to expect.

    Thanks. And how is everyone's training going?

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