keep on keeping on running

[popsycal]

Our thread has got too big.

Iwill start this one with two things:

Positive vibes for the exciting developments on the MN Marathon Relay thread and

Early ballot for GNR 2010 - you know you want to:)

hi, I ran a bit until last July when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Had all the chemo and surgery and now just have 4 weeks of radiotherapy. So after all that i plan to get back to running and the gym. I was just a beginner and had done up to 5k and had actually just done the race for life last year before finding the cancer. So need advice on best way to get going again and wondered if anyone else had been in my position?

HI Redwood welcome I don't have that experience but did not want to leave the post unanswered
have you tried the breast the cancer thread on MN? there are a group of women going through this at moment maybe one can give advice
failing that maybe Runner's world or running4women
here a first person account

good luck with your treatment

thanks, I didn't realise there was a breast cancer thread

Made it to the gym and managed run 1 of week 2 so was pleased with that. Dull though.

Welcome Pendulum and Redwood.

Sorry to hear what you're going through Redwood. DH stopped running for about 8 months due to illness which debilitated him (and majorly effected his balance and coordination). He was running 10 miles regularly before he got ill and hasn't got back to that yet but is getting there (and is hoping to do GNR if he gets a place). I guess his advice would be to do as much as you feel able and listen to your body and try not to get impatient.

When I went back to running after pregnancy/ csec (not to be compared) I started back on the couch to 5K programme but was able to jump through it so I would do this - start wk 1 and see how it goes. If easy, jump ahead. If not, take your time.

Good luck with everything. There are some v. inspirational ladies around here !

the Tamoxifen thread here
they were very nice when I had a scare last year

welcome redwood. Hope you are feeling better soon.

How about joinging us on the mn marathon rely in aid of Macmillan if you feel up to a goal in 12 weeks. Not sure how far you are with your recover so forgive me if that is totally inappropraite.

I know it is not the same, but before I had ds3, I got to 10k distance, then had over a year off for pregnancy and post natal and found that I had to start couch to 5k again. I quickly progressed to 10k standard within 6 months and half marathon within 9 months.

I wold chat to your doctors and listen to your body

Again, welcome

thanks for the support, can you link me the info on the reay for Macmillan, I can't seem to find it?

MN Marathon Relay

Hi everyone,

Hope your SI joint is easing, moshimoshi - what rotten timing .

How is your DH doing, Wheelybug, I hadn't realised he'd been so unwell. Have you booked a ski trip this year?

I'm doing some treadmill stuff, mainly to try and work on my running form. I always have this irrational fear that I'm going to somehow fall flat on my face the get sucked round underneath it. Similar to my irrational fear of escalators I think! I've FINALLY made it to the top of the NHS physio waiting list (referred in october....) so have an appointment in a week.

Thanks for the welcomes.

Themasterandmargaritas- great name, I love that book . Hope the move went well. Which country are you in?

Redwood,I tend to agree you may need to start at the very beginning again, but in my experience of having time off with injuries (several months at a time) the running "memory"does return quicker than if you were starting for the first time. Good luck, I imagine it would feel good to get out there after what you have been through.

Treadmill again today, watching the snow thru the window. 4 miles . Was about to post that the snow finally seems to be thawing, but have just looked out of the window and it's coming down again....

Maybe time to check out the goretex shoes (if only I hadn't already spent the budget on a running jacket that I haven't been able to wear yet!!)

I managed a very slow and careful 4 miles yesterday - it is such hard work running on the snow though, so wherever possible I ran on the road and made the traffic go round me! It was bracing and a lovely way to clear my head - I'm feeling woolly and dozy after spending too much time in centrally-heated buildings.

Hello to new arrivals.

Moshi, hope the funeral goes as well as it can, and that your injury heals quickly.

No running as yet. Not wishing to break anything (again). WHich is a shame as I've cut out the wine and am hoping it will help my stamina and general fitness.

Maybe tonight.

Still no ruinning here. Have been walk 30 mins from house today, which was a bit of effort getting pram through snow/slush and there is no way I would run it it. Still, supposed to be 4 degrees by Thursday so maybe it will melt...

Annie I'm interested in your goretex shoes! Are there particular ones you've got. I was just reading the comments thread on the Newcastle Love Run - I would be needing something with better grip for that, and obviously it would be better from the point of view of going running soon, rather than being a wimp inside all the time!

Does anyone else have any trail shoe/cross country shoe recommendations before I charge off to the running shop?

Thank you

well I came on here to off load...but my problems just shrank when I saw redwood's post. redwood - i hope the radiotherapy goes well.

re off-road shoes inov8 is one of the main makes. I have these - mainly because they're suitable for a range of terrain. without wanting to state the obvious off roaders aren't good for the road - esp long distance - they don't have the same level of cushioning. for ice and slippery surfaces I've read that mudclaws are good.

I had a brilliant run last monday - 14 miles, starting in the moonlight, saw the sun rise and saw some wild deer. but then have been feeling shite ever since.
After several years symptom free I've developed some ms symptoms: pins and needles, numbness, weakness and just general all round weirdness, all over. it's not that big a deal but is pissing me off, and worrying me. went for a run yesterday - which was ok but I don't think it did me any good. i'm stiff and un-coordinated (typing's a struggle). so was feeling a bit sorry for myself. but I guess I just need to play the hand I've been dealt...

hope you are all doing ok.

