Fitness Goals for 2008?

24

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  • FEB
    FEB Member Posts: 552
    edited March 2008

    I was lucky that I caught this early, stage one. I had a lumpectomy in November, margins and nodes were clear, so I did not need any chemo. I finished rads at the end of January. I think the reason I am feeling so well is that I changed my diet and started exercising more, from the get go. I walked all during rads so I had no fatigue. I know I am so much luckier than most since I caught this early, so I am determined to continue to really listen to my body and not take my health for granted. Emotionally, BC hit me like a ton of bricks. I really had to do a lot of soul searching, and I went back to my roots, when I was always active and out in nature. I walked all winter, through the cold and snow. It brought me back to life.This is what got me through it all and this is why I am now going to respect myself more and stay in shape. I know it may sound crazy that I say I feel so great one month after treatment, but I truly do. So if any of you need any encourgement to get moving-I'm willing to coach you all through it!

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  • Dansmom
    Dansmom Member Posts: 82
    edited March 2008

    I just woke up from a nap, was thinking about sitting in the sun and doing the sunday crossword - but you inspired me to GO WALK.  I worked out a work schedule for next week - 6 hour days so I have enough get up and go to hit the gym on the way home.  thanks,Linda.

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  • paige-allyson
    paige-allyson Member Posts: 781
    edited March 2008

    I just got myself out for a 3 mileish walk/run. I have been thinking about a half marathon as a goal for later this year- either Hartford, CT which I've done before or Philadelphia which I haven't. Phili might be fun because 1) my son lives in Phili and we could work it around a visit and 2) it's new. I haven't run a half marathon for 7 years so it would definitely be an adventure no matter which one it pick. Beautiful day here in CT and I am loving the extra hour of sunlight.

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  • AnneW
    AnneW Member Posts: 4,050
    edited March 2008

    Time for an update.

    I decided not to shoot for a tri this year. The swimming in open water creeps me out. And any swimming right now, with the expanders, leads to a couple days of discomfort afterwards.

    So, I hired a personal trainer at the rock gym. She was actually my exercise coach at PT after I had the expanders placed. My main goal is to gain strength and endurance for all sports, not just climbing, and lose body fat in the process.

    I've had just one session with her so far. She is looking in depth at my diet (I have to keep a food log for a week. Ick. I know where my weaknesses are!) as what goes in my mouthwill have to change a bit. And she has bumped up my cardio to a full hour 4 days a week, with strength on two days.

    Her strength routine kicks serious butt! Each exercise is tied into several body parts, mostly core. For example, military presses while standing on wobble cushion. Stability ball work with weights. Rows and assisted pull-ups using gymnastic rings. Lunges with overhead presses. It goes on and on.

    My tiny core stabilizers are screaming with almost any move I make! I love it!

    I'm hving to get creative for the hour of cardio. The treadmill is a good workout for me, but dull, even with a TV unit or my iPod. I'll be alternating between that, spin class, and step aerobics, which I did today for the first time in a couple years. Man, was I ever sweating!

    I can't wait for good weather, though, so I can get outside on my bike or get my hiking boots on.

    So, that's my update. How's everyone else doing?

    Anne

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  • trigeek
    trigeek Member Posts: 916
    edited March 2008

    Never got to do the Jacksonville Half Marathon cause my exchange surgery was 3 days before it, but still went,cheered and got my t-shirt ( somehow ended up with a finishers medal too)

    Had my expander exchange surgery 5 weeks ago, so no intense activities are allowed for 6 weeks -> there goes running.

    Started radiation 2 weeks ago so that is ruling out swimming. Finished 12 sessions and do not have that much fatigue, I figured that if I really hydrate that takes care of the fatigue.

    So I have been going to my theraupetic Kundalini Yoga sessions, walking and biking and teaching some spin classes.

    Next week will start my jog walk but since I gained total of 20 pounds through this whole ordeal ( and I did not even start tamox yet !) I will be babying my knees and probably be walking a lot more.

    Danskin Tri on May 11 is my next event.

    I will be focusing more on Power Yoga, maybe come Qi Gong this year.

    I almost feel like I have my pre-chemo stamina back except this stupid 20 pounds ! 

