2013 Running Thread

Options
2456743

Comments

  • lovestorun
    lovestorun Member Posts: 167
    edited January 2013

    OMG so happy to see this thread.  Running has been my "go to" for years now.  Diagnosed yesterday - consult next week so won't know what treatment recommendations are (am told to expect lumpectomy, possibly node removal & radiation) The thought of not being able to run through all of this is hard.  Crazy, right? 

    For people with surgery & radiation - how did you maintain fitness during the process?  Can you walk? Pool run once the incisions from surgery have healed?   What kinds of things did you do beforehand to go into the process strong?  What kinds of exercise helped you keep your sanity?

    Was training to do a half mid-March and have kicked that to the curb, but am not ready to give up on a half in the fall (mid-November). 

      

  • Annette47
    Annette47 Member Posts: 957
    edited January 2013

    Lovestorun - Welcome!    In answer to your question, I can answer as to how it's going for me so far (I'm on my second week of rads).   I had a lumpectomy with sentinel node biopsy on 12/18, went for my last run on 12/17.   I was able to get out for a run a week later - only did about 2 miles (I usually do 4), and went kind of slow, but it was fine.   Gradually did more until I was back where I had been at a few weeks post-surgery.   So far, I've had no problem keeping up with running during rads - I know that there is a possiblity that I may have to stop at some point, but I plan on doing as much as I can for as long as I can ... the less time I spend on a "break", the quicker it is to come back from it.

    Running is the exercise that helps me keep my sanity, LOL.   I always say it's the best stress-reliever I know.    I know going in, that one of my first thoughts upon being diagnosed was fear I would have to stop running for an extended period of time, but at least for me, for now, that hasn't been the case.

  • goldlining
    goldlining Member Posts: 1,178
    edited January 2013

    welcome lovestorun - I "hid" all my surgeries behind run dates, so I was always looking forward to a half, not dreading an operation. I even optimized some surgery dates to do that. I really, really needed it. I am not good at running, but it is good to me. Having a half scheduled and paid for got me up out of bed walking - hobbling - soon after DIEP, which is some pretty major hacking, and I did it mostly walking but some running, and I made it all the way to the finish line, six weeks post op. Someone at runDisney smiled on me and put me in the B corral which gave me a lot of peace of mind because was a bit of insurance against the sweeper bus that sweeps based on the time of the last person starting. not each person's individual pace. I had my slowest net time ever, obviously, and boy do I feel bad for the thousands of people who finished after me. You cannot imagine how proud of myself I was.

    So my take is, if you love to run, why cancel? Just discard your time goals and go and enjoy the event for what it is. I did not have rads or chemo. I went scorched-earth surgical while I had DCIS. But what I've read here from the rad and chemo people don't sound like you will have to give up running, just listen to your body in the running you do, and be good to you. Those tricks about "I can keep up the sprint to the next lamp-post"? Put them aside and just let yourself run the pace you can, and walk when you need to. My motto is "there's enough medals for everybody". You can pick up the pace when you're out the other side.

    PS Edited to add, I found getting back to running after lumpectomy was harder than mastectomy because of the jiggle. Running with mastectomy was easy. Post reconstruction, the jiggle is back but I am smaller (more athletic shape) and superstrength sportsbra.

  • lovestorun
    lovestorun Member Posts: 167
    edited January 2013

    Thank you so much, both of you. Running definitely helps me keep my sanity : ) Your advice and stories are encouraging, reassuring and inspiring to hear. Annette, good luck with the rest of your treatment (is "rads" radiation?). Goldling, the mindset shift advice - good stuff (FYI - a Disney event has been on my bucket list!). I'll keep you posted on what they recommend and how things go, and what events I'm planning to do afterwards.



    "I am not good at running but it has been good to me" - oh do I love this quote! When I trained for a marathon, alot of people said it was a good metaphor for life. I think I'll be digging deep into those experience as I go through this process now.

  • LuvLuLu
    LuvLuLu Member Posts: 377
    edited January 2013

    I'll have to remember that "I am not good at running but it has been good to me" - love it.  There's nothing like that endorphin rush to get you going.

