2013 Running Thread

Hope this link works

http://www.boston.com/names/2013/03/14/bill-rodgers-visits-zoo-new-england-marathon-team/UYmvKsj13LCdY4skneEWxK/story.html

Hi ladies.  I'm not a serious runner.  Actually someone who was a brisk walker (as part of a exercise regimen) that got to the point of needing more physical exertion.  Needless to say, this one-time running hater got hooked.  I've been off any exercise routine for a while now (stress, surgery), and would like to get back into running.  Had a mx Feb. 25 w/TE.  Feeling really good now, but they haven't started filling the TE yet so that could change (waiting for the incisions to heal; will start in two weeks), and chemo is still on the table (will be figuring out if that's the next step at my surgeon/oncologist appt. in three weeks).  So, if anyone can share some insights on how to get back into things, and if it's OK (realistic?) to get back into my normal exercise routine (I'd run 3-5x/week) while going through TE (that's probably a yes), and chemo, I'd really appreciate it.

Welcome ReneeinOH to the happiest thread on BCO. Several TE people here (not me) probably can recap the recovery timelines, but my first vote is back to your old friend, walking, as much as you can stand, while you're waiting to be able to handle the jiggle. Second vote is for a superduper sportsbra (we've had a lot of discussions about that - my fave is Shock Absorber). Third vote, enjoy as much vicarious running here on the forum as you need to get your fix!

I will be thinking warm and dry thoughts for you, Annette47. Our forecast here is for 32F and flurries in the morning. I think my weekend running will be under a roof. I guess just as well I didn't register for Sunday's St. Pat's run with the unseasonable cold so close to the first day of Spring. 

Your post made me smile goldlining! PS did say to wait a month and start at 1/2 my normal pace (which, given I've been off for so long, is probably all I could do at this point).  Glad we're headed into spring--looking forward to enjoying the nicer weather, but we have to take the bad with the good.  Hope it's not too late to send nice weather vibes for you Annette!

Welcome to Renee and norainnorainnorainnorain for Annette!  Glad you're feeling at least a little better, Sharon. 

My hip is still a bit tender, but really, my fall was nothing.  I finally connected with my local track club for one of their group long runs this morning . . . 12 miles, 9:30ish pace, made much easier by the company. 

I'll be out cheering for the NYC Half Marathon runners tomorrow rain or shine.  Really excited about seeing Meb Keflezighi (even if only for a second as he zooms by); I've heard him speak, and he comes across as a terrific guy, classy, very humble, with a really inspiring story.  Plus Bernard Lagat making his half marathon debut!  And Kim Smith on the women's side!   And more Olympians than you can shake a stick at! 

That's always struck me as one of the cool things about running, how easy it is to see the best in the world compete, and how approachable many of them are. 

(Edited to add: just checked online and discovered that Meb is out of the race with a calf issue.  He's trying to stay healthy for the Boston Marathon so that he can run with Roan, groovygirls, and firstcall.)

Linda

It's been COLD and my dearly beloved treadmill gave its last gasp and died (!) 29 nine days until my big day! It had a good life and I will miss it dearly. Every extra penny is going into the amount I need to raise for the marathon so maybe in a few months a new treadmill but then the weather will be nice and I won't need it.

Since I am running for the zoo I am going to be dressed as a snow leopard! Running skirts has a skirt and sleeves in snow leopard pattern and I can be creative with the rest.

I am beyond excited for this- the Boston marathon has been high on my bucket list- nothing like a cancer diagnosis to do the things I have always wanted to do.

OK, there is something to this Galloway thing about walk breaks.  Ran a St Pat's 5K Saturday morning.  Just before the water stop at the half way point, there was a long hill and I was tired when I got to the top. So I decided to take a break and walk through the water stop - about 30 seconds.  I got going again and couldn't believe how good I felt!  Then at the 2.5 mile point, there was a short but very steep hill.  I decided to give myself another quick break and walk up that hill.  Again, I felt wonderful after only about a 30 second walk break.  I ended up setting a new PR for a 5K race!  OK, I'm still slow, but I shaved about 15 seconds off my previous best per mile pace and finished with a sub-12 pace for the first time ever in a race. 

It's still incredibly counter-intuitive to me that taking walk breaks can help my speed, but I can't argue with the results.  Thanks for everyone's support and ideas - you all are a fabulous source of information and inspiration for this running newbie.

