2012 Running Thread

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  • ymac16
    ymac16 Member Posts: 138
    edited June 2012

    Well, I haven't been here for a while.  My last TX was on May 17 and life was pretty crazy after that with recovery, work travel and dealing with the kids school winding down.  But, last week, we went on vacation and I FINALLY went out for a run!!  Haven't run since March so it was great to get back out there.  Ran just over 3 miles, though I did have to take some walking breaks.  I also went on 2 bike rides, one 1/2 hour and another 1 hour long.  It feels good to finally getting my energy back.  Now my big problem is finding time to run.  DH has been out of town this week plus I'm back working full time so haven't been able to run so far this week.  I'm going out of town tomorrow so I will be able to run while I'm gone.  Hopefully, I'll be able to start getting up early in the morning (5AM) to run like I used to, but right now, still have to drag myself out of bed at 6:30 for work.

    dlthnm, I signed up for one of those mud runs too - I doing the Washington, DC LoziLu on July 21.  It looks like a lot of fun.  Hopefully I'll be running regularly by then!

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  • kks_rd
    kks_rd Member Posts: 363
    edited June 2012

    Welcome cookiegal!  I can't add anything to what the others have said. This is my second season of running, my first season was interrupted by BC.  Keep at it and you will amaze yourself with what you can accomplish.  And, as they say, you're already beating the pants off the people who are doing nothing.

    I learned to run using Couch to 5K.  If you google it you will find the program detailed at coolrunning.com - there are also podcasts you can download to help you along.  It really helped give me some direction, a way to break past my fears and just do it!

    Hi ymac16 - glad to hear about your jaunt today!

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  • groovygirls
    groovygirls Member Posts: 223
    edited June 2012

    WOW- lots of new names....Welcome everyone! I don't consider myself a runner either- more of a "finisher" but I am lapping those still sitting on the couch!

    I LOVE my Zombies, Run! app. I fisnished my last mission last week and I am sad! I'll have to start from the beginning again since training for the NYC Marathon starts this week for me (doing a  20 week training)

    Have booked my hotel (ouch!) and I will be taking the ferry to the start. Very excited!

    BTW- who needs toenails! I have lost and regrown most of mine. It means you have worked hard! They eventually grow back and you can display them proudly as a badge of honor!

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  • LisaMomOfFour
    LisaMomOfFour Member Posts: 465
    edited June 2012

    I'm still slogging away, slowly building up my endurance.  I'm kind of stuck in C25K Week 6...  can do the two ten minute runs, separated by three minutes walking in between.  Some days that goes great, some days I can't do even that.  I'm trying to run that every single day until I feel comfortable with it, then I'll start trying to do the twenty minutes at one time, with no break.   My teenagers were in a play this past weekend, we had four performances, plus throw in a soccer game and a dance recital, and well, there was a lot of running around, limited sleep, eating on the run.  Wow did that affect my running, literally seemed to cut my endurance in half!  

    Summer has been insanely busy, I am driving practically all day long, getting my kids here, there and everywhere!  I travel to Boston Saturday to visit my family, so that will be a challenge.  Then I start my new job July 2nd, another challenge.  I hope I can stick to running, I will have to either run at 5:30am (NOT a morning person, so that will be hard).  More likely I will have to run when I get home, but there is so much carpooling to be done, I don't always have a half hour to myself until after 10pm.  This is going to be tricky!   

    I'm so impressed by distance runners... I am not sure I have the mentality for this.   

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  • CLC
    CLC Member Posts: 1,531
    edited June 2012

    LisaMomofFour...  Just a thought...you said that you are running every single day.  I have read in many contexts, many times that it is very important to take rest days.  They are when your body muscle repairs and grows.  It is essential for strengthening and avoiding fatigue.  Do you take rest days?  I have about two a week built in.  I always have, whether it is swimming, spinning or running.  I make sure I have days that are exercise free (other than gentle walks or similar activities).  Maybe you could consider adding them if you don't do it now.  It may help you get unstuck...