    It's in the 60's here still - after single digits a few days ago - but when I got up for my 8-miler, it was heavy, pelting rains and howling winds.  We took the workout inside for 20 min. HIIT treadmill and legs.

    Too bad the temps are going to drop back tomorrow. Frown

  • SharonLC
    SharonLC Member Posts: 53
    edited January 2013

    Hi lovestorun ... know exactly how you feel ... I was so happy too when I found this thread shortly after my diagnosis, the thought of possibly giving up running was not what I wanted to hear and this thread has been such an encouragement and was just what I needed to get through all of this. Just like Annette47, I am in my second week of radiation. I ran a race the weekend before Lumpectomy (12/6) and ran up until the day before. I was back to running 2 miles, too the first week after and by end of second week ran a long run of 7 miles and added a mile each week after that ... had to buy a high impact sport bra and wore a tight under armour compression shirt also ... the slightest bounce would hurt a bit and I had soreness moving my arm on the surgery side, too but after a few miles, body would adapt to it. After a month I was back on track training for HM training which is now in 2 weeks (pain has subsided, too). Just planning on doing the best that I can ... I did run a 5K 2 weeks ago at a faster time than one I ran in Nov. right after my diagnosis ... so I feel pretty much recovered and I have not been slowed down much from the Lumpectomy or the Radiation treatments ... the best advice I received was do what your body will let you do and get plenty of rest when you need it. I wish you the best! Keep us updated on your treatment plan and runs.

  • Annette47
    Annette47 Member Posts: 957
    edited January 2013

    Despite waking up with laryngitis (my husband oh so generously shared his cold with me) and 30+mph wind gusts I am proud to say I still made it out there this morning before having to go to radiation.   I thought about skipping it, but my dog who is my running partner (3 year old Lab) would have been devastated, LOL.

    Sharon - I had the same experience (pain that subsided after the first mile or two) but have found (rads are making that side a little swollen and tender still/again) that doubling up with two snug sports bras (I have two different models from Champion that I like) keeps the girls strapped in nice and tight.

  • lovestorun
    lovestorun Member Posts: 167
    edited February 2013

    Sharon - thank you and good luck with your half coming up!  And thanks all of for the responses (and advice re: sports bras!).  This site, and you, have been a godsend this week.  I often feel like Alice falling down the rabbit hole. 

  • goldlining
    goldlining Member Posts: 1,178
    edited February 2013

    lovestorun I recommend you check to see if your running store stocks "shock absorber" brand bras. They have nonstretch panels which is the secret to reducing or eliminating jiggle. The model I have is Ultimate Run Bra S5044, and it fit true to size, same as my regular clothing bra, if you want to take a chance and mail-order it. I got mine at a marathon expo in London, where I was visiting and had read that it's the most popular sportsbra brand in UK. If so, it is well deserved. (That link is to their UK site but they do have US and Canadian retailers and websites.)

  • MMTOMH
    MMTOMH Member Posts: 127
    edited February 2013

    You ladies are giving me something to think about...I had BMX and didn't run before BC, so I didn't even really think about support.  My TE are "high and tight" so I just put a regular sports bra on, but I really don't need anyhing.  However...I will have exchange in two months and I'll have to support the new girls! LOL.  

    Anyway, today I switched it up and did some interval training, I guess.  The plan was: 5 min warmup, 4 minutes at 5.0 mph, 8 min at 6.0 mph, and 4 min at 5.0 mph.  I knew I wouldn't be able to do the 6.0 because I usually just run at 4.2-4.5 mph, so even the 5.0 is pushing it.  Well, I ran 4@5.0, 8@4.5, and then 4@5.0...felt AWESOME!  Finally working on speeding things up along with building stamina...yay!

  • SharonLC
    SharonLC Member Posts: 53
    edited February 2013

    Thank you lovestorun!

    Annette47 I hope the swelling and tenderness goes away for you! I'm doing good so far with 8 treatments behnd me ... the countdown continues Smile

    MMTOMH Terrific and great attitude!! You'll get there!!

    Beautiful day yesterday for running ... cool and sunny ... 13 mile run (2hrs 20min), I needed to be able to do the distance before the HM to help me mentally get through it. Legs tightened up quite a bit the last 1.5 so I used the foam roller later that day ... I love it ... muscles released the lactic acid build up and I have no muscle soreness whatsoever this morning ...that's a first. Thank you goldlining and others for that suggestion!!