Groovy - love the idea of running as a snow leopard!  Adey - you go girl - love your stubborness!

So I guess this tells me how important running is relative to other stuff....just put off a revision of my DIEP by four months to get through my racing season......

Slow and steady wins the race!  That's a thing, right?  Congrats.  (c:

Wish I could say I love to run.......

Hey 301724, that is the reason I am postponing my DIEP revision too! It's been 15 months and counting!!

In fact, I put off the initial lumpectomy to get the Disneyland Half in (it was DCIS, no medical objections) and put off the DIEP to do the next Disneyland Half. It ended up being quite a bit later than when I hoped it would be, and the Tinker Bell Half ended up being only 6 weeks after it, but there's no way I'd cancel.

But I am booked to run the Disneyland Half in Sept and WDW again in November. I could do the DIEP revision in summer, perhaps but that's peak training outdoor season... So maybe Jan/Feb... Sure, I'm lopsided, but nobody will notice when I am moving that fast!

Great to read everyone's updates! I did 5K on the dreadmill, started out strong running for over half of it, but got bored and couldn't keep the form so mixed run and walk. It's way too cold outside here for wimps like me yet.

Yay, Natsfan, on your 5K PR!!  Taking those first running steps again is hard to do ... Annette and Lovestorun ... happy for both of you and Addey good to have you back on the thread, keep those C25K postings coming!

Welcome to sandpiper1 ... my husband was a brisk walker for a year and against running ... this year, he decided to try since the rest of us (me and our daughters 7 & 11) were enjoying running and doing races ... needless to say, since he was walking briskly already, he jumped straight into running 3 miles and has ran a few 5K's already this year and is now shooting for a 10K ... he's addicted, too ... you may get addicted like the rest of us on this thread ... have fun with it! I was "on the couch" and started with C25K last May ... in February I ran my first HM using Galloway's run/walk training method. Since you are a brisk walker already, you will probably breeze through the C25K program. Check out Galloway's method online after that ... I hope you enjoy it ...  keep on posting!

Has anyone on this thread been able to stay on Tamoxifen long term? Just started on Tamoxifen last Monday.  I know a lot of people that have stopped taking it due to SE. There are others on this thread that are about to start ... any encouragement out there for Tamoxifen? After a week, I am doing well so far. For those that had SE, how long before you noticed it?

Thank you, Sharon

Sharon, I can also offer encouragement on Tamoxifen.  I was on it for three years before my onc switched me over to Arimidex.  My side effects, as far as I could tell, were minimal.  (I put that "as far as I could tell" in there because I think it's hard to sort out the effects of the drug from the lingering effects of other treatments, chemopause, and just plain getting older.)  I noticed increased stiffness, occasional (fairly mild) hot flashes, and this weird kind of vaginal flatulence (fortunately VERY occasional, but embarrassing as hell when it happened).  I gained a little bit of weight and am finding it very hard to shed.  

All in all, tamoxifen was a very do-able drug for me, and I wasn't thrilled about the switch to arimidex; I was afraid AIs would be harder.  Pleased to report that hasn't been the case -- so far so good, and I've been on it a year and a half now.  So yeah, while I know a lot of women who really struggle on these drugs, don't assume that you will.  The fact that you're doing OK so far is a great sign!

LuvLuLu, you hit on one of my pet peeves: being called "honey" (or "sweetie") by medical personnel.  God, do I hate that!!  So freaking condescending.

Linda

Firstcall, you have a great attitude -- but still, THIS SUCKS!!

I've never heard of shingles on the bottom of the foot -- mainly on the legs.  Is it excruciatingly painful?  It sounds like it would be awful.  I'm amazed you were able to run . . . that says a lot about your commitment (or your insanity ).

I hope this resolves quickly, as in, tomorrow.

Linda

oh my goodness! Wishing you a speedy recovery firstcall.

My husband had shingles on his back, after taking valtrex it was gone within a week. 

I am signed up to do a ToughMudder in PA this June. Going through radiation right now #7/28... I was running 18miles/week before I started, but I am afriad to run through the radiation because my skin is already getting pretty irritated from treatment. Any advice on powders or sports bras to help with this? Have any of you been able to run throughout radiation? 

To paraphrase Dorie from "Finding Nemo".. Just keep running, just keep running