2014 Running Thread

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  • thegoddessjen
    thegoddessjen Member Posts: 13
    edited March 2014

    HI all.  Not a marathon runner by any means, I ran my first 5k last July 6 (ColorVibe).  Hoping to run the Zombie Invasion at my local park district on Sept 20, 2014 and maybe one other 5k I haven't picked yet.  

    My surgery was 1/14/2014.  I am on 12/33 rad therapy now, not many bad SE.  I'm very slow getting back up on that exercise horse though.  Typically try to do 7 mi per week when training for 5k by parceling out 2 mi, 3m and 4 mi runs.  Weather in IL sucks though and hate running on indoor rubber track - so BORING. 

    Maybe I missed this discussion in earlier pages but what about favorite playlists for your run?  I prefer to run with an IPOD.

    Also a barefoot style runner (I wear Vibrams) - anyone else?

    Glad to see that there are others to whom it is important to keep up the running even through this devastating experience.

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  • RunFree16
    RunFree16 Member Posts: 856
    edited March 2014

    thegoddessjen, thank you for asking about playlists!  I am always looking for good new running music.  I tend to stick with my comfortable old favorites (Best of 1984!).  Not a barefoot runner though.

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  • Aloha75
    Aloha75 Member Posts: 21
    edited March 2014

    Runfree-I was doing crossfit before dx in July and then had to take a break during all the biopsies and then picked it up again prior to sx, but nothing since...I talked to my PS and he says I should be able to go back to it all after the exchange surgery but wait about a couple of weeks and go slowly. The whole lymphoma thing seriously freaks me out and I guess I will always be more cautious now but I watched this you tube video from Kettering Sloan that helped, www.youtube.com/watch?v=W7cFB78EWVk

    Goldlining-Hope things went smoothly for you today!

    JaMan-I swim too. I will begin training for my half ironman swim, 1.2 miles in June, after I have fully healed from exchange surgery. 

    thegoddessjen- welcome:) no ipod or vibrams for me but I read the book Born to Run that highlighted running more "naturally"...great book and ideas but since I'm running on asphalt most of the time I'll keep my Asics GT-1000:) I'm always impressed at races though with the vibram and even barefoot runners out there.

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  • lovestorun
    lovestorun Member Posts: 167
    edited March 2014

    Gold, hoping things went well today!

    Stillrunning - my radiation onc approved of spending time in the pool, so if you feel strongly about it I would ask again.   I did  some pool running (not swimming) at the beginning of radiation before things got too ouchy. I just gooped on a vat of aquaphor and hopped right in. If your skin is peeling or broken though, maybe they want you to wait for that to heal?

    Someone earlier asked about pacing.  Returning to running again after radiation for me was a lot of 'hurry up slowly' as they say.  Some of it was physical - my body was tired and healing.  Some of it was mental / spiritual - until then, running had become my coat of armor and suddenly there was this big chink in it.  I had to redefine my relationship with running. 

    I did a fair bit of running minutes not miles in the beginning and left the Garmin at home.  It worked for me.  There was no magic moment when I went into a phone booth and came out like Deena Kaster with a cape -- getting back in shape and enjoying running again was more of a gradual process.  There were challenging runs and there were good runs, and slowly the ratio of one to the other returned to its pre-diagnosis state.  PRd at a half 6 months out from the end of radiation.  It was the first distance event I've ever run relaxed. (I still haven't found Deena Kaster.)  I am 46. 

    I will say that I did not have chemotherapy or MX, which made my healing time shorter than it otherwise would have been.  I've been lucky with Tamoxifen and my joints are still cooperating; I'm grateful for that. 

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  • Aloha75
    Aloha75 Member Posts: 21
    edited March 2014

    Kayb-Thanks! I didn't like how it posted but wasn't having success with creating the link.

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  • JaMan
    JaMan Member Posts: 6
    edited March 2014

    You are all so inspirational. Thanks so much! Pace - age - swim info - all of it. I'm 61, so I'm doubting you'd want my playlist. LOL

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  • pat01
    pat01 Member Posts: 1,005
    edited March 2014

    Thanks for the video link - very good! 

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  • Jenwith4kids
    Jenwith4kids Member Posts: 635
    edited March 2014

    I am joining this thread because I WILL run through chemo.  

