Running whilst on chemo

FormerMember over 3 years ago

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I wasn’t sure which group to post this in but I was diagnosed with TNBC last October. I’ve had 12 weeks taxol and have had my first EC a week ago. I am grateful that I have tolerated chemo very well and have responded to my treatment very very well. I am putting this down to my fitness and health. 3 years ago I joined a gym to get a bit of me time from my family I was out of shape and just went on the treadmill for 30 mins then went for a coffee but over time I wanted to stay on that treadmill longer because I felt I’d achieved something and it made me feel happy. So 3 yrs on I’ve completed 4 sprint triathlons several Duathlons and ran 2 half marathons and was training for a full marathon but then we went into 1st lockdown then I was diagnosed. Through out the chemo even if I have felt a bit rough I’ve exercised by doing you tube yoga and getting out walking I can’t run as before because the cold weather affects my lungs so I’ve run/walked max 5 miles twice a week and felt great for it.....is there anyone out there who is keen on running who would like to share tips and advice on how to get back into normal running pace during and after treatment?

Charlieandlola over 3 years ago

Hello Montes,

I too kept myself very fit. Went swimming at 6.30am 3 mornings a week, went to the gym and did running. One I started chemo in Jan 2019 I carried on with weights and mainly concentrated on walking as didnt want to exhaust my body after it having to deal with and process the toxic power of chemotherapy. I'm now trying to build up to running again. I've put weight on so a bit disgusted with myself but it is what it is. Do as much as you can manage and feel comfortable with would be my advice.

Julie x

Charlieandlola

Charlieandlola over 3 years ago in reply to Charlieandlola

Sorry meant to say , started chemo Jan 2020 not 2019. I was diagnosed Nov 2019

Charlieandlola

FormerMember over 3 years ago in reply to Charlieandlola

Hi Charlieandlola

Thank you for your reply......it’s great you too managed to exercise through out your treatment. I have put weight on, a full stone in 12 weeks even though I’ve exercised and eaten very healthily which wasn’t a change for me but in the grand scheme of things I have to accept it. I’m pleased to hear you went swimming obviously we can’t go to the swimming pools or gyms yet but I normally do open water swimming in the summer months and was wondering whether it would be something I could do with low immunity. I need to be patient and accept I can’t do as I did yet but it’s a goal to get back to fitness soon. If you haven’t tried it my running club have recommended low heart rate training if you are coming back to running after illness or injury you do need a heart rate monitor I use my Garmin watch and the idea is to keep your heart rate below a certain level. To work this out its 180 minus your age so mine works out at 134 beats per minute whilst running. if you go over it you have to walk until it gets below then start to run again. The aim is, over time, to run for longer under your heart rate so you are more efficient with your breathing and overall performance it’s what I’ve been doing whilst having treatment, it can be frustrating at first especially when you reach your heart rate quickly and you end up walking more than running but if you can be patient you will see the results and it will build your running up at a safe pace. Good luck getting back Xxx

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