[and, I'll say it again, I love this thread. it's like our own little corner of mn]

Welcome to pendulum and redwood and thank you for your support. I hope that your symptoms are nothing to worry about, hatwoman. Sending both you and redwood as many keep positive vibes I can spare at the moment.

I agree, this thread is turning into a marvellous form of support. It is helping keep things in perspective due in part to everyone's dedication to running, staying on this thread, honesty and willingness to share their lives. Thank you one and all.

hatwoman - sorry you are feeling unwell. Listen to your body x

I am peering out fo the window thinking that MAYBE I may get outside for a run tomorrow!!! I am so hoping that I can/ Desperate!!

Stickylittle fingers....I thougth about the Newcastle Love run - but how about the NOrth TYne 10k Road RAce on EAster Sunday. Nice flat course I have my form waiting to be posted once pay day comes next week

sticky - I'll echo what Hatwoman said. I've got a paid of Innov8s at the moment, shiny red ones, and I love them very much! Previously I had Asics Moriko (I think) and they were lovely too. I need shoes as cushioned as can be, even trail shoes, cos I have high arches (apparenly this means fused foot bones and therefore not much natural foot flex to absorb impact). The Asics and the Innov8s are both pretty cushioning for trail shoes.

Perhaps you first stop would be to see what your favourite brand offers in terms of gore-tex trail shoes. Most of them seem to have one.

Mighty Hatwomen, I am still bowing to you after that 'walking 3 miles home from work' thread. Hee hee!!

Thanks very much for the advice - it's good to have some ideas of the sort of thing I want before heading off to the shop. I will also see what Brookes have to offer. I'm lucky in having no "biomechanical problems" (love that, makes us sound like bionic women!) so hopefully getting the right shoes shouldn't be too tricky in that regard (I hope!).

Hatwoman the description of your run in the moonlight was lovely! I love running at night (always feel like I'm running faster, for some reason). I hope the symptoms can be got back under control.

Popsy I'll go and have a look at the road race (also liking the fact that it's Easter = that sounds warmer!).

Hope things are getting better Hat - you're one of those inspirational people I mentioned previously.

Moshi - thinking of you and you Twink

Liath - DH is ok thanks. He developed a rare immune system condition which resulted in swelling on the brain in Sept 08 (actually he became seriously ill 2 days after my 12 week scan with dd2). He's been left with some issues (mainly balance and co-ordination) and the condition is kept in check with the help of a cocktail of drugs. Not ideal but as he almost didn't make 2009 we're pretty grateful and he gets on with it. As this thread seems to testify you never know waht life is going to throw at you !

Anyway, started pilates today along with a number of old biddies (). I do love doing sporty things at our local authority centre it makes me feel v. young and v. fit (I go to the gym and they are all agog when I run for half an hour ). Its v. different in the evenings and weekends though when the young things turn up and put me to shame...

clear paths here now but no running
having cack time at home at the minute. Work tomorrow and friday which I am actually glad of for a rest
Then hopefully a long run on Saturday.

How is everyone?

Hatwoman, how are things today? Have absolutely no useful advice but hope the symptoms are subsiding.

Redwood, hope the treatment is going ok.

I'm trying to avoid clicking on the links to the trail shoes as money is a bit tight post-Christmas but I'm v tempted. Have been asked to take part in a cross-country run on Sunday, it's 5 miles across fields - presumably I'd need proper shoes to do this?

Popsy, sounds like you need a run to clear your head! Hope you (and all of us!) get the chance soon, it's so frustrating at the moment. For once I have the inclination and not the opportunity to run.

thanks for kind comments all. went to gp today and got a hospital appointment in 2 weeks. feeling physically crappy - fingers very stiff, legs numb, and earlier today was feeling emotionally crappy too. but had a nice evening talking to dh and am feeling better. not sure what any of you know about ms but it's a very unpredictable disease - you get relapses and periods of recovery. it can be v. mild or can put you in a wheelchair. or can do both. so new symptoms are a reminder and a worry because you've no idea what's round the corner. fingers crossed this a mild relapse and i'll be back on form soon.

back to shoes - mrs w - I did lots of my marathon training across fields in my ordinary mizunos. still do use them sometimes if my innov8's are wet from their last outing. depending on the temperature and the level of snow/thaw you've had it could be very muddy!

Glad you have an appointment hat, must be worrying for you, will keep fingers crossed for you too.

It is raining here at the moment and I am willing it to wash all the snow away! Worked out, have only run twice in last 4 weeks. SURELY will be able to get out this weekend?? Am sure all my muscles are disappearing!

I only know a tiny bit about MS from watching The West Wing . Glad you've got an appointment though.

Thanks for the info on the trainers. I've been asked to run by my running club and it will be my first 'race' for them - I'm getting flash-backs to school cross-country experiences (and not in a good way). Maybe I should stop making excuses and just do it!