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  • TriChick
    TriChick Member Posts: 56
    edited June 2012

    CLC - great advice!  As an endurance coach (runners, triathletes & cyclists) I very rarely prescribe running 2 days in a row for anyone over the age of 45 or any one of any age who does not come from a running background (running has been their sport since high school or earlier).  Not only for the reasons you mention but also to avoid overuse injuries.

    Got almost 40 miles in on the road bike today - planning a nice easy trail run tomorrow.  Swimming and riding my bike are just easier on my body right now, and easier to recover from than running...I know I should be running more but...the time will come...very soon. 

    Keep up the good work everyone...Laughing

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  • eulabt
    eulabt Member Posts: 194
    edited June 2012

    Welcome to all of the new faces. I have missed being on this thread. I have finally started to run again. It is amazing what a differnece a daily run makes for me. My achilles is starting to get better and I am starting my NYC Marathon training. Lets hope that my foot can take it:)

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  • LisaMomOfFour
    LisaMomOfFour Member Posts: 465
    edited June 2012

    Thanks for the advice.    I am usually not running at all on weekends, so running 5 days a week, far too busy to even think about running most Saturdays  and Sundays.     What's optimal for someone like me, who is building up endurance... three times per week?   Is walking on the off days advisable?  Really appreciate you experienced runners taking the time to coach me through this! 

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  • TriChick
    TriChick Member Posts: 56
    edited June 2012

    Lisa - 3 times a week with walking the other 2 days is a great plan!  A couple things to consider - #1 as your legs get stronger, add hills to your walks (and runs) #2 once you have built up some endurance (can jog continuously at an aerobic effort for almost an hour) start to change up your 3 runs each week.  What I mean by that is the 3 runs should all be different.  One long and slow, one with some intervals (can even be run/walk) where you do faster running followed by slower running to recover, and one either with some hills or at a bit faster pace than your long run.  It could look like this:

    M - 60  min easy jog

    T- 60 min walk rolling hills

    W - 50 min run (20 warm up, 30 min done as 3 min "hard", 2 min "easy")

    Th - 60 min walk

    F - 45 min run rolling hills at moderate effort

    You could probably do something like this now, just scale back the running times.  You do not want to add too much too soon.  The general rule is 10% per week, sometimes a hard one to follow!

    I am sure you will get more great advice from the ladies here!  I am headed out for a trail run today, hope to get in an hour but would settle for whatever!  Just happy to be able to keep active through my chemo treatments....two more to go and counting the days.  Starting to plan a party at the end of August...thinking the theme may be: NO PINK ALLOWED....I am open for ideas!

    Have a wonderful day -- - let's log some running miles!

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  • pat01
    pat01 Member Posts: 1,005
    edited June 2012

    OK, I am back to C25K, finished week 1 day 2 yesterday.  I received so much advice after my aborted attempt last time.  This time I did elliptical intervals for a few weeks to build up leg strength, I have new sneakers, take ibuprofen, ice my knees afterwards.  So far so good, no knee pain, keeping my fingers crossed.  I think I will redo week 1 next week, to make sure my knees are adjusting well before heading to week 2.

    Last time I did it outside, this time I'm doing it on a treadmill because its a little springier than pavement.  I have a question for those of you that do C25K on a treadmill, what speeds do you use for walk and jog? I've been doing 3.5 walk and 4.0 jog.

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  • CLC
    CLC Member Posts: 1,531
    edited June 2012

    LisaMomofFour...  I think every other day, 3 times per week, for the running is a good plan.  The days in between that are not rest days can be intense exercise, but lower impact to avoid injury, and then the weekends for rest or gentle activity.  I think that that is roughly what I did in the beginning, once I was running enough to say I ran...:)

    I don't know if I said this or not, but the other thing to remember is to work on your core.  I think this is an absolute necessity.  I do ab ripper p90x.  But it can be any core workout, paying a lot of attention to the abs.  My workout is 15 minutes 3 times per week.  I swear by it.  I know that my lack of injuries is due in large part to the fact that once I started trying to run, I added the core work and I have been very diligent about it.  (This was very very tricky throughout surgery, as I had to scale back and modify, but I managed to miss only about 1 week with NO ab work and about 2 months with very limited ab work.  I still don't do some exercises that I used to, like the plank...I don't know if I will ever do the plank again...I am scared I will push myself toward lymphedema).  When I am running, I try to "run from the core"-it feels more like I am using my abs than my legs to run.  When I get too tired to keep doing that, I walk.

