2014 Running Thread

Awesome job on your runs this week and last week. 

I had my 3rd surgery yesterday and Xoft radiation. I was the first patient under 40 to do this type. I'm on cloud nine. Be a addvocate for your care. I'm thinking of doing the bra on outside of shirt this week.  Going to start my 10K training next week, but at least try for a mile tomorrow. I'm a little sore, swollen, boob on fire today. Thank you for all the support.  

Hello everyone.  I am up in CT.  I am excited that I found this board.  It is nice to be in the company of some many women that keep running despite the long journey.  Most of my family is worried that I want to keep running.  They try, but don't really understand my desire to stay in control of something while I wage the war against cancer.  

I used running in the year before my diagnosis to loose 25+ lbs.  I had a lumpectomy on 12/23 and was diagnosed on 12/27.  My husband wrapped a wide ace bandage around me over my sports bra on 12/29 and I ran a slow 2 miler.  My surgeon said that it just helped prove his theory that runner's are a little crazy (he rides a bicycle for exercise), but I had to do something with all of the nervous energy.  I am currently 1/3 of the way through a 33 treatment course of radiation.  I am already swelling and experiencing discomfort.  But, I have promised myself that I will not let this diagnosis gain weight, even though I have always been a stress eater.  I just ran an 8 mile run last Sunday and my goal is to run the Cheshire, CT half marathon on 4/27/14.  Hoping to also do a Leprechaun 5k in Madison, CT on 3/23/14 and the Jamestown Bridge 10k in Rhode Island on 4/6/14 as part of my training.  So far, the hardest part is finding a comfortable way to keep the girls from bouncing while I run.  It seems hard when I have to resort to the dreadmill because of the weather.

StillRunning, I absolutely salute you!  You ran two miles only 6 days after your lumpectomy--you ARE a little crazy!  But I totally get it, and I'm sure you'll have lots of company on this thread.  Running is such a help.  The best part of it for me is that it gives me a detailed orientation toward the future that is all positive.  Looks as though you're doing the same, thinking about races you want to run over the next several months.  How could a family want someone not to do that?!  Congrats on getting 1/3 of the way through rads too.  I hope it goes easy on you.  I'm sure lots of people have said to eat plenty of good protein and drink lots of water, and give yourself time to be tired if you can.  I was pleasantly surprised, didn't have much fatigue or skin trouble at all, but there's a big range.  Is your radiation center far away from you?  

FairyDog, congrats on getting through your surgery!  Hope your skin doesn't mind if you need to run a little.  Put that bra wherever you want!  Oncearunner, so glad to hear your skin is healing up.  

Princessrn, I did look at the Hal Higdon training plans, thanks. They look sort of intense to me, even the beginner ones.  I guess I will stick with the Marathoning for Mortals plan. 

Rdrunner, great time, wow!  I would love to crack two hours for a half.  

Odie, I've never done an obstacle race.  What kind of obstacles will it have?  Sweetandspecial, big bummer about the Dirty Girl.

All you people who are running outdoors in this madness are really impressive.  Give me my treadmill all the way until it tops 40 degrees and good footing.  Could be a while!  Sandpiper, I loved the quote and the video, thanks!

Running is my therapy...which makes the forced time off so much harder especially when you need it the most.

I signed up for the Disney Wine & Dine 13.1 (11/8)..the race sold out in less than 24 hrs, crazy! Thank you Goldlining again for the tips...I figure the dark won't be an issue because I'm used to running at 5:15am in the morning but with the 10pm start I'm going to be sleepy without some serious caffine:)

Hoping to get a run in the morning. We have had lots of snow...again, so waiting for the streets to dry out.

Hope everyone is having a good week:)

ooooh Buffs, I'm in love with them. I started buying them last summer to cover my bald head without having the heat of a cap. The worst is they keep coming out with new patterns... 

This winter I've been using both the polar Buff (regular buff with an additional piece of polar fleece) on my head and a merino wool one around my neck. I love the versatility they offered and will probably continue to offer for a couple of weeks.

Hi all!

Just finished the SD Half, first time running any distance since diagnosis. As a matter of fact, I had my mammogram where they discovered the cancer one year ago.