    Does that sound convincing enough?  I don't race often, and when I do it is just because (I do have three half marathons under my belt). I'm slow but steady and quite reliable (when I have a buddy to run with).

    Have only been out a few times since my dx in January - mostly due to cold and ice since I like to go first thing in the am, but also because things moved pretty fast and my surgery was on 2/14.

    I've gotten out to walk since surgery, but only for short walks - gorgeous weather the other day had me do a longer walk and then I was on the couch to recover for an hour!

    PT started this week, I had a BMX with an ALND....PT two days in a row wiped me out!  Any way, all other appointments should be properly spaced. I'm just glad to have the exercise routine.

    So...have no idea what to expect running wise over the next 16-18 weeks as I do chemo. I assume I will do what I can and I am very glad that winter is almost over (though it is freezing today!)

    Happy to join you all!  

    Jen

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  • sweetandspecial
    sweetandspecial Member Posts: 1,707
    edited March 2014

    I don't run much but would like to do more, and I MUST have music when I run.  I have an older IPOD and try to find music with a minimum of 160 or so beats per minute.  Would like to get a little faster so will be finding some 170+ bpm tunes.  I was born in 1961 so I'm a 60's and 70's music fan.....rock on!

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  • goldlining
    goldlining Member Posts: 1,178
    edited March 2014

    Hello!

    I am out the other side and no running for a bit. My hips feel surprisingly like someone has carved bits off them with a sharp knife but thankfully my foobs don't feel anything. They are covered in clear plastic dressings and I can see by the oozing they were cut up too. Shape and size looks pretty good. If I can hold off on infections (will be a first for me), it should be good. I should be down to the size of the more aerodynamic smaller side which should be a B, so a new running bra for me! 

    They picked a good day for it - the band of snow hit Toronto just after we parked at the hospital at 7:45 am and had abated by the time they discharged me at 9pm. I was out from noon My short stay room was on the 18th floor so the wall of white covered a great view (of, among many other things, my campus). Cold today but tucked into bed (I worked all day, among other things hassling over getting sick pay -- seriously, I am WORKING, so why do I have to justify getting SICK pay? Because in the space of the next two weeks, I will miss six hours of lecturing. I'm just so lazy and faking to get out of work!! No wonder I see a shrink for post traumatic stress from my HR department, not from BC!) Tomorrow is supposed to warm up some so I may open the curtains a bit!

    Loving the run updates!

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  • Donnabelle
    Donnabelle Member Posts: 198
    edited March 2014

    Goldlining, glad to hear that things went well. Hope the healing is quick and uneventful.

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  • RunFree16
    RunFree16 Member Posts: 856
    edited March 2014

    Congratulations, Goldlining!  I hope soon you're not sore anywhere.  I've always thought a B cup is a great size.  That's pretty obnoxious about your HR department.  Goodness gracious, what will they think of next to torment you?!

    Sweetandspecial, I was born in 1963 so I bet your music is my music.  I like it to have about that many beats per minute too, but that narrows down the choices for sure.

    Jenwith4kids, we will support your insistence on running through chemo, exactly the amount you feel you want to run!  When do you start? 

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  • Jenwith4kids
    Jenwith4kids Member Posts: 635
    edited March 2014

    I am choosing my oncologist tomorrow...I assume I will be starting in the next two weeks or so.  

    I still don't feel confident enough to actually run, and more snow is in the forecast....UGH....anyway, here's hoping to get started soon enough.  

    Thanks for the support! Happy to be part of the group. 

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  • thegoddessjen
    thegoddessjen Member Posts: 13
    edited March 2014

    Aloha - my closed shoes are Asics.  I love them but they don't beat the Vibrams.  I am an asphalt runner too.  You can do it but it takes a lot of time to adjust your foot and calves and gait to Vibrams.  All of those tendons and calf muscles that are used to padded assistance have to learn to hold their own. :)  And also I don't do great distances.  I did read Born to Run.  It was fascinating but there are some cardiac risks for those of the ultramarathon extreme running persuasion.  

    My favorite running book is actually The Nonrunner's Marathon Guide for Women:Get off Your Butt and On with Your Training http://www.amazon.com/The-Nonrunners-Marathon-Guide-Women/dp/1580052053.  I still didn't get to a marathon but I got to a 5k.

