Dry Martini: A Tale of Two Runs
With apologies to Charles Dickens: I had the best of runs. I had the worst of runs.
First, the worst.
On the last Saturday of September, I ran 15 miles.
For those who have asked: GOOD LORD NO I AM NOT TRAINING FOR A MARATHON. While I never say never, I have zero plans to take on another 26.2 at any point in the foreseeable future. Marathons are so much work and I have enough to do.
What I do like to do, however, is over-run 13 miles as many times as I can during a half-marathon training cycle. That way, when my brain starts panicking at mile 8 of the half and doing its best work to convince me I’m about to die, I can trust my legs to stay attached for an even longer distance than the finish line. Brains can do great things, mind, but they can also be total jerks.
This is from the best of times, which was a run in Pittsburgh this weekend. I took zero pictures during my 15 mile death slog. You are welcome.
I have another 15 coming up this Saturday. My biggest hope is that it goes better than the last one did.
The weather is looking better for this Saturday’s run. During my first 15 miler this training cycle, the morning started out at a balmy 55. When I was done three hours later, it was 75 degrees. Voldesun was high in the clear blue sky. While that makes for an awesomely autumnal day, it made the last five miles so very warm.
Which isn’t to say that the first ten weren’t also warm, so much so that I texted my beloved spouse to leave a fresh bottle of ice water on our front stoop so that I could refill my empty one. I usually avoid running by my house on long runs because it is far too tempting to stop in to use the bathroom, grab a snack, and marathon 26.2 episodes of the Great British Baking Show.
Instead, I pulled up my big girl panties, refilled my bottle, and continued my long, long, long run. The run itself had fallen apart long before my mile ten hydration stop. It started okay. Admittedly, I wasn’t really in the mood for a scamper around greater Oneonta but I’d talked myself into it. Once I stopped looking at my watch and lamenting how much farther I had to go, the first third was adequate. The second third was where the wheels came off. I swear the temperature went up by 20 degrees in the span of 15 minutes. All of the cloud cover burned off. While we have plenty of trees, every single freaking one of them was at the wrong angle to provide any shade. I kept rerouting in the hope that I could find some cover. I only found more sun.
The last five I simply did my best to propel myself forward. I slowed down so much that my husband did something he almost never does when I’m out on a run: he texted to make sure I wasn’t dead. By then, my only goal was to make it to 15 miles before bursting into tears. At that, I succeeded. I managed to get home, get a shower, and get some NUUN before I fell into a pit of despair. Running keeps you humble.
This Saturday, however, I had the best of runs.
Given how terrible my last long run was, my only hope for Saturday’s nine was that they wouldn’t be terrible. Instead, it was a delight.
This is Brandy. We had a blast.
Some of my joy sprang from running in Pittsburgh, my hometown. The four of us — two teenager, my husband, and me — drove the seven hours across PA for my cousin’s 60th birthday party. I’m still not sure how we’ve managed to get so old but that is a discussion for a different day.
I slapped together a loose plan to jump onto the Three Rivers Heritage Trail at Millvale on Saturday morning and see how it all worked out. But while we were on the road, Pittsburgh BAMR Brandy, with whom I spent some quality expo booth time a few years ago, texted to see if I wanted to meet up. She sweetened the deal even further. The Steel City Road Runners hold weekly group runs. So we jumped into the eight miler and tacked on an extra mile at the end.
The weather was perfection. The route — along the Allegheny river, across the bridge into Lawrenceville, through the Strip District, across the bridge back to the North Side, then up past the Science Center and back — hit the highlights of what makes the ‘burgh beautiful. And the conversation, of course, was divine.
My kids are finally old enough to experience Primanti Brothers. I only need one of these every 15-20 years — but it was a perfect post-run lunch.
On the drive back to the hotel, I thought about these two runs. I will always be amazed by how terrible a run can be and how wonderful. I’m also certain that you can’t have one experience without the other.
What have been your best and worst runs lately?
#383: Running after Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer and Running: Katie’s Story
Katie and her husband Dan after the Boulder Bolder in 2017. “My first race post-diagnosis. Much slower than 2016, but I did it! “
During this week right before our Motherlode of Miles weekend that benefits the Donna Foundation, we are profiling four #motherrunners whose lives have been changed by breast cancer; hopefully the perspective and ideas they share will benefit others who are going through similar situations.
We’ve already introduced you to Heidi, Keli and Meghan. Today, we’re excited to reintroduce you to Katie Sznewajs, AMR’s Director of Marketing. Katie, who also chronicled her running journey after breast cancer, is the mom to three girls (ages 9, 8, and 6) and one dog (Charlie, an 18 month-old very naughty, but lovable Chocolate Lab)
These posts are in their own words; they will also be guests on the AMR podcast at the end of this week.