    Ohh I almost forgot to tell today took a horse riding lesson for the first time and I loved it ! If I can manage the finances I would love to continue.At one point I was kind of freaking out having visuals of me falling and breaking my arm and trying to explain the situation to my radiation therapists while they are figuring out how to raise my cast arm above my head ..lol...

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  • Believer0711
    Believer0711 Member Posts: 351
    edited March 2008

    Cry Aaah, just want to get back to my 4-5 day workout. Each day, 15-20 min-cardio, 30-35 minute weights. And on the off-days, do Pilates at home. It's been a rough 6 months - from dx, surgery, chemo! I commit to start this Monday (March 24)! I just need to gain more muscle weight and shed my tummy fat. I'm petite 5', 104 lbs.

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  • paige-allyson
    paige-allyson Member Posts: 781
    edited March 2008

    I am doing a lot better in the energy department with the passage of time since finishing tx- finished rads 12/18/07, finished chemo 10/6/07 (seems so long ago!). 

    Anne- I totally hear you re: the being "creeped out" by the open water swim. I dropped out of a triathlon training group a couple of years ago after being awake most of the night prior to the first open water swim practice being totally creeped out (and afraid I would panic/drown, etc.). I am a perfectly okay swimmer but I do not like deep, dark open water. Why not the swim portion in a pool or laps parallel to the shore- a fraidy cat tri.

    I ws doing well with the walk run and then last week started to get the oh so familiar bad feeling in my right knee- not the incapacitating pain of a year ago but definitely the same issue. I've backed off to brisk/power walking and using the elliptical machine at the Y- love the elliptical as long as I have danceable music on the ipod.

    I've also been doing a morning workout with Denise Austin that I discovered on TV. It's a good mix of strength and stretching which I need- my upper body is very weak since surgery and I am stiff and also I think a bit weakened from the Femara. I notice after doing her workout that the tightness/adhesion kind of feeling under my arm where I had all the nodes removed feels better/looser.

    I am so looking forward to warm weather and being able to go for bike rides and swim (close to shore!) at the lake down the road.

    One thing that seems to have made a huge difference in my energy level is that for the last 2 weeks I have done a REALLY low carb diet-Atkin's induction basically- something I thought I'd never do. I got the idea from learning about this kind of diet being used in a clinical trial as a tx for advanced cancer- including bc. I can't believe the difference it made for me. I am back to my pre-chemo energy level and then some. I am slowly adding in some carbs like berries, more vegetables, etc. and will monitor how I feel. I'm glad I tried this diet given how closed minded I was about it.

    I am also happy to report that I got on the scale this morning and am 125.8- a number I haven't seen since high school. I have changed my weight goal to 115. Even though I have a fair amount of muscle and am 5'4" my body fat reads 27%. You'd never know it from the upper body- it's all in the legs.

    Trigeek- I love horse riding- rode weekly for most of the year before last but the $$$ makes it tough. I tried playing the cancer card last summer to beg my parents for a pony but so far it hasn't happened. I've been working on this since I was about 6 and I still can't drop the issue Laughing.

    Maybe I should ramp up my work ethic to finance it. I do worry with my compromised lymph system on the left side about having a fall and injuring that arm. I wonder how other women who do risky sports deal with this. Hmm- idea for a new thread.

    Happy Spring/Vernal Equinox/Easter to all.

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  • lewing
    lewing Member Posts: 1,288
    edited March 2008

    I've walked outside every day since my 3/13 surgery (mast + AND), and have even been able to run some (with my doctor's OK) - not far and not fast, of course, but still.   The puffy tenderness in my left armpit makes running feel a bit weird.  My energy level, though, is great -  and for me, getting back to running is an important part of getting back to normal.  So I can put up with the weird feeling (not to mention the weird post-mastectomy running outfits I've rigged up).

    I've done a little core work (heck, right after surgery, getting into and out of bed worked my core something fierce!), but nothing for my upper body.  I plan to ask my doctor/nurse coordinator about the latter, but am also interested in the experiences of others on this board - esp. those who had full axillary dissections.  When (if ever) can you even think about using hand weights with your affected arm?  What about things like push-ups?  (At the moment, I can't imagine doing a pushup ever again.)  Any words of advice? 

    Linda

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  • Steph_Rose
    Steph_Rose Member Posts: 37
    edited March 2008

    my goal is to avoid weight gain during chemo and hormone therapy...and to keep my butt moving no matter how it may make me feel at times.