    My playlist currently consists of a mix of stuff that is relatively fast - some White Stripes, Christina Aguilera's "Fighter", Kelly Clarkson's "Walk Away", Pink's "18 Wheeler", several things from Black Eyed Peas (Pump It),  Sheryl Crow's "Real Gone, Rascal Flatt's "Life Is a Highway", etc  I have to have things that are motivational and pounding.  

    I have some 70s and 80s too.  What are you using from 1984 RunFree? anyone else?  I tried some Michael Jackson on my mix and I do have Sheila E's Glamorous Life but the startup is too slow most days (although who knows - when I get back out there in a couple weeks it might fit lol).

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  • quiltrunner
    quiltrunner Member Posts: 101
    edited March 2014

    Jenwith4Kids, I wanted to pop in and tell you about my experience with running through chemo and rads.  I too really thought I'd be able to keep up the same active pace all through treatment but what I found is when my blood counts dropped (especially reds) I just didn't have the energy and got so short of breath.  But, I still tried to keep moving.  I've finished 2 halfs since I finished treatment in May of 2013.  They weren't pretty but it felt good to be back at it!  I've done about 8 halfs and the 2 post treatment were the slowest but the most meaningful to me.  I like to blame my ridiculously slow pace on chemo and rads but the fact of the matter is I'm older and fatter now too.  The tamoxifen hasn't been kind to my joints either - again it's easy to blame the tamoxifen but I am older and fatter - neither of which is great for the joints.  Have I mentioned I'm older and fatter? (:   You are starting your treatment at a good season with the weather getting better so you can exercise outdoors without worrying about germs in the gym when your resistance to infection is low.  I hope you get out there and kick some asphalt while you are kicking cancer!!!  Best of luck to you!!

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  • Jenwith4kids
    Jenwith4kids Member Posts: 635
    edited March 2014

    quiltrunner, I love you!  

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  • odie16
    odie16 Member Posts: 1,882
    edited March 2014

    Wanted to wish Aloha, Natsfan and lovestorun great runs tomorrow. 

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  • goldlining
    goldlining Member Posts: 1,178
    edited March 2014

    Happy pi day (3-14) and excellent runs this weekend, from the Shamrock runs to the Half!

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  • lovestorun
    lovestorun Member Posts: 167
    edited March 2014

    Thanks odie & gold.  Yes we had pie on Friday evening (nice way to get some carbs!).  Half was fun; not my best, not my worst. Nice course but for one very steep hill, friendly runners, great spectators.  And then some fun sightseeing in DC while the weather was nice.   Not too bad at all.  Nope, not at all.

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  • ChristyJ
    ChristyJ Member Posts: 54
    edited March 2014

    I'm supposed to run the Lake Placid Half Marathon 6/8.

    I had a surgical biopsy on 3/6 (deep in my left breast, against my chest wall), and my doctor doesn't want me running until I see him again 4/14. My mass was benign, but they found LCIS, so my head is still spinning with the next steps.

    I've been given the okay to walk in the meantime.  That cuts my training down to 8 weeks.  This will be the 4th half marathon I've run, so I think I can still do it.  I was running up to 6 miles prior to my surgery, and I do the Galloway run/walk method.  My original goal was to run this to beat my time from last year, but now I'm thinking my goal may be to celebrate that the mass they removed was benign and prove to myself that I'm strong.

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  • goldlining
    goldlining Member Posts: 1,178
    edited March 2014

    Welcome ChristyJ! That is absolutely the running thread approach! Run to celebrate! There will be time for speed. Through this adventure, I have discovered that I can haul off and do a half on no training to speak of if I let go of speed expectations. As long as I can walk that far, there's enough medals for everyone and I deserve one. Thinking of you and the LCIS decisions ahead.

    Today, I decided to shower, rather than sponge bath, and see what happened to my dressings. Dressings dried really quick, bt I was shocked to see bruises my entire left side: shoulder, arm, hip, thigh. I think they dropped me while I was asleep. No wonder one of my dog ear incisions was like a cantaloupe. Those incisions (both sides) smart but not particularly painful. All seems on track, and hoping to be okayed to fast-walk and get an estimated time to run again after checkup on 25th. And, ooh, to get a new running bra (I window shopped today. No limited edition colours out now. Maybe at the spring marathon expos?)

