Goal - 2016

[danziggirl]

Haven't posted for a very long time. I have had some serious health issues over the summer and the treatments will get easier after November, then maintenance for 2 years. So THINKING of trying to run again from January 2016. I would like to set up a major goal for maybe STWM in October 2016. Wanted to know what other runners thought. Is is going to be too hard? Thought maybe a 5km in the spring to see how it goes. Then try to train for the marathon. I wouldn't set myself a time goal - just finish it to show I have beaten this cancer. So, yours thoughts please

[canalrunner]

The longest journey starts with a single step

Sorry to hear about your health challenges but glad your thinking is where it is. Great to move forward. The goals is awesome, you have been there before so you can judge and adjust based on your interim goals. Might want to think about a half marathon in between. Good for both physical and mental preparation. The gap between a 5k and a marathon would be too large for me to bridge.

[danziggirl]

Thanks for the reply. I was thinking the same thing - but don't know of any halfs that would fit. It's too early to look on line. Do you think early June would be okay for a half?

[Ken B]

Good luck with your recovery and training. I would give similar advice as above. Get in a 5K in spring, then perhaps a 10K and a half marathon in the summer and early fall. That's the program I would follow. Again - good luck!!

[Jo-Jo]

I believe there's going to be a Half Marathon at the end of June in Perth, Ontario as part of the kilt run festivities.

I'm sorry to read that you've had a rough time....but happy you thought to come back to RM.

[Jwolf]

Congratulations and good luck moving forward.

As for running, I don't think it is smart to set any major goals for over a year away. Take it one step at a time and see how it goes. Small goals along the way. Maybe start with a goal of building up to running for an hour, and then go from there. Check out some "return to run" programs (or learn to run) and use that as a starting point. It won't be completely like starting over, but close to it-- and you also have to listen to your body and see how it reacts to the training. Cancer treatment is really hard on your body.

Good luck.

[danziggirl]

Getting great advise from you all - really appreciate it!

[ultraslacker]

Good for you on beating it and moving forward!!

I think it's awesome that you're looking forward to starting running again.

I do agree with those who say it's too soon to make big goals though. you don't know yet how your body will react... maybe start with some smaller goals and see how they go? Doing a marathon next year is entirely possible, but let your body dictate how soon that happens.

Keep us posted!

[scrumhalfgirl]

Sorry to hear about your health issues and wishing you the best with your treatment and recovery.

If you're looking for some inspiration, look up Sindy Hooper - she's a local triathlete who completed an Ironman while undergoing chemo.

[danziggirl]

Will look her up! Beginning to think maybe it's too ambitious to try for a marathon - a half might be better. My chemo finishes early November then maintenance is once every 3 months so hopefully my energy level will be back! Really glad I came back to this group - you are all so wonderful!

[RA.]

Welcome back! I'm sorry to hear about your health issues, but happy to read that you've got a positive outlook! I hope the return to running goes well for you!

[HCcD]

Sorry to hear about your health issues and wishing you the best with your treatment and recovery.

If you're looking for some inspiration, look up Sindy Hooper - she's a local triathlete who completed an Ironman while undergoing chemo.

Ditto .. And, she just get her 6 months all clear recently ... And, BQ'd for 2016, I believe during ORW in May!!

[Habs4ever]

Hi Pauline! Welcome back. I'm so glad you are in the upswing of your treatments now.
You are experienced enough to know how much you can handle, when to push, when to back off. Take it slow, start small, but dream big!

[NMG]

I think it really depends on how you feel and how your body reacts coming out of your treatments. I had treatments back in 2004 and while I wasn't a runner then, it took my body quite some time to recover physically and for my energy to get back to the point where I felt "normal". There are lots of variables here though and it would depend on what type of treatments you are getting, your condition, etc.

I'd definitely say set a goal for 2016 but don't be scared to adjust it if needed. Listen to your body and take care of your health first. A big part of that is your mental health and a goal can definitely help you there. I think people who have gone through cancer treatments can often forget to focus on that mental recovery and at least in my experience, it was harder to cope with than the physical recovery. Anything you can do to help with that part is a very good thing in my opinion!