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  • AnneW
    AnneW Member Posts: 4,050
    edited March 2008

    Linda,

    I had a full node dissection 6 years ago, and was lifting light weights by four weeks post-op, and full strength weights by the three month point. The lifting has never been an issue for me, as far as lymphedema is concerned. Everyone said "be careful", but no one could say what that meant for ME. I had to find my own way.

    Allyson,

    I know what you mean about good music on the mp3. I love 70s disco (ABBA) and rock (Heart) and Springsteen (Born to Run was meant for the treadmill!!)

    Anne

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  • FEB
    FEB Member Posts: 552
    edited March 2008

    I am so glad to see so many of you also taking charge of your health with exercise and diet. As a former PE teacher, it took BC for me to finally practice what I have been preaching. I have been working out every day, alternating walks with hand weights and core strenth exercises and finally getting all the gunk out of my diet I feel better than I have in years. Have any of you tried the dvd's called "Yoga, Boogie, Ballet"? I am really enjoying them. Each workout of an hour does a little of each, and it is really fun. If you haven't danced much, it may be hard to catch the steps at first, but you will catch on quickly. I do believe that keeping our bodies healthy is the key to keeping the cancer cells from taking hold again. I really admire all you who can do the tris or marathons. I don't think I could ever get to that! I too hate swimming with the fishes! Give me a pool where  I can see that there are no creepy crawlies lurking. I am even afraid to put my foot into Lake Michigan. We may not have any sharks, but when all the cities around the Lakes put their sewage into the lake after storms, it seems logical that it will all end up at the toe, which is Chicago. Yuck!

    But I did read about a 76 year old woman who did the Chicago "Hustle of the Hancock" this year. That's like 95 stories or so! Maybe someday. . .

    You are all an inspiration. Keep it up everyone!

    LindaM

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  • bomber410
    bomber410 Member Posts: 564
    edited March 2008

    Hey ladies, you guys sound like you are going great guns!  Wow - so impressive with the yoga, spin, core workouts, running, etc.  We have to keep moving forward. 

    I miss kundalini yoga.  I was taking a 7 AM class.  Due to not enough other bodies for the class, it was canceled.  Now my option is for an evening class.  I can't commit to anything at that time of the day.  Never sure how my work day will go and so many other options from one week to the next.

    Running has been my main form of exercise and is getting better all the time.  I bet I could really benefit from the really low-carb diet.  At least a more conscious increase in protein would be another way to sneak up on this.  If I'm full on protein, I won't have room for carbs.

    This weekend, I went for a two-night/day backpacking/snowshoeing in the White Mtns of NH.  The weather was perfect.  The moon was full.  It's amazing how much snow there still is in northern NH.   We stayed in yurts but packed all our food and clothing in.  I was pleased that my lymphedema was no worse for wear.  I mean.  It is still there but wasn't worse from the weight of the pack and grasping the poles.  I was so encouraged.

    I'm training for a trail 1/2 marathon on April 12.  It'll be more of a hike.  Then I have a 25K trail run scheduled for Memorial Day weekend.  I'm trying to build up my distance.  

    I don't swim but the common concern I hear from my tri buddies is the open water swim.  With all those other swimmers flailing their arms and kicking their legs, it must be incredibly unsettling.

    Thanks for the inspiring updates!

    Debbie 

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  • AnneW
    AnneW Member Posts: 4,050
    edited March 2008

    Debbie,

    Aren't full moon yurt weekends great?? We normally do them every year in March, but life got in the way for our group this year. You'd think with all the snowshoeing we do that we'd lose a pound or two during the weekend, but we sled in the wine, cheese, crackers, steaks--man, what a feast for two days!

    I'm going to get some good trail running shoes and start getting outside for my walk-runs. We have no shortage of trail options here in Boulder, and I'm just waiting for the snow and ice to melt off my favorite ones. You're inspiring me to get off that treadmill!

    Anne

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  • paige-allyson
    paige-allyson Member Posts: 781
    edited March 2008

    Debbie- the yurt weekend/hiking sounds fantastic! Re: the low carb diet- it's made a huge difference in my energy and sense of well being. Others have noticed a big change. I finally feel like I am recovered from treatment and then some.