    I don't consider myself an expert at all.  This advice is purely from the standpoint of someone who is relatively new to running (a year and a half), that has managed to build up the beginnings of a running base without injury.  I must confess, I am very very proud of myself for managing to avoid injury.  I was very cautious about trying to run because I could not lose my ability to exercise...that would have been my undoing.  (In fact, when I got the bc dx and faced mx, my biggest worry was how long I would be down.)

    I hope this isn't too much advice.  And if anyone else disagrees, I hope they will chime right in. 

    Happy running!

    Claire 

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  • LisaMomOfFour
    LisaMomOfFour Member Posts: 465
    edited June 2012

    Claire -- it's not too much advice.. it's very helpful!  Thanks for taking the time.     As I start a full time job in July after four months off, running three times a week will be a challenge to work into the busy schedule, but I am very committed to making it happen.  My neighbor, who I walk with a couple of times a week, even offered to walk with me at 5:30am.... she has no particular reason to need to do that except to be nice!

    My challenges have really been endurance related.  My legs feel fine, don't feel injured, just feel wimpy.  But I remind myself my goal is daily exercise of some sort, not training for a marathon, and doing a race or two is really just for me, so I will keep slogging away.  Can't tell you how much I have appreciated the advice and support from everyone on this thread.  

    Pat -- I too am doing C25K on a treadmill for the most part, so much easier on the legs, I am prone so shin splints.  I walk at 3.5, and run at 5.2......  but I started out at 3.0 walk and 4.5 jog.  I think 5.2 might be a bit too fast for me, as I have to really work hard to get through ten minutes of continuous running.  I got some great advice from someone about the incline level on the treadmill.....  I paid no attention to it at first, and left it at zero.  A friend told that to simulate running outdoors on a level surface, the treadmill should be on 1.5.   I was shocked at what a difference the incline made... the workout was much more challenging and I had to "re-do" a number of C25K weeks that I could breeze through at zero incline.  If it is your goal to eventually transition to running outdoors, you might want to be paying attention to the incline.  

    By the way, I also let myself repeat weeks of C25k... figure that it is better to get to a level of confidence on a level before pushing myself forward.   I have been lucky, that I haven't had any injuries while doing this (except my ego... as I am NOT making very quick progress through this!)

    Really appreciate the support and advice!

    Lisa 

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  • Adey
    Adey Member Posts: 3,610
    edited June 2012

    Oops, I think I pulled a bone head mistake.  C25K week 6 workout 2 done (had to only do 1/2 of the second mile).  I skipped yesterday because my right hip was tweakin' (I had hip flaps) but decided I needed to just do it today....... ow.  Popped a couple Advil.  Send healing vibes to my butt!  Tongue out  Going to Vegas Sunday.

    5.2!  That's great Lisa!  I walk at 3 and jog at 4.5, sometimes I start at 5 and then go back down to 4.5 when needed.  I have the incline at 1%.  C25K times are set for a 10 minute mile, too fast for me!  So, now that I'm up to doing miles I use the distance not the time to calculate and just do my best.

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  • kestrelgurl
    kestrelgurl Member Posts: 266
    edited June 2012

    WooHoo! First trip up and down the Sabino Canyon road since DX! Roughly 3.7 miles uphill out, 3.7 miles downhill back. Ran the whole way (even the steep parts) and was only about a minute off my times from pre-BC.

    Was a beautiful morning out there! Smile

    Day off tomorrow and then a 9-10 miler on Sunday.

    FYI, I am training for the World's Finest City Half in August and the NIKE Women's Half (with a BFF and my daughter!) in October.

