2012 Running Thread

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

    Good morning, everyone!

    pat01 and Marie...I hope your races went well yesterday!

    I am following an actual training plan (designed by runner's world's program), rather than following the "listen to your body" plan.  It is going well.  However, I am finding that the plan keeps calling for slower and shorter than I normally would do.  So, I was pushing beyond the plan.  Then, like a dodo, I realized that my mileage is building each week and my legs are starting to get pooped.  That's when I hit my head (think "I coulda had a V8") and realized WHY the plan was not pushing my speed and length so much...duh...  Live and learn...:)

    Have a great day, everyone!

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  • Jeaner
    Jeaner Member Posts: 13
    edited September 2012

    Thanks for posting as I am curious how surgeries will affect running.  I have a wire guided biopsy on the 18th of this month with two HM's next month and a 10k.  

    I have had multiple biopsies in the past three years and this past week a 7mm spiculated mass was found.  I also have a strong family hx (my mom is a 20 year survivor and my dad had two sisters w/ BC)  The core needle biopsies I had on Wednesday didn't get the area in questions so now it's to the OR on the 18th.   

    I'm curious if you all could let me know how long after mastectomies (I am considering prophylactic mastectomies) before you can start running again.  I am going to see if I can have reconstruction at the same time.  I am a member of the Half Fanatics and usually fill up every month with races but thus far have only scheduled OCT.  I have a small race in Nov (5k) but will start again in Feb w/ races again (depending on how everything turns out).  

     Have any of your docs discouraged you from running?  The physician who will be doing my surgery is a running friend of mine so I will get her take on it next week.  She thinks I'll need a couple days off from work after the 18th but I plan on going back the day after.

    Looking forward to your thoughts! 

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  • LuvLuLu
    LuvLuLu Member Posts: 377
    edited September 2012

    Hi CLC:

    I know our situations aren't exactly the same.  I had left mastectomy w/TRAM flap reconstruction, it will be 8 weeks ago tomorrow.  I began walking as soon as I got home and by the 4th week I was doing 8 miles/day, that was 4 miles in the morning and 4 miles in the evening at a good walking pace.  I started throwing in a few "jogging" steps shortly thereafter - I'd test myself going from pole to hydrant, etc, and felt good but didn't want to overdo.  By last week I was doing easy running for 4 1/2 miles.  This morning I did a 5-miler and felt great.  Before surgery I was a 30 mile/week runner (running 8 miles 3x/wk then doing a couple of treadmill interval runs 2x/week).  At 59 yrs of age my pace isn't fast anymore by any stretch.  The pace this morning was 10 minute miles, before surgery I was a 9-minute pacer, but I think I will get back to that, maybe even better.

    My doctor told me "6 weeks" for everything, but that's just a guideline.  I will see him this week.  I also started back to the gym but haven't gone too heavy yet - just trying to "awaken" the muscles.

    We all heal differently, but I firmly believe if you were in good shape to start with you will do fine. Your physician running friend should be a great source!  Best to you . . .

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

    LuvLuLu...I suspect you meant that post to be directed to Jeaner?

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  • A_FIGHTER
    A_FIGHTER Member Posts: 109
    edited September 2012

    Hi Ladies,

    Jeaner - I started back running exactly one month after my surgery

    5K Race Today - Freedon Run (first Race since diagnosis, surgery, treatment, etc...)

    1.70 Mile Warm up

    Race - 3rd Place Age Group Laughing

    1.30 After Race 

    Feeling Fantastic!! 

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  • Jeaner
    Jeaner Member Posts: 13
    edited September 2012

    Wow, that's pretty phenomenal JPmo!....I'm seeing some accomplished (and speedy) runners on here and it's encouraging. :)  I'm a member of the slowpoke club.  I'm sure in time you'll be back in the swing of things.

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  • dltnhm
    dltnhm Member Posts: 873
    edited September 2012

    Jeaner. I had a left mastectomy with immediate DIEP reconstruction. He cleared me at 5 weeks to run but he had a "no bra" restriction until 6 weeks - so I waited until 6 weeks. LOL.

    All my doctors and surgeons encouraged me to run through all of this. So I ran through chem and am running through rads. It keeps me sane and healthy :-)

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  • Jeaner
    Jeaner Member Posts: 13
    edited September 2012

    A FIGHTER, congrats on your age group place!  Did you have your reconstruction at the same time as your mastectomies?  Any special type of bra you are using for support (and anyone else who is reading this too)?  Finding a good running bra has always been a challenge (had a boob job in 2005 and thought I needed a C cup).  

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  • 1Curlyfry
    1Curlyfry Member Posts: 46
    edited September 2012

    I'm new to this thread. I've been posting on the TE troubles thread for months. So happy to find this one! I need the inspiration. I've been running for a long time. One day, out of the blue I get beast cancer. What the heck? Short story. MX right 11/14/11 with immediate reconstruction. TE failure due to infection 12/30/11. Try again to reconstruct 5/15/12. Failure again due to a rejection of aloderm. Now ready to try for the third TE attempt. I never stopped running, but now I'm being directed to do nothing. No running for 12 weeks. How can that even happen? I need advice! Can you help?