    SO- I went to the Y yesterday and ran into a woman I know from the triathlon training team (actually another Stage IIIer who's 3-4 since dx) . During our conversation I talked myself into trying the tri again- this after saying here I wouldn't do one. I am going to the first team meeting on Saturday. Maybe I won't bail this time. My strategy at the moment is to get lots of support for open water swim training (like person in a boat next to me) and hopefully that will help build my confidence. I am still wary of the idea of being bumped by others in the actual swim event- we'll see.

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  • bomber410
    bomber410 Member Posts: 564
    edited March 2008
    • Allyson, how, er, lucky for you to run into that lady at the Y.  :-)  See how things have a way of coming together.  You are meant to do that tri.  And now you have a 'team' to work with.  When is this tri?  I'll be rooting for you.
    Debbie
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  • paige-allyson
    paige-allyson Member Posts: 781
    edited March 2008
    It's the Danskin Tri- Webster MA- July 28th (I think) Sunday. Er- yes- lucky me UndecidedLaughing to run into my friend...I think it is time to earn my swim half a mile in deep water merit badge SurprisedCry. Just back from a walk run and followed the advice of the orthopedist (one of my entourage of doctors- LOL) I saw for my knee- and power walked the hills instead of running them- he said only run on flat. Seems to be good advice- no pain.
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  • bomber410
    bomber410 Member Posts: 564
    edited March 2008

    Allyson, just checked my schedule.  I have nothing planned for Sunday, July 27.  I could come and cheer you on.  Also I see that any woman who is a cancer survivor doing her first Danskin Tri gets a free registration.

    Debbie 

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  • paige-allyson
    paige-allyson Member Posts: 781
    edited March 2008

    Debbie- that would be so great and is so nice. I read about the free registration yesterday. I bet now that you've shared this info every on this site going to rush to sign up :) Love these bc "consolation prizes" - keep em' coming is all I have to say- Still waiting on those ponies I want.  I'm going to e-mail the contact today re: the free registration. Allyson

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  • trigeek
    trigeek Member Posts: 916
    edited March 2008

    Allyson and also you get into the Training program for free too(at least thats whats happening in Orlando). Definitely contact the Danskin people.

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  • paige-allyson
    paige-allyson Member Posts: 781
    edited March 2008

    Guess what- I contacted them and got a reply that they were out of "complementary registrations"- had to pay full price- weird.

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  • bomber410
    bomber410 Member Posts: 564
    edited March 2008

    That sucks!  I'm in marketing.  I hate marketing. 

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  • bomber410
    bomber410 Member Posts: 564
    edited March 2008

    I just sent them an email complaining.  At the minimum the website should be updated to show the passes are gone. 

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  • paige-allyson
    paige-allyson Member Posts: 781
    edited March 2008

    No kidding. I was annoyed and hesitated on whether or not I should even register. I have an issue with the whole pink thing and some of these organizations re: how much $ really goes to bc research and am definitely wondering where the Danskin focus really is. I signed up anyhow because the tri is about 20 minutes from my house- how often does that happen. Maybe I should protest them in some way after the race- don't want to get kicked out or disqualified but I was shocked at being turned down for the "complimentary" registration fee waiver. I am going to share this with training group members at our meeting on Saturday- people are really into seeing me there and having me participate - last year several did the tri in my honor since I was going through chemo at the time-so I am sure this news will fire them up- as well it should fire all of us up. Danskin makes it sound like if you are a first time survivor /participant that free registration is a done deal. Hmm. Letter to the editor time?  Where/to whom did you send the complaint?

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  • bomber410
    bomber410 Member Posts: 564
    edited March 2008

    I wrote to Cathy listed on the Danskin Massachusetts tri web page.  Here's her email address:  contact Cathy Daldin at cathy@teamsurvivor.org

    Good luck!  I'll let you know if I hear anything.  

    BTW this is what I wrote:

     I heard from another Breast Cancer survivor friend of mine who tried to get one of the complimentary passes for the Massachusetts Danskin Tri. She tells me you are out of passes. What a shame! At least update your website to make that fact known.

    I think it is a shame you are unable to honor the free pass for these ladies. They earned it. The best part is they are not sitting on their butts at home feeling sorry for themselves. They are out there running, swimming and biking and are also choosing to be part of your event. And they are likely going to be bringing their paying girlfriends to join them in your event.

    I am not a Triathlete (can't swim) but was planning to come and cheer these ladies on.

