2015 Running Thread

Oncearunner - please add my race to your list so i'm held to it :-)

Got the OK from my onc yesterday to ramp up the exercise routine so my target is the Clover Irene Spring Race 10km (in Pretoria South Africa) on Saturday 19th September.

So excited to have a target!!

May I join you ladies? I am still doing chemo, but befor diagnosis and surgery I was running 14 miles a day. Now I'm down to walks and every once in a while a 3 to 5 mile jog, but I hate to let that part of myself slip away entirely! I'll be done with chemo on July 23....

Welcome littleblueflowers and QueenAzaz. This is the happiest thread on BCO! Looking forward to reading your runs!

QueenAzaz I was unilateral for one year 36DD and HATED it. The prosthetic may have "looked" the same, but it is held up by a strap, whereas the natural breast is held on all around by the skin. It pulled on that shoulder and twisted me crooked all the time. The sports bra would twist because the mass of the breast was obviously going to stay put, while the empty cup or the prosthetic (I used a beanie for running) would move wherever the bra put it.

I went with reconstruction (DIEP) bilaterally, with a prophylactic mastectomy on the other side. I don't have the temperament to wait for the other shoe to drop, and I didn't hesitate for a second over that. (And such a hardship - strict instructions from the PS not to lose weight prior to the surgery). Not only did it even me up, but I now am more of a "runner" size. Apparently it is C, but it looks like B on my frame, and I have the benefit of the flat tummy too. If I had not been able to do DIEP, I think I would have opted for flat rather than asymmetrical.

For what it's worth, the only regret I have is that I did not shop around between lumpectomy and mastectomy in the first place and go immediately to the DIEP surgeon for bilateral mastectomy and immediate DIEP on both sides. A lot of my ongoing physiotherapy is in my shoulders, related to the initial uni mastectomy and the year of asymmetry, or the initial mastectomy surgeon's technique, or both.

NancyHB- even a bad run is better than no run...I hope the next one is better. My fastest pace so far is 12 min per mile but at least I am off the couch and moving!

Ginger - you're right, and I appreciate the reminder. I get discouraged because my hubby (who's 61) runs a 9.5 minute pace (we both started running at the same time) and I want to keep up with him. But it'll never happen and I know that - and I'm making peace with it (but your reminded was helpful!)

littleblueflowers - every one of us is different. I had a friend running ultras during AC-T. it took me several months post-chemo brfore running started to feel "normal" (?) again. you're up and moving - good for your body and soul!

Welcome ThePrincess! Looking forward to reading your runs.

I've missed filling up on vicarious outings here -- but I did a short run myself last weekend. Friday I had physio and woke up my comatose left glute. It was amazing. I didn't run far but my pace benefited from the extra muscle on duty so I picked up where I left off.

How is everyone doing? Rseman, ready for your Ragnar? How's it going?

ThePrincess, welcome to this board. You are running through chemo? Amazing! I was only able to walk back then.

Rseman, good luck and have fun at Ragnar! I'm running half marathon this Sunday at Disneyland. I'm a little nervous but excited at the same time.

Thanks ladies for the welcome, it's so nice to find other women that want to RUN! It hadn't occurred to me to not run while on chemo? And my MO approved it so, here I am! Also the steriods make me eat so much, gotta do something! ;-)

Welcome Princess!! I haven't had to do any chemo yet so I can't imagine what it is like but reading that you were able to run while on it makes it less daunting if I ever have to go that route.

NancyHB, low mileage?!? 5.5 is nothing to sneeze about ))))

I'm gonna rest today. I have to be on a train at 5:35 am to then drive in a van to get to Cape Cod and our start time is 1pm!!! I hope I can get some nice pics while running. We aren't trying to win this thing.

Whoooo Hoooooo!!

Renee

Hockeycat, enjoy Tink! I liked that one!

Chemo isn't my jam, but we had a thread-leader, FirstCall, a couple of years ago who ran during chemo. We were all sad when he and some others in the group got stopped just before finishing the Boston marathon on That Day.

NancyHB, I prefer evening runs myself. By that point in the day, the bathroom stuff is a non-issue and I just eat light through the day and the usual for fluids. (I curtail beverages when I head for the race location, and then have some just before my corral gets started, then just stay topped up at the refreshment stations.) I can never nap -- too excited. Even the late Wine and Dine Half that I finish at 1 or 2am is okay because the running keeps me awake!

Happy runs everyone!

You rock, Rseman!!!

WOW! You fast girl, Rseman! You must be having a blast!!

Rseman- I see pure happiness in your beautiful face! Thanks for sharing. You're a strong runner with that 8:35 min. miles! I hope you enjoy that 1 am run as it's amazing how one can do it with such little sleep. Relays rock!

Finally home and relaxing after an EPIC Ragnar. Here is my recap:

First of all, I was blown away by the entire experience. The coordination and support it takes to have a smooth running team while being able to have a blast is amazing. We definitely accomplished that.

My first run was on Friday at around 3 pm. I ran 3.17 miles at an 8'35" pace. That is a fast run for me. I usually average 9'30". I was really excited and my adrenaline was going. It wasn't the easiest by far with all the rolling hills but it was amazing. Because it wasn't such a long leg I didn't get any van support or roadside dances.

A couple of people had wanted to know what the 1 am run was like. Well since you asked… Before night fell there was a fog warning. This made me nervous because I wasn't familiar with the route and the roads aren't closed to traffic. Also, most of the time you are running alone. However, all of these factors would end up being to my advantage. I don't know what went wrong, dehydration, running too fast out of the gate, I just don't know. This run was 5.5 miles. At mile 1.5 my van pulled up asking how I was doing and I said not good. They gave me water and told me I needed to slow down. They left. At mile 3.3 it all fell apart. I cramped up and was in excruciating pain. I turned off my head lamp and blinker, ran into the bushes, pooped and hoped no one would see me! My underwear was excellent toilet paper and then I was off. I ran the rest of the way but my stomach was in knots the entire time. It was undoubtedly the worst run I have ever had. I was still able to average under 10 min miles though.

I got back to the van and did my best to recover. After our last runner we had a few hours break while van 2 took over. I was able to catch a shower in the local high school and nap in the gym with my sleeping bag. I had to be ready for my last run which was a 9miler.

After some recovery I ran my 9.1 miles at 9:15 Saturday morning. It was my last and best run of the entire race! I was nervous given what had happened the night before but I was hydrated and had eaten. I was determined to take it easy and enjoy. I met a girl from another team who had the same pace as me and we basically ran it together talking periodically and it was so enjoyable. I ran a 9'34" average which is normal for me. I think this is why I enjoyed the run so much.

After we were done it was finish line party, food, beer, and finally SLEEP!! I am hooked and am looking forward to the next one.

OUR VAN!!

MY MEDAL….BRAGNAR

COMING HOME FOR MOTHER'S DAY!!!

What an AMAZING weekend this was.

Renee