Feel like a slug when running

My legs do that when I'm tired from previous activities. You're not doing too much, are you? Not anemic? Thyroid okay?

I've been doing what Marin has suggested, and it's helping me. I had been training my lower body and core strongly. And instead of just running, I walk for 3, run for 2, or walk for 2 run for 3. Somewhere along the 20 minute point, i may run for 5. The more I do this, the better I run, and I can pick up the pace, too.

Are you doing any cross training like cycling? That can put some spring back in your step.

Good luck. I know this is frustrating for you!

Anne

Debbie, I can't share any post-chemo tips, since I'm still in the middle of it.  As a matter of fact, I think of you as kind of an advance scout, who can give me advice on what to expect.  So I'm really sorry to learn your running isn't coming back the way you want.

A few things that have helped me in other contexts (whether it was coming back from injury, or just getting through a stale patch):

Running on trails instead of roads.  For me, that's a rare treat.  I gather from some of the things you've written that you do more trail running than I'm able to, so it may not be as applicable for you.  But I find that the soft surface and the natural surroundings put more spring in my legs.

Running in new places.  You mentioned that you've been traveling some for work.  Do you run while on the road?  Could you? Sometimes using running to sightsee/explore helps me.  (Unless, of course, you're stuck in some godforsaken office park kind of development.)

Going to a race you're not entered in.  I love spectating at longer races, running from point to point to catch runners more than once, or jumping in and banditing part of the course, encouraging people who seem to be flagging, etc.  I find I can get in a decently long run that way without even realizing it.

Running without a watch.  This is a tough one for me, because I'm kind of obsessive.  But leaving the watch at home and just running by feel is sometimes helpful.

I hope that sluggish feeling soon leaves you.  And yeah, as you mentioned, this whole getting older thing is a bitch. 

Linda

I can't really run yet, still on chemo. Try going to the site www.chirunning.com for running techniques that will help you run using your core more than your legs. It sounds nuts but it really works. Scour the site, buy the book and try it. I took 5 minutes of my last tri using it and my knees don't hurt anymore. It is a much more gentle way to walk and run, and as you recover this may help.

 Cheers, Noelle  

Hi Debbie,

I left my running shoes in Boston, since I got back I have been a bit tuckered (to put it mildly )out and have not been gone out. My white cells were in the ceramic bowl and had some bad side effects so just decided to take a holiday.

I miss the running as it is my therapy and good for my head space but have settled with puttering in my 1/3 of an acre. I seem to get cramps in my calves and feet during the night but not so much numbness from the taxol. My toes and fingers feel more tight than numb. In any case chemo was done on thursday and hopefully this wonderful potion will part my body and things will get back to normal (?) Can't agree with you more about the stiffness and getting back to the way thing were and can be again. Don't despair we will just have to go after it a little differently. It can be done//

Definitely will be looking into the chi running book and get going again. Sounds very interesting.

I have to agree with trigeek about the strengthening, and hills,fartleks and tempo come to mind along some good old core work. Oh my gosh I am at square one again.

I start rads toward the end of june so not quite sure when I will be getting out there.

Take care laurel

Hi Debbie,

I just stumbled on this blog and it is so helpful and inspirational. I am serious about my recreational running, and am having a hard time getting my endurance back. It has been a year since I finished my chemo. I am able to run 3-4 x a week and increase my workouts and then go through periods of sluggishness and heavy legs. I was told by a running coach that they are signs of low ferritin. It might be worthwhile to get your ferritin level checked. It can be low even if your iron level is normal and your red cells don't appear anemic. It makes sense, especially is you took erythropoetin during chemo for anemia. It is worth a shot and is treated with iron supplements.

I also am beginning to realize that it will take more time than I would like to return to previous levels of conditioning. I am learning to be patient, but I am resolved to get there. Good luck to you all!

This happened to me, too. I race bikes, and am used to riding long distances, but I kept complaining of having no snap, no life. I was about ready to give up, I was so depressed about it; I couldn't keep up with my friends on even a very slow ride. Someone told me that one day my energy would just suddenly return and guess what? That's what happened. But it was probably over a year after the end of chemo before I really felt better and strong again. You have to realize that the exhaustion is real, subtle, and longer lasting than you expected, and be patient.