  • LuvLuLu
    LuvLuLu Member Posts: 377
    edited February 2013

    Sharon, great time!  Your half is coming up soon, no?  Sub 2:30 for you for sure!!!!

    My half isn't until May so I'm not building up yet.  Did my 8 miles this morning.  The weather was actually nice, 20's but no wind and saw the sun come up over the water.  Then hit the gym for back & tris.

    Every morning when I get out of my warm, cozy bed and get ready to meet my running partner for our 5 AM run, I think to myself, "OK, I'm not doing this anymore. It's too much work."  Then I just laugh at myself because as long as I can put one foot in front of the other I'll be out there.  The rewards are so great.  And the feeling of the last half mile towards home is the best.  I remind myself, if I can do this today I can do ANYTHING!

  • lovestorun
    lovestorun Member Posts: 167
    edited February 2013

    I wish this site had like buttons a la facebook : )  Yalls reports are helping so much with positive thinking - keep them coming!     

    Goldlining - thanks for the tip. We have a wonderful running store here in town and I will ask them.  

    Thanks all.  Happy running.

  • MMTOMH
    MMTOMH Member Posts: 127
    edited February 2013

    SharonLC--I don't know what scares me more...13 miles or running for 2 hours 20 min! LOL...maybe someday.  Thanks for the encouragement!  I'm so glad I found this site!

  • SharonLC
    SharonLC Member Posts: 53
    edited February 2013

    Thanks LuvLuLu!! Yes, it's in 2 weeks ... I hope I do break 2:30 ... if the weather stays cool, I think I  should be able to do it.

    MMTOMH My thoughts exactly about 6 months ago ... my friend asked me about doing this race with her last September ... I laughed and said I haven't even done a 5K race, are you kidding? Two weeks later,  after I checked out the website, I told her I would do it and we started to train.  It's been a blessing to have the race to focus on :) I am really loving the long distance running and all the benefits from it!!

  • LovesDogs
    LovesDogs Member Posts: 95
    edited February 2013

    MMTOMH:

    Way to go!  You should be proud of yourself.  Keep it up!

    LovesDogs

  • MMTOMH
    MMTOMH Member Posts: 127
    edited February 2013

    Thanks ladies! 

  • LovesDogs
    LovesDogs Member Posts: 95
    edited February 2013

    Lovestorun - Welcome!  I'd have to say "ditto" to the wonderful advice that Annette47 and goldlining gave you.  I was able to continue running after surgeries, during chemo and radiation.  It helped me keep up a positive attitude and was a definite mood stabilizer. 

    I have a good website that I ordered a foam roller from www.fwonline.com - I ordered the "Cando", 36", full round.  I use it daily to roll out my legs and IT band.

    I signed up for a series of 6 races called "The Distance Challenge" and I've finished 5 of the 6 (10k, 10 mile, 1/2 marathon, 1/2 marathon, 10k, 1/2 marathon).  The last half marathon is the Livestrong on Feb. 17. 

    I'm just thankful every day that I am feeling well and able to run!

    LovesDogs 

  • NatsFan
    NatsFan Member Posts: 3,745
    edited February 2013

    Still hanging in there with my HM training - I have my schedule posted on my wall - it's great fun crossing off every day when I finish doing what's scheduled for today.  Sunday is my "long run" day - I'm up to 5 miles.  Ran it yesterday in light snow - very pretty.

    I did my best to exercise during chemo, and was able to manage it for the first few treatments.  But by the end it was all I could do to drag myself to work and back (I worked full time during chemo).  I did as much exercise as I could, but some days I could only manage a slow walk to the corner and back, and there were even some days when I was unable to manage that.  But 2 weeks after my final treatment I started a gentle yoga class and hopped back on the elliptical.  That first class I managed only a handful of poses and had to rest most of the time.  On the elliptical I only lasted 5 minutes and was going so slowly the machine kept blipping off.  But it was a start.  Slowly but surely my conditioning came back.  My recommendation would be to do as much as you are able as it will help you, but if fatigue or other s/e hit you hard, then respect your body's need to conserve energy to deal with being poisoned or burned. 