Great race and although I was slower than normal, and felt like maybe it was the first half I have ever run (which it was not, I've run quite a few) AND I had to walk up the hill at mile nine, I am so happy and yes, proud that I did it and finished it, despite the fact that it was quite warm.

Dare I say that I am finally feeling like maybe this nightmare is behind me? Running is so life affirming. 

Thank you all for the inspiration this board provides!

Me, second from left!

Hooray Donnabelle! And Aloha75, 5 miles in warm temps too! I envy the both of you!

I did the dreadmill today for the first time since the stupid flu in January. My daughter (18) wants in on the inaugural runDisney Avengers Half so she has to show commitment to training before I spend the money to sign her up, and she joined me at the Y today, walking because she needs a new pair of shoes to run and she was boring my larger shoes. She was frittering around until the TV treadmill was freed up then the Big Bang Theory came on and she plugged in her headphones and the time flew for her. I planned to go 40 minutes, but ended up 1:15 waiting to make sure she did her 35! It will be nice to run it with her if she keeps up her end of the bargain.

Wednesday is my surgery for DIEP revision so I'm glad I got some endorphins stored up today.

Congrats Donnabelle! Great picture. Funny what a difference a year makes. 

Wishing you the best Wednesday Goldlining.

Running 3.5 miles twice a week as preparation for my first 5k next month but am open to any other suggestions....

This does seem like a great place to be. My first post on this thread. At 3 months post-op, I'm trying to get back to pre diagnosis form. Seems I am awfully SLOW! Part of me says to let go of timing, think about & be grateful for what I can do, stretch out the distance when I can. But another part of me really wants to know if most of you come back so much slower than before. (as in 2 minutes/mile slower, unless I'm only running 2 or 3) And I hate to ask, but I'm older . . .  so, does age matter?

Thanks, Aloha!! I'm sorry, but I guess there is comfort in knowing I'm not the only one who lost speed. I, too, was hitting PRs last season. Have gained about 6 also, but not sure I can blame that on anything other than lack of willpower. I was using the 5-2 diet (also known as the fast diet) 3 - 4 months before surgery and was finally happy about my weight. Am using that again and hoping to get this 6 off. I've never been patient, but I tell myself I'm not too old to learn that trait! Thanks again!!

I had to look up the 5-2 diet...sounds interesting and always good to hear testimonials of it actually working. I found by eating less and running more that I had really good success with weight loss last year and I know that also helped with the faster running times. I contribute my weight gain to 20% lack of will power and 80% to not working out for 2 months but eating a similar amount of calories. So I'm really hoping as I am able to increase my workouts that the weight will start to come off. I really need to add back the strength training/crosssfit.

Oncearunner- a 10K this weekend sounds really impressive after that radiation treatment you had to endure...you go girl:) Thanks for giving us hope about the speed returning.

Goldlining, good luck tomorrow!

JaMan, I am quite a bit slower now. I think our bodies have been through a lot of insults and traumas, and we should not expect to come back 100% right away. Sure it's kind of depressing to be slower, but think how strong you are to get out there and get back on the road after what you have gone through, when there are millions of people who never had cancer sitting in front of their TVs. That makes all of us unique, strong and focused. Let's be proud!

Oncearunner, have a great 10K. You are a real warrior getting out there so soon!

Everyday we run is a good day.  There are plenty of really healthy people sitting on the couch!  Slower does not matter, every mile is a good one, fast or slow!  BRAVA ladies.  And Donnabelle....fabulous work!!

Thank you all, wonderful runners, for the congrats and affirmations  

Race or not, 10k is impressive Once.  Enjoy the time with your friends!

Goldlining - I hope the weather did not interfere with your surgery.  I also hope you have a speedy recovery!

JaMan - was have done a few sprint triathlons and was ready to train for a early May triathlon out on Cape Cod when I was told that I could not swim during radiation treatments.  I was thinking that being in the water and the arm motion for swimming would be a good way to stretch and relax, but they are worried about the chlorine and the bacteria in the pool at the YMCA where I swim.  I have completed 17/33 as of today.  Swimming is my weakest leg of the triathlon, so I know I will not be ready for May.  But, I will see how long it takes my skin to rebound after the radiation treatments and pick a different triathlon to work towards.