Date of Diagnosis: June 27th, 2016; age 38
Type of Breast Cancer: Her2+, Stage 1, Ductal Carcinoma in 1 breast, beginning of DCIS in 2nd breast, Her2+ is a very aggressive type of Breast Cancer but thankfully a drug named Herceptin (and a few more since then) were created and saved the lives of women with this type of BC. I found the lump at the age of 38 (THANK GOD) because I had just been to my OBGYN for a checkup two months prior and it wasn’t there. That’s how fast this type of cancer grows.
Running through it: Some background first: I had to do 6 rounds of chemo with 5 drugs per treatment, then I was on Herceptin for a year and then Noratnib for another year once the Herceptin was done. I had 5 or 6 surgeries during that 2.5 year period.
I started treatment about 2 weeks after diagnosis. When I was diagnosed, I continued to run until I just didn’t have the energy to do it after chemo. My girls were 6, 5 and 3 at the time and whatever energy I had left, I wanted to save it for them.
I remember so vividly the day when I went for my first run after chemo ended, which was also about 6 weeks after my double mastectomy + reconstruction. It was a cold but beautiful sunny bluebird day in Denver and I ran around Washington Park. I stopped about halfway through the run and sobbed on a park bench. I think it was the first time I really sat down and thought about what my body had been through and how god damn thankful I was to be alive and able to run again.
“The day I shaved my head. I was prepared to go by myself but my husband insisted on coming with me and bringing the girls. It still brings me to tears thinking about that day – not because I lost my hair because of his unwavering support throughout the journey. He always knew the right thing to say and do to make me feel better.”
How breast cancer changed her running perspective: It’s changed everything. I try not to sweat the small stuff and I really try to appreciate this second chance at life.
What’s more, I don’t take for granted the fact that since that fateful day in 2016. I’ve run three half-marathons, five 10Ks and I’m about to run my first full marathon in Chicago on October 12. If anything it’s given me the courage to go for it, despite my age (42!) and all of the changes my body has been through.
Best thing she did for herself during treatment:: I have the most amazing friends and family. A friend or family member came out to stay with us during every chemo treatment and surgery.
Instead of feeling guilty about not being able to run, I took the opportunity to watch more movies with my kids and spend time with my support system that meant everything to me.
Best thing others did for her during treatment:t: After someone said to my husband, “That’s terrible that Katie got breast cancer,” his response was: “We feel so lucky that not only did we find breast cancer, but we beat it in the same year.” And at first I was a little taken aback but it’s been my mantra since then.
I always try to focus on the positive and remember what the other outcome could have been (and frankly could still be if this comes back) and have really tried to put breast cancer behind me. I’ll never forget that time in my life, but I don’t let it define the person that I am now or who I will be in 20, 30, 40 years.
Breast Cancer and Running: Meghan’s Story
Meghan (in glasses) celebrating a second-place, age-group with sister #4 at the Sunriver Half Marathon.
During this week, our Motherlode of Miles week that benefits the Donna Foundation, we are profiling four #motherrunners whose lives have been changed by breast cancer; hopefully the perspective and ideas they share will benefit others who are going through similar situations.
You’ve already heard from Heidi and Keli. Today, we’re headed out to Portland, Oregon to meet Meghan Zonich, a runner and mother of two kids (ages 13 + 11) who was just recently diagnosed with breast cancer.
These posts are in their own words; they will also be guests on the AMR podcast at the end of this week.
Date of Diagnosis: Monday, August 12th, 2019. I had an ultrasound and biopsy, and the radiologist asked if someone was in the waiting room with me. They don’t ask you that to tell you everything’s fine. I got the official call from my GYN Wednesday, August 14th and had my first oncologist meeting Thursday, August 15th.
Type of Breast Cancer: Stage 2 Ductal carcinoma Her2+, ER+, Grade 3, 6 rounds of Chemo (every three weeks), followed by surgery (TBD if it will be a lumpectomy or full mastectomy) and radiation.
Running through it: My A goal marathon race, which was on September 15, was put on hold; major suckage since I was primed for a Boston Qualifier. Luckily I was diagnosed four weeks before the marathon, so I headed into treatment in killer shape! I have kept a run streak going since my diagnosi. On the terrible post-chemo days I’ve settled for a mile walk but I’ve been outside on the move daily.
I am hoping to rock the Spokane Half Marathon on October 13th, but I am open to a 10K if that feels better.
Meghan and her cute fam.
How breast cancer changed her running perspective: With a strong family history of heart disease, I thought I was in the clear with running. Cancer didn’t even cross my mind. This experience has solidified my belief in regular exercise, clean diet, and paying attention to your body.
I had a mammogram in March, which indicated nothing abnormal. I found my tumor in the shower in July. I could have easily believed my sisters who assumed it was a clogged sweat gland. Thankfully I listened to the little voice that said to check things out.
My advice: Get regular checkups and pay attention! Mammograms are not 100% at finding everything; if you have dense tissue request an ultrasound.
Best thing she is doing for herself during treatment: My husband’s employer has provided us with a weekly house cleaner and meal prep helper, which have been amazing!
We are so very blessed and fortunate to have the help and support of our family and friends. As a substitute teacher I am able to set my schedule, and I’m taking a lot of time off to handle the tough days.
Regular sessions in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber have been great for recovery after treatments. Plus, my daily runs (sometimes walks) have been great for keeping my energy up and head clear.
Shaved in solidarity.
Best thing others are doing for her during treatment: At a recent family event, my daughter gathered notes of encouragement and support. She leaves them on my pillow every few days.
My hair started falling out 2 weeks after round 1, and my 13-year-old son shaved his head with me.
My husband’s job is currently very flexible. They allow him to work from home most days and attend Chemo treatments, which has been helpful. For treatment days, my mom knit me a beautiful cozy blanket.
Breast Cancer and Running: Keli’s Story
Keli at the Boulder Bolder in 2017, about five months before she was diagnosed.
During this week, our Motherlode of Miles week that benefits the Donna Foundation, we are profiling four #motherrunners whose lives have been changed by breast cancer; hopefully the perspective and ideas they share will benefit others who are going through similar situations.
Yesterday, we met Heidi. Today, we’re meeting Keli Jackson Hughes from Castle Rock, Colorado, who has 3 human children (5, 8 and 12) and one fur child (18 months)
These posts are in their own words; they will also be guests on the AMR podcast at the end of this week.
Date of Diagnosis: A day I will NEVER forget, October 25, 2017
Type of breast cancer: I had triple-negative breast cancer in my left breast. The tumor was undetected by hand as is was less than 2 cm. They found it in my very first mammogram after I turned 40. Triple-negative, high-grade ductal carcinoma in situ means that it is not hormone-related and that has not spread to out parts of the breast, thus it does not respond to hormone treatments. There isn’t an option of taking a pill after chemo for 5 years to prevent its return. They know very little about how this type progresses and how to prevent it. It is one of the more aggressive breast cancers.
Running through it—or not: I tried to remain active as long as I could, but after the first treatment of “the red devil” I was down for the count. It was hard to much of anything. My back was weak due to steroid shots and my mind was unable to focus on anything much for days after the infusion. By the time it cleared up I would have to go in again for another dose.
How breast cancer changed her running perspective: For the longest time, I kept asking how this happened. I work out, I eat right, and there is no history of breast cancer in my family. I thought for a very long time that I had done something wrong.
Then, I had to change perspective. I had been doing everything right and bad stuff still happens, BUT if I hadn’t taken such good care of myself I wouldn’t have been as strong as I was during the treatment. I was very healthy (aside from, you know….) and so they were able to do the most intense and effective treatment on me to prevent this from coming back to the best of their ability. So, now I am grateful rather than resentful.
Keli and her family: a pic she got taken after her diagnosis, before she lost her hair.
Best thing she did for herself during treatment: I rested a lot and I finally let other people take care of me. For the first round of chemo (I had two different types) I didn’t want anyone with me, because why would anyone want to sit with a sick person and be sad for 3 hours?
I also did the 7 days of Gratitude over and over again on the Calm app during and before treatment. It was so transformative and grace saving for me.
When the next round was every week instead of every other week, I enlisted all my buddies and took people up on their offer to keep my company. It made it go by faster. I also have to give a shout out to my Spokane 2017 sisters from the Another Mother Runner Retreat. Their constant gifts and cards and well wishes gave me something to look forward to. I felt so loved and supported.
Best thing others did for her during treatment: I depended a lot on other mother runners who had been through it. My BRF Amanda went to some really difficult appointments with me and even tried to knit me a blanket that ended up looking like long strings of spaghetti which was cozy and made me laugh.
Talking to others telling me that I CAN get through this and it is SUPER tough and next thing you know you will be looking back and saying, “I went through that, I GOT through that and I didn’t think I could.”
I realize it sounds like common sense to say these things to others going through this, but I needed to hear it A LOT a lot, So I am grateful for this.
There were many times that I felt I lost all sense of humor and that I would never laugh again. I appreciated people more than I ever have for trying to make me laugh, or have hope or even continue on with the treatment. I wanted to quit SO many times My husband was great during these times, just continuing to remind me that I am doing this hard thing so that I hope to never have to do it again.