    Anyone listen to audiobooks while running?  I use Nike Running+ to track my runs, and have been listening to music.  But just for fun I treated myself to a book.  I tested out listening for the first time yesterday and I enjoyed it - I was so absorbed in the book that the miles just flew past. 


  • firstcall
    firstcall Member Posts: 499
    edited February 2013

    NatsFan - I think audiobooks is a good idea.   I subscribe to a service that records excellent medical lectures from around the country, and alternate them with my favorite music.  It works out well, and I feel good about double tasking. 

  • MMTOMH
    MMTOMH Member Posts: 127
    edited February 2013

    NatsFan-I thought about doing the audiobook thing, haven't tried it yet.  Read somewhere that you shouldn't listen to music or books because it distracts you!  I was like "uh, yeah, that's the whole point!" Lol.  

    I ran for a solid 28 minutes today...2 1/2 miles...yay!

  • Goodie
    Goodie Member Posts: 244
    edited February 2013

    Hi Ladies!  You all are such an inspiration.  I started interval jogging/walking in the fall.  I walk a lot - every morning with my golden retriever for at least 2 miles but Drs. said (both oncologist and my family doctor) I need to up it so I started jogging/walking too 3 days a week.  I'm not as consistent with this cold weather but my DD bought me some earcuffs that have headphones in them.  Love them.  Today I jogged 26 minutes and walked 10.  I think I actually jogged a little over 2 miles.

    Thank you so much for talking about the foam rollers.  I bought two; the regular one and a textured one.  I found them at Target.  I absolutely love them.  They are awesome for my back!  They also came with a dvd too but I haven't watched it yet!  I will soon though.  Thank you again!

  • NatsFan
    NatsFan Member Posts: 3,745
    edited February 2013

    MM - I'm with you - distract me all you can!!! Goodie - that's exactly how I started.  I did a lot of walking through my neighborhood, and just for fun one day decided to jog to the next driveway.  I felt fine, so I walked for a couple of driveways, then jogged to the next one.  Soon I was jogging for two driveways, and walking for one, then jogging for 3 driveways and walking for one. Not exactly a fancy training plan, but it worked for me.   

    For all the experienced HM and marathon runners out there - my marathoner and IronMan mentors both recommended gels.  My long runs are starting to get into the hour+ range now, so I think now's the time to start experimenting.  Both mentors stressed finding out one that works for me and getting my system used to it during training.  Both had hideous stories of trying something new on race day and finding out that their systems didn't tolerate it! Surprised

    Any gel recommendations?  I've been doing a little reading and think a low or no caffeine one would be better for me - I'm hypersensitive to caffeine - I can't even have a caffeinated soda after 12pm or I'm up buzzing all night.  If I dare to have a Starbucks or Caribou coffee - even a half-caff - I get lightheaded and a little dizzy, and actually see little white lights in my field of vision for a few hours.  Something tells me that would not be a good thing to happen during my HM!  Tongue Out

  • lovestorun
    lovestorun Member Posts: 167
    edited February 2013

    Goodie - run walk is a great way to start! It's how I got mine many years ago.   Jeff Gallway (sp?) has some very good programs if you get the bug.

    NatsFan - I've done a fair bit of distance running (6 half marathons, 2 fulls, and no I'm not particularly fast, just stubborn) pre-diagnosis; I've not done anything since (it's only been a week).  "no new is the good new" is very solid advice for race day.  Now's the time to start experimenting with gels / hydration, clothing, socks etc. so that you figure out what works for you.  Keep a journal if you can, and remember that if you have a bad training run, it's another experience to put in your proverbial hip pocket for race day.  They happen.  They are frustrating, but you'll know better how to course correct if something doesn't go as planned.

    Re: gels, I've been a huge fan of Hammer brand gels, but it really comes down to what your digestive system can tolerate.  I don't do the ones with caffeine, my system just can't handle them.  I'm also a fan of NUUN hydration for most runs; they don't have sugar and are an aquired taste; they are tablets that you dissolve in water. I only drink Gatorade or Powerade on training runs if it's a really long run or it's really hot out, and I need the sugar boost.