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  • LuvLuLu
    LuvLuLu Member Posts: 377
    edited September 2012

    YES CLC, you're right!  I meant the post for Jeaner.  :>)

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  • NatsFan
    NatsFan Member Posts: 3,745
    edited September 2012

    On the topic of post-surgical exercise - my surgeons had me on strict upper body and "no jiggling" restrictions for at least 6 weeks after all my surgeries.  (I had a staged DIEP - skin sparing bilat mx with t/e placement, then a DIEP after active treatment, then a few revisions after that).  That meant no weights or yoga, and no running, ellipticalling, etc. - just walking.  I know we all want to get going as soon as possible, but these are major surgeries and we all need to give our bodies a chance to heal.  Pushing it too early could set back your healing, and even increase your chances of nasty issues like seroma, necrosis, or lymphedema.  My advice would be to use a surgeon you trust, talk to them about your levels of activity, then follow any post-surgical restrictions they may place on you. 

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

    Well ladies, I did it! My first race ever!  The Boston Diva Dash was so much fun, they had nearly 7000 women running (in 15 minute waves).  Leaving the house in the morning my husband smiled at me and said he was sure I would get a personal best  :) - met the other 3 ladies (2 dropped out) and carpooled to Boston.  It was sunny, hot, and humid with a stiff breeze.  The obstacles were all doable for me (I'm 58), and there wasn't any mud.  I got separated from the rest of my group early on - two of them were runners, thought I would keep pace with the 3rd woman but just couldn't.  So I wound up walking more than I ran, but my goal was to finish and not finish last in my age group - mission accomplished!  Now I need to find another race to do so that I will be motivated to keep doing the C25K program.  Thanks to all you ladies that gave me tips for my sore knees - I didn't have any pain during or after the race.  The whole day was a real hoot!  But I slept very well Saturday night.

    Pat

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  • dltnhm
    dltnhm Member Posts: 873
    edited September 2012

    Yay Pat!! Congratulations on accomplishing your goals!!! And no pain too :-). Here's to your next one.

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  • goldlining
    goldlining Member Posts: 1,178
    edited September 2012

    Similar for me post DIEP. Walking in the hospital (so proud of the 5K laps on day 3, 1 creaky K at a time) but treadmill 4mph at 10 days walking. Did not "run" until 6 weeks, but promptly did a 39 minute 5K and a slow half marathon (3:06 or something). I felt more uncomfortable resuming running after lumpectomy than mastectomy where they left it flat, because the amount left after the lumpectomy was a lot to jiggle. Similarly, the biopsy needed sort of a brief interruption - it depends on the location of the stab and the amount of jiggle. Post flat mastectomy, just let the skin heal and go run. The DIEP delay for me was about straightening up the stooped-over part enough to run, more so than issues with the upstairs. I was pulled VERY tight in the abdomen.

    Edited to add that I had NO restrictions from the surgeon, other than lifting weight > 10lb and ab crunches. I could eat, wear, or do anything I could tolerate.

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  • goldlining
    goldlining Member Posts: 1,178
    edited September 2012
    Jeaner, we've discussed bras before. It's a popular topic! My current favourite is Shock Absorber, the Ultimate Run Bra. (B5044). It comes up to ginormous sizes and is really very true to its name. I bought mine at a marathon expo when I was travelling on business and happened to be near the expo (just spectating the marathon).
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  • goldlining
    goldlining Member Posts: 1,178
    edited September 2012
    1curlyfry I hear you! I am on running restriction now due to a stress fracture (and it was NOT a running injury. It was from too much transportation walking in shoes with excessively soft soles). I actually did a 15K walk event in my aircast boot because I needed it so badly. However, I swam until the pool closed for the annual refurb, and yesterday I settled for the exercise bike for 10 miles. They will do, but I am looking forward to running again. I am not at all good at it, but it is good to me.
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  • A_FIGHTER
    A_FIGHTER Member Posts: 109
    edited September 2012

    Morning Ladies,

    TRX & 5 Mile Run today

    Jeaner: Thank you! I had reconstruction right after mastectomy. Words from my Cancer Surgeon about a bra, "You have the BEST support you could possibly have with the matrix". I do choose to wear sports bras though - Champion, ae (athletic essentials), Jockey

    pat01: Congratulations! Well done :) When's your next race? Wink 

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  • Jeaner
    Jeaner Member Posts: 13
    edited September 2012

    Hi all :)  Had a very uplifting talk with a friend today who had bilateral prophylactic mastectomies about 6 years ago.  She is hands down one of the most positive and inspirational people I've ever met.  She is very active, was a body builder at the time, and said she started with squats and walking almost immediately.  She recommended getting a bra that snaps or zips in the front post surgery (like the one I had after my boob job) and we talked about "gummie" implants.  