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  • RunFree16
    RunFree16 Member Posts: 856
    edited March 2014

    ChristyJ, sorry about your diagnosis.  Do you know yet what the course of action on the LCIS might be?  I think Goldlining is exactly right, and I think your instincts about your abilities are also correct.  It might not be your fastest half, but I bet you'll be able to do it.  Meanwhile I hope you find this online community as supportive as I do--which is to say, vital.

    Congrats on your half, lovestorun!  Sounds like good fun.  It sure beats slogging through another snow storm, and it sure beats NOT running!

    Gold, how alarming about all your bruises!  I love your half-marathon philosophy.  I hope you heal up fast and enjoy the shopping.

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  • ChristyJ
    ChristyJ Member Posts: 54
    edited March 2014

    Goldlining & runfree, thank you for the welcome & encouragement.  Gold, I agree about the bruising-ouch!!

    I had my surgical follow-up literally two days ago, so I'm still trying to absorb what LCIS is, preventative measures, etc.  My mom had breast cancer, but tested negative for the gene.  My BS wants to see me in a month then have me do MRIs of both breasts.  From there and depending on what the MRIs show, I'd see an oncologist.  He talked about hormone-blocking therapy.  I'm 44, so I'm betting it would be tamoxifen. I have a consult appointment with another BS tomorrow.  She's the top-rated BS in our area and did my mom's surgery (I wanted to go to her for my surgical biopsy, but couldn't get an appointment just for the consult for a month and couldn't wait that long without going crazy).  

    I'm also signed up for the Warrior Dash in late July.  I've never done it, and it's definitely outside of my comfort zone, but I kinda like that.

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  • Donnabelle
    Donnabelle Member Posts: 198
    edited March 2014

    Welcome Christy. This is such a positive thread, you will love it and the encouragement here! Lake Placid half sounds like it is beautiful. Just get out there and enjoy it and don't worry about time. I found that letting go of my competition with myself has been liberating.

    Lovestorun, congrats on the half! And to get to sight see in DC. What a treat!

    Gold, hope your recovery is going well despite the bruises.

    Have a great week everyone!

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  • sandpiper1
    sandpiper1 Member Posts: 952
    edited November 2014

    Welcome Christy. I am by far one of the most novice runners on this thread, yet I continue to try.

    Gold, hoping your recovery is going well and Know my thoughts are with you!

    Nice and encouraging updates from everyone!

    So tomorrow I run for an old HS friend who passed way too young and quite suddenly!

    Live for today and run or walk for yourself and those who cannot. 

    Life is too short to sit on the sidelines.

    xoxoxoxoxoxo

    Piper

    RIP Rohn!

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  • princessrn
    princessrn Member Posts: 370
    edited March 2014

    christyj...  Warrior Dash is great fun!!  I did one in a full Nun Habit!!

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  • JaMan
    JaMan Member Posts: 6
    edited March 2014

    You are all so inspirational! I love coming to this site and catching up. Gold - hope you are doing well! Wow! about those bruises!! Everyone's advice to let go of the timing has helped so much! I did my 'short 6' run - only the 2nd time I've pushed to that distance since surgery. I knew going out I was slower than last time, but told myself to just keep at it - the time didn't matter. Turned out I had a neg split and beat last time by 30 sec. LOL Forgot my watch when I went swimming yesterday (Freudian slip?), concentrated on form and not time. Hard for me to not watch the clock! But my shoulder is happier for it today. Christy J, Jenw4kids and other newbies - welcome. A great site - great support! 

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  • Aloha75
    Aloha75 Member Posts: 21
    edited March 2014

    Happy St. Patrick's Day! Thank you for all the good wishes for my race this past weekend. It was a great weekend and I finished the 8K in 48:18...not a PR but it felt really good considering that less than 8 weeks ago I wasn't even sure if I would be able to train for it. 

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  • NatsFan
    NatsFan Member Posts: 3,745
    edited March 2014

    Did my St. Pat's 5K Saturday -  lots of green costumes, deelies, facepaint, etc. so it was as much fun watching the other runners as it was to run.  Great to kick off the 2014 running season.  Glad we got it in on Saturday, as we had 8 inches of snow overnight in DC - arrrggghhhh!  Back to the dreadmill . . .  

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  • Donnabelle
    Donnabelle Member Posts: 198
    edited March 2014

    Great job Aloha and NatsFan on your races! That St. Pats race sounds like it was a lot of fun. With a name like NatsFan, I'll bet you're looking forward to opening day! Hope the weather improves.

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