    I take my gels about 50-minutes to an hour once I'minto a run; I don't do them before.  My stomach can't tolerate an entire gel pack at once, so I usually do about half to 3/4 with some sips of water.  I just roll them up and put them in my pocket and they don't drip or come undone.  Post long run, try to get some nutrition into your system w/i about 20 minutes of your long run. It will help with recovery.  Feel free to pm me with any questions you have - I'm no expert but I do love running and what it's brought to my life so far, plus the "normal" talk will be good!  

  • Annette47
    Annette47 Member Posts: 957
    edited February 2013

    You guys are making me want to try some longer runs!   Of course, I'll have to get over this darn bronchitis that I've come down with which has kept me from running for a week now Yell.    I'm hoping to be recovered enough by this weekend to try to at least run a little bit even if I have to walk some as well.

  • goldlining
    goldlining Member Posts: 1,178
    edited February 2013

    For nutrition, I use the Clif Shot Blox because the chewing is an interesting distraction :-)

    I usually start about an hour into a run, and have a block every 15 minutes or so rather than half a package at once. I time them to the water stations so I don't have to have as much water with me. If I start to feel hungry, I will just go ahead and have another even if before 15 minutes. At the same time, I will have gatorade and water at the water stations until I start the blox, and then reduce gatorade to every other one (or less if tummy starts to feel squicky).

    The music and audio book distraction is probably just one negative about being deaf. Generally I love it, and never more than on an airplane full of babies, but I find training can be boring and I need things to distract me. Running down main streets and looking at store windows will work, but not running through the park and looking at trees zzz. I think this is why I can haul off and finish a half marathon despite lack of training, because there is so much visual stimulation, I barely notice the time. 

    Right now, I am just weaning off the decongestants from that 2-week cold everyone is getting, but it is very deep snow out there and going to the gym and hitting the street are both out of the question. Husband took 2 hours to streetcar/subway 7km this morning. I have a snow day and can't get myself working either. Bla. 

  • NatsFan
    NatsFan Member Posts: 3,745
    edited February 2013

    Thanks everyone!  I have a $25 gift certificate to my local running store - I may use it to buy a few nutrition gels and bars to start trying out.  Gold - LOL on not hearing the airplane full of babies!  Hoping for a speedy recovery for Gold, Annette, and everyone else who is ailing.  Be safe everyone in the northeast!

  • groovygirls
    groovygirls Member Posts: 223
    edited February 2013

    Hi everyone-

    I have been lurking and not posting. Lots of new faces and adventure!

    I have been trying to be more consistant with running since Disney. I committed myself to running the Boston Marathon- 66 days away! I am so super excited- this has been something I have always wanted to do. I am running for a charity- I will never be able to BQ. I will be the one dressed as a panda crossing the finish line last! (running for the Franklin Park zoo!) 1/2 marathon distance for this weekend!

  • SharonLC
    SharonLC Member Posts: 53
    edited February 2013

    I hope everyone faired well with the bad weather and are able to get outside and run again soon Smile

    Great information/advise on the nutrition/gels/drinks for long runs from everyone. I haven't tried any of it and with my HM race being this weekend, I will wait until afterwards to start experimenting. My first 5k race I accidentally drank Gatorade instead of water and immediately cramped up. Just been drinking plain ole H2O, but am interested in trying some of that out for future long races. 

    I've completed 14 radiation treatments ... started to get red/itchy toward the end of last week ... no fatigue but I am more tired at night than I normally am ... none of it has effected running. I ran a 5k this past weekend, husband ran his first 5K with me and daughters ran the 1 mile fun run ...  we had lots of fun and all ran PRs ... the race was Run for the Cookies ... Girl Scout Cookies ... so we have had no problem overly replenishing our calorie loss with yummy cookies.

    Firstcall and Lovedogs ... I hope you both run great HM races this weekend!

    Happy Running Everyone!

  • groovygirls
    groovygirls Member Posts: 223
    edited February 2013

    May 26th I am also doing Boston's Run to Remember. I am running for the Alzheimers Association and in memory of my dad who died with this horrible disease 12/1/12

Categories