    I've had time now to wrap my head around this decision and will likely do it either the first or second week of Oct.  My biopsy is scheduled for the 18th.

    I highly recommend Lululemon bras (ta ta tamer) and the Moving Comfort Fiona.

    Curly, I hope your surgery goes well!  Goldlining, I will be trying to do the same with getting into the walking asap and hopefully will be able to take off on the running.  Nats....the friend I was talking about above told me she wore two bras and an ace wrap (I so know this is wrong but I would likely do the same thing!!) 

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  • goldlining
    goldlining Member Posts: 1,178
    edited September 2012

    Funny you mention ace wraps, jeaner. I used ace wraps after my daughter was born because the milk machine did not work, due to the long-ago reduction surgery I had. I often thought of doing it for stability but fortunately the bras now are much better. The Shock Absorber bra is far superior to the ta ta tamer in my experience. It is even better than the late, lamented lululemon "bust stops here" bra. I think I tried Fiona for a while too, fit by the Moving Comfort company rep at a run expo, but got chafing in the cleavage, uniboob, and still jiggled. I was DD before (B post-reduction but back to DD post-baby) and C post DIEP. I do not like any jigglage!

    For the calendar, I just signed up for Sept 30 Run for the Cure 5K (a pink-up-the-wazoo event and non-timed). The fracture seems to be nearly healed, but I'm keeping an eye on it. If I need to, I will wear the aircast boot, and even if I don't need it, I may walk the 5K this time. On the up-side, by walking I would do that much less swearing at the slowpokes congesting the bottleneck finish line.

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

    Thanks afighter - I really do need to schedule another race, if only to have a goal to get me to the gym - so easy to fall off the wagon, I haven't run since the race Saturday and the rest of my evenings this week are filling up.

    In good housekeeping is an article on Jaime Lee Curtis, and how she did a 5k.  She was never a runner, and did C25K to prepare for her 5k.  But now that she's done it, she says she proably won't do another one, whereas I really want to keep trying!

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  • Titan
    Titan Member Posts: 2,956
    edited September 2012

    Hi everyone!   sign me up for Saturday, Sept 15   5k Joel Pomerene Hospital and Oct 20 Casey's Challenge.  first one is in Millersburg, Ohio, Casey's is in Wooster, Ohio......I will run 4 5K's this year...looking forward to doing a 10K very soon...wanted to do one this summer but my nephew was getting married 2 hours away and didn't have the time...

    remember we talked about stretching out the legs...well..I concentrated on doing this and now I seem to be doing it without thinking about it....I am trying to do a 9 min mile...started out at 13 min..now down to 10  blah its not easy...and we runners know a minute off is HUGE.....

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  • every8thwoman
    every8thwoman Member Posts: 147
    edited September 2012

    Hi Everyone,

    Am hoping to do the Vulcan Run (10K) in November, Birmingham, AL.  Anyone else here going?  Would love to run with you!

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  • A_FIGHTER
    A_FIGHTER Member Posts: 109
    edited September 2012

    Morning Ladies,

    4.5 Mile Run Today Laughing Feeling Fit & Fabulous! 

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  • mariannm
    mariannm Member Posts: 32
    edited September 2012

    Regarding running post surgery...I started a C25k program about 8 week after my Mastectomy, which seemed fine for me.   However, I noticed that the first 4 - 5 days after I have my 'fills' are not good 'run' days as it's still too sore to do more than walk.   It's discouraging, and it's taking me twice as long, but I'm trying to remember its only temporary.  I should have my 'squishy' boob surgery in about 1 month.  My plastic surgeon advised that I won't be able to run right after that....not sure if that just means for 6 weeks or not.

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  • mariannm
    mariannm Member Posts: 32
    edited September 2012

    And I need a kick in the butt to get back out there!    Hurricane Isaac follwed by a fill got me off track and haven't been out in more than a week.   I NEED to be out there.  I keep remember how good it feels to run and to be 'able to run' without feeling like I'm going to 'die'.

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  • firstcall
    firstcall Member Posts: 499
    edited September 2012

    every8thwoman.....give me a date, lets get you on the calendar...

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  • LuvLuLu
    LuvLuLu Member Posts: 377
    edited September 2012

    Starting to get the mileage back.  Just ran 7 miles and feel great.  I guess it's that endorphin thing. 

    Why is it I can get all dolled up and feel pretty.  But when I go out and pound the pavement, come back smelly and sweaty w/frizzy hair that's when I feel beautiful!!!

    And I just beat the rain.  Have a great day everyone!

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

    I am with YOU, LuvLuLu....Nothing like a sweaty, frizzy-haired, smelly, tired body to say BEAUTIFUL!  I am about to go out for my 7 miles!  You have a great day, too!

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  • jpmomof3
    jpmomof3 Member Posts: 643
    edited September 2012

    Luvlulu that's awesome. 7 miles. I feel my best after a run too!

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

    Just got the okay from doc to start C25K again, I'm two weeks out from surgery.  Day one, again, tomorrow.  (c:

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