runwdw2008

[runwdw2008]

A copy of my original post to get things off and running in my new journal.

Okay I've decided to stop lurking and really post. I added a post this morning to the thread for those committed to running WDW 2008 marathon.

I need this forum because I desperately need somewhere to "talk running" -- okay in my case it's mostly "talk walking/running" but you get the idea. Here's my situation. I have been running/walking for several years now -- off and on. I started after my 4th child was born -- I was 41 at the time and wanted to get back into shape. Somehow in looking for a walking program on line I happened onto Hal Higdon's site and the rest was history. That first year I participated in a 5K -- meeting my goal of running the whole way no matter how slowly. The next year I did an 8K -- had the same goal and met it. For about the next 4 years I still ran/walked but not as regularly -- no races. I still read Runners World and dreamed.

Then something happened. I was diagnosed with colon cancer. I had emergency surgery (due to a perforation from the colonoscopy that diangosed me) in February 2006. Started chemo in April (every 2 weeks for the next year) -- I just finished about a month ago. The last 6 months of chemo were not bad -- it was a research drug with few side effects. However, the first 6 months were rough at times. At one point I was so tired and felt so bad that I told my husband (jokingly) "When this is all over I think I'm going to train for a marathon, because I don't think I could be any tireder after 26 miles than I am right now." He laughed and I laughed, but something in me really meant it. So, while I laid in bed recovering after each chemo treatment, while my