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  • paradiju
    paradiju Member Posts: 46
    edited June 2012

    Wow i can't believe all the new people, I haven't been here since June 6-- i guess i think a lot less about cancer these days. I am just a runner with a geeky short hair cut now.

    I was never sure whether i would get it all back but i have -- i ran 10km in 55 which is really good for me. Woohoo

    I also had my 6 month mam and checkup and everything seems ok -- for now! Another milestone.

    I also had the pleasure of watching my three grandkids doing a triathlon (all different distances based on age) they are 11, 8, 6 and 4. Nice to know that we have set a good example --both my kids, their spouces and all 4 grands are in great shape.

    We also did a 50km Ride for heart bike ride -- the 11 and 8 both did it too. Great fun -- they close down a major highway for the day.

    So to any new people joining and everyone struggling -- this is an amazing positive site -- keep on running -- I love you!

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  • firstcall
    firstcall Member Posts: 499
    edited June 2012

    OK....a little non running fun....My son Bryce is a music major in college, and a very good trumpet player.  

    A group he performs with was chosen to open for the Beach Boys on July 4th at the Stadium of Fire Show.   I'm sharing a link...I hope you enjoy it.  

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v53jzg8qW_k&feature=youtube_gdata_player 

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  • TriChick
    TriChick Member Posts: 56
    edited June 2012

    Only ran once this week 'cause I have been bike riding 4 times, holy cow!  Got in my longest ride since chemo started April 1...yesterday I rode 41.5 miles!  With a group!  And did not get dropped.  Blessed.

    Running today, headed over to the coast in a few minutes....I may have overdone it yesterday with the ride, but I am going to give 8 slow miles a shot!  I only have til Tuesday 9am to feel good so I am going for it!  Treatment #7 of 8 coming Tuesday...dreading it but looking forward to the end of this madness!  Wearing my new shirt on the run today, kinda sums it all up....

    http://www.cafepress.com/mf/57536685/cancer-you-picked-the-wrong-bitch_tank-top

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  • kestrelgurl
    kestrelgurl Member Posts: 266
    edited June 2012

    Got 10 hilly miles in before 6:30am! Was still a bit toasty at 82......worse when the sun actually came out. Not complaining though, it's done and felt great!

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  • kks_rd
    kks_rd Member Posts: 363
    edited June 2012

    I have missed you all!!  Haven't run in a week as work has taken over my life. We're being audited right now so it's been 12-14 hour days.  I'm trying to think of it as an unscheduled rest week. Wink 

    But it is SO GREAT to hear about everyone's progress. Makes me that much more determined to try to make it out even if for 20-30 min sometime.......

    Keep it up!!!

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  • CLC
    CLC Member Posts: 1,531
    edited June 2012

    firstcall...I enjoyed your link!  My son (age 11) has just decided to try his hand at the trumpet...it will be his first foray into music.

    As for me, I am in Cape Cod.  I ran my fastest 6 miles this morning, at 58 minutes.  I live in the mountains, and almost never have the pleasure of a run without big hills.  Today, flat flat flat.  So enjoyable.  (Not to mention the view of the ocean going by).

    Happy running, all!

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  • kestrelgurl
    kestrelgurl Member Posts: 266
    edited June 2012

    It's amazing how an ocean view really helps, huh? I love to run when visiting friends in SoCal......hard to think it hurts when it's so beautiful!

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  • paradiju
    paradiju Member Posts: 46
    edited June 2012

    TriChick -- my friends were impressed when i ran through 4 bouts of chemo -- now i tell them about gals like you and they hardly believe me. Way to go!!!  

    Good to hear your treatments are almost over -- yea! Will you be doing radiation also or is this it?

    I'm toying with doing a tri this fall but i haven't done much swimming -- may just do a marathon instead. Either way, it's good to have a goal.

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  • TriChick
    TriChick Member Posts: 56
    edited June 2012

    CLC and Gail - you got that right....that's  how those 9 miles "slid by" yesterday...that and the fact I was heading to Starbucks for a banana choc chip cake right after!!!  No running for me today...functional strength class at http://eziahp.com/
    followed by teaching my cycle class....tired and hungry and dreading tomorrow...need to make the most of my day today!