    Regards,

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  • paige-allyson
    paige-allyson Member Posts: 781
    edited March 2008
    Thank You! Hmm can't swim...sounds like me Undecided. Maybe you should join me in my fear factor experience. Really I can swim, just not fast and without being somewhat afraid if the water is deep. I want to conquer this fear as I have conquered others- I know if I can do it I'll feel great about it. Curious to see what the response will be to your e-mail.
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  • ellenoire
    ellenoire Member Posts: 674
    edited March 2008

    Hi Ladies!

     For those of you who "can't swim" tri-athlons or not. Take a look at this website for swim help. 

     Totalimmersion.net.

     I re-taught myself how to swim using TI after falling in love with tri's and hating the swim. My last sprint tri was 09/07 and I took 5 minutes off my total race time. 

     Chemo starts in a week. Did anyone run or race while on chemo? (this is what they are giving me:ACT dose dense 8 x2week cycles total with neupagen and then herceptin)

     I have been snowshoeing for the last few weeks, but the snow is going here. I may start to try running again soon. 

    I am bummed that I may be to messed up to work out at all, really wanted to race in late June. 

     

     

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  • ellenoire
    ellenoire Member Posts: 674
    edited April 2008

    Allyson? Are you doing a Sprint Tri distance for the Danskin?

     Let me know and I can hook you up with the right training program and some tips to get through it.

    I started out a cyclist and then a tri relayer and now I am doing full tris.Sprints now, Oly's later -maybe next year when the cancer gig is over. 

     I suck, but I finish. Women's only tri's really rock. No grunty, angry men punching you in the swim.

      I found some snow deep in the woods today and climbed hills on my snowshoes today. I will hurt tomorrow. 

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  • AnneW
    AnneW Member Posts: 4,050
    edited April 2008

    Thanks for the website!

    If you can keep up training during chemo, good on ya, kid! My only advice (and this from a chemo-virgin, mind you) is to make sure there's balance. You need energy to heal and process the chemo. Light activity ought to be okay. But do listen to your body, and get as much rest as it dictates.

    Good luck,

    Anne

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  • paige-allyson
    paige-allyson Member Posts: 781
    edited April 2008

    Ellen- yes Danskin sprint NE (Webster, MA). I have the book "Total

    Immersion" but maybe need more. I trained for the tri 2 years ago but didn't do it- injuries and open water fears as mentioned before got the best of me. I am more optimistic that I can do it this time- my goal is just to finish. Swim is not my thing, I'm just getting back to running and a I'm strong on the bike but not a risk taker (I may pass people on the uphills only to be passed on the downhills).

    You'll have to see how you feel once the chemo starts. At first I thought "This is easy, why all the fuss?" It wears on you though. I did elliptical workouts early on- first month maybe- then I was too tired and my hr would get up too high. I walked consistently all through tx 2-4 miles daily no matter what. Did a little light biking and swam in the pond nearby (onc said this was fine so long as I kept my face out and didn't get water up my nose). I didn't have the herceptin so I don't know how that would figure in.

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  • ellenoire
    ellenoire Member Posts: 674
    edited April 2008

    Use the TI book like a bible for your swim. Get the dvd's if you can and look up TI on Youtube, you will see some vids of people swimming. TI swimming is very peaceful, like Yoga in the water. 

     My training plans come from beginnertriathlete.com(i use the free ones) My swimming is Total Immersion as you know and my running is chirunning.com.

    I train to stay sane and keep my weight down, I race because I love it(and hate it of course) I train using all these philosophies and training programs in my head because I find it easier to get through the 3 sports with the support. 

     As long as you know you can finish the swim, you will be totally fine. My first race there is a pic of me coming out of the water with a big grin on my face. I knew once I was out of the water i was gonna be fine! LOL! 

    Stay to the back of the pack to start and swim easy, get out and ride your brains out, then run the best you can. Pacing over the 3 sports is hard, and in a short race like a sprint I think you have to race it once before you know what kind of Triathlete you are. You may fall in love, you may never do another. You will know. 

    Personally,  fell in love and have been racing for 4 years or so now.

    I am not planning on training hard during chemo. I have a goal- race the run portion of a sprint tri relay in month 3 of chemo. It is only a 5 km and if I have to walk I will. 

     If I get to that week and feel crappy, I won't race.

     I may give up the goal 2 days after chemo starts, who knows.

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