I have ben a keen runner and ran my first marathon in April, 3 weeks later I got my diagnosis which was shocking. I so want to carry on running and train for my next marathon which I had already entered before diagnosis and hope that there is someone out there that can give me advice. Already had surgery and due to start chemo in a couple of weeks. Is it possible even ?
I’m going to follow your thread Diane. I admire you for your determination to continue with your training. I was hoping to get back into running, cycling and body pump when I’ve healed from op. How about doing some swimming, cycling or lots of walking. As you know, running can be quite harsh and I think you need to be just that little bit more careful and gentle on yourself. You will need to see how the chemo affects you. I’m due to start in few weeks too.
xx
Now my scar has healed I am going to try the pool this week as starting to feel better but oncologist has told me swimming a big no no during chemo due to infection risk 
My bike is out and will definitely be using that but running is my big passion. I think it is a case of take each day as it comes. That is the biggest lesson I have learned in last 3 months.
Good luck and keep in touch. My family don’t get my need to stay normal (apart from partner who is amazing). Nice to know someone having same mental struggles x
Body pump is the one with the weights - you may struggle - I have been advised to be very careful with weights although I had full axillary clearance - you ?
Drat … yes I forgot about the swimming, she much to take in and remember. I had full node clearance too. Will be a few weeks yet before I think about body pump and if/when I do I’ll be back to the start with baby weights. X
Diane, I got told to do what you can. I normally swim, so gutted I cant do that through chemo, but walking tons. Check with team, but my msg was clear…listen to your body and do what you can. I personally think getting out and doing something is only a good thing. Just take it easy and please don’t take as patronising, but be pleased with any little bits you can manage. Some is better than none! Good luck and cracking attitude to have.
Thanks, had a chat today with oncology team about this and they said the same. If you can do it, is good but don’t expect too much and that running may be challenging. Walking has been put forward as an alternative. Have entered a short distance duathlon for mid way through treatment as a short term goal and to give me some focus. If I have to pull out then so be it.
In the meantime my dog will be very happy !
It is all rubbish. I have managed to do a couple of runs - park run on Saturday and then another 1.5 miles on Sunday. It wasn’t pretty, was slow and it hurt but worth it. I have 2 weeks before chemo starts - attempting a 10k race next weekend. Have no idea how I’ll cope with chemo … Gonna try and keep going.
I don’t think it makes too much difference which way round - it is tough either way and we all react differently and each stage poses its own challenges. Good luck and keep going 
Hi Ladies
As my name implies, I am a runner. I am delighted every time I see a thread like this. I ran all through treatment (ages ago - back in 2007, herceptin in 2008) and it definitely helped me cope with it. Tax was pretty awful as far as the running went, plus the cumulative effect of herceptin was bad too, but I never stopped. I am sure it helped with recovery/energy levels, and always gave me something else to focus on. There’s something very different about tiredness from exercise rather than tiredness from chemo. No matter how bad I felt, I always felt better after a run.
As for swimming - I was back to that as soon as chemo was over. I swam all through rads, as I never had a problem with my skin (due to the aloe vera gel, or just good luck? no idea).
Good luck with that 10k, Diane!
Road runner on the swimming did you get the ok from the onc to swim during rads? Am really missing it. If have enough hair post chemo I really want to start soon!
I was told to avoid swimming through radiotherapy. Was dog tired this afternoon even after a snooze but went for a run. Only 3 miles but did feel better. Not saying it was easy - from running half marathons most weekends to this I find hard mentally but a little is better than nothing.
Thanks to everyone commenting on this. Thanks roadrunner - my oncologist said I wouldn’t be able to run during chemo. Feeling more confident now.
Diane 3 miles is fab. Honestly really impressive. Will grit teeth and wait on swimming if I have to.
I have decided to listen to the oncologist but not take it as gospel. After my run yesterday felt so much better even though felt shattered when left the house. I think if you are determined to not let it completely rule your life then that is half the battle. Thank you so much ladies - I left my oncologists office feeling completely defeated.
Well done ! When was your first chemo and how have you felt ?
First session, of AC, was last Wednesday. Other than v slight headache for couple of days, no side effects at all. I know it will be much, much worse as sessions progress but for the moment I’m thankful.
Hello chemo runners!
I had first chemo yesterday (1/6 EC). I am totally planning to keep running during the treatment. Not a marathon runner yet, but like 5/10k distances. I was thinking of registering for a 10k race after Christmas as an incentive to keep running as I tend to be a bit of a fair weather runner!
I had left mx and anc at beginning of July and was running within four weeks, swimming within three. Gutted swimming out for the chemo journey but am looking forward to doing more cycling. I intend to run (outside and dreadmill), do yoga and some weights during too!
Nurses, Physio and Drs yes all advised me simply to ‘listen to my body’, tailoring stuff as necessary. Also, going to be a bit more careful around 7-14 days of cycle when immunity hits rock bottom. So will take it easier then and avoid more public spaces.
So for me today 10-20km bike ride, 7k run tomorrow!
Will bookmark this thread – Diane and everyone keep posting about your running and exercise plans as I am sure we can all do it, we will feel better for it and also likely to help the treatment (mitigating some side affects and helping it through the system)!
dac
This is all inspiring stuff. I had managed to train to where I needed to be to do 10k tomorrow and elated but ended up in hospital last night. Infection and with first chemo due on Friday need to be careful to get fit enough for that so out the race tomorrow. Feeling a bit defeated today but determined to bounce back so thank you for the positive posts. No one else get my need to keep on running (apart from my club buddies who have been awesom)
Brave scholar thank you. Went ahead and went ok. Feel like I have a bit of a hangover but otherwise well. Had to have some time off running this week but been walking 3-4 miles a day with the dog to try and keep a little bit active. Will see how next few days go xx