    Have a great one!

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  • xpectmiracles
    xpectmiracles Member Posts: 439
    edited June 2012

    Hi all! I was DX in fall of '08. Finished chemo in spring of '09. I am getting so discouraged about my running! I couldn't even do any exercise without gasping for air for a long time. I am past that now, I'm grateful. Now I am starting to run again. I have been working up to 5k. I can do it sometimes. Other times I need to intermittently walk. I'm averaging 14 minute miles and I am ashamed of my time! I need encouragement!

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  • Hipline
    Hipline Member Posts: 195
    edited June 2012

    I am a fast walker and hope to do a half marathon this year.  I am actually going to take a few classes with a walking coach when I go to see my parents in Florida late July.  Walked 6 miles yesterday...

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  • TriChick
    TriChick Member Posts: 56
    edited June 2012

    xpectmiracles - you are in the right place!  Welcome.

    Do not underestimate the benefits of walking -- adding walking sessions to your run training is very good as we have touched on several times recently here in this group!  Walking hills can help strengthen your legs and since you will mostly likely stay "aerobic" (at at lower heart rate)  it will also help train your metabolism to be more efficient (to burn fat!!).  As you get stronger and more efficient you will be able to jog those hills eventually!  And that will help you run the flats a bit faster!

    No running for me today, my legs are cooked so I am heading to the pool for a swim before treatment #7 of 8 this AM...Not looking forward to feeling like POO for the next 3-4 days...but I am almost done...almost...I can see the finish line kinda, barely...hanging out there in the distance!

    Have a great day and run a mile for me please!

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  • paradiju
    paradiju Member Posts: 46
    edited June 2012

    xpectmiracles -- no way you should feel ashamed -- the very fact that you are trying and here is something to be proud of -- millions of people never even try, cancer or no cancer.

    My husband never ran until he had a heart attack 16 years ago -- when he started to run with me, he walked for 5 min and jogged for one, very quickly he was jogging 5 and walking one. Within 16 months he did a marathon with me! 

    Fast walking alternating with jogging is a great way to get going. Do what makes you feel great and don't set your goals so high to start with that you feel crappy if you don't make it.

    TriChick -- best of luck with second last chem -- hope you don't feel too bad this time! One more to go is fantastic. You're in the home stretch.

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  • kestrelgurl
    kestrelgurl Member Posts: 266
    edited June 2012

    xpectmiracles,

    There is no shame in being slow, the shame is in not trying. Smile Walking is great for runners, for all the reasons TriChick listed. I have come back from numerous surgeries with walking and have always been surprised that my run came back.

    One thing that helped me was setting a time goal before I went out.....say 40 minutes.....and breaking that into alternating easy jogging and walking segments. It doesn't matter if it is 1 minute jog/4 min walk or 4 run/1 walk, just have a plan before you start. This method allows you to see progress as the walk intervals get shorter, gives you the sense of satisfaction of completing a "real" workout and allows you stay aerobic while you build back your base fitness.

    I highly recommend going to a local specialty running store and seeing if they have any running classes. A group program can be very helpful in keeping you motivated and injury-free. Smile

    I got an easy 5 miles in this morning. Was on the road by 5am and it was already 85 degrees! Ugh!

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  • firstcall
    firstcall Member Posts: 499
    edited June 2012

    In the for what its worth column.....Marlon Byrd, a former Red Sox player, was suspended 50 games because he tested positive for Tamoxifen.   Apparently its a performance enhancer.   I'm on my third bottle of the stuff, and still not running as fast as before BC.....I guess it doesn't exactly trump the negative performance effect of chemo!  

    Maybe if I keep taking it I can advance from last place at next years Boston marathon to next to the last place.   I'll be happy if I can cross the finish line before they stop handing out medals.....

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  • Heidihill
    Heidihill Member Posts: 5,476
    edited June 2012

    Am de-lurking just to say I'll be running a mile for you today, Trichick!

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