I am officially DONE with treatment for breast cancer. Well, I’m not sure if I’ll ever really be done because it will always weigh in the back of my mind, but from a medical perspective, I’m finished. I had my last Herceptin treatment and my port removed a few weeks ago. Yay!
Now I am following a training plan 100%, I have #noexcuses to get it done, at least not any medical ones. However, training in the summertime is TOUGH when you have three kids at home, right? Here are a few tips I’ve found that work for me. You’ve heard all of these before, but maybe they will be a good reminder for you!
- I run first thing in the morning before my husband goes to work and usually before my kids are awake. It means that I have to get to bed early (which is hard during the summer) but so worth it when I get the miles in before I find excuses not to go.
- We’ve been traveling a lot this summer and I’ve done my best to hike, run, or take long walks to get the miles in. I was just in Chicago this past weekend and, instead of meeting a friend for lunch, we met for a Soul Cycle class instead. #doublewin
- Take advantage of the kids care at the pool or gym. I usually feel too guilty to put my kids in kids’ care because of the cost and I don’t want to leave them. But I give myself a break during the summer. I know I’m a better Mom when I get a workout in.
- If I can only go for 25 minutes, I don’t beat myself up about it. Something is better than nothing!
- Run with a friend. We all know that having a BRF is the best way to hold yourself accountable. I’m not going to bail on my friend who is waiting for me at 5:45 in the park – but if I was going by myself, I’m very tempted to roll over and snooze a little longer.
- Load up your playlist or download some podcasts. If I know that I have something good to listen to (Hello, AMR!), I know the time will fly by.
- Buy some new workout clothes. Next time you’re at your favorite store, grab that new shirt on sale and throw it in your basket. Call me superficial, but a new outfit always gets my pumped up for a run!
What tips can you share about getting your workout in when summer intrudes?
For me the best way to get my miles in on weekdays is to run before work. Yep! I’m up super early but it is just too hot in the evening. Sadly, if the weekend run is long enough, I have to set an alarm!
Thank you for this (and for sharing your story). I have a brain tumour which was discovered and partially removed in March. I’m now up to treatment 13 of 30 radiation zaps. I’m so tired. I’m still running and going to the gym and trying to be a mum to my 2 teenagers but I love to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I also have banned myself from googling. Thanks again and enjoy those miles x
Welcome to the drumbeat of recurrence. Running helps me deal with it, and I am sure it will help you as well. With a tribe this size, I am sure there are many cancer survivors in the group. Maybe we should start a support group?
You’re amazing and inspiring and I wish for you nothing but happy miles!!!
Oh my gosh, how lucky that I saw this post! I’m a Stage 3 breast cancer survivor and a long-time runner. Running was so key for me — physically and emotionally — during treatment and beyond. I have always wanted to start a running support group…just didn’t know exactly where/how to connect. I currently lead a monthly walking support group for survivors of women’s cancers (https://www.meetup.com/Breast-Friends-Walk-Talk-Support-Group-SE-Portland/). If anyone is interested in a monthly run, I would gladly add that! It would be such a nice way to support each other while sharing something we all love.
Super inspiring and helpful!
I SO enjoyed meeting you in St. Paul and can’t believe I didn’t put two and two together and realise you were THIS Katie! Anyway – I have been following your updates all along and you truly are incredibly inspiring. And I really wish I had told you that in person! With very much love and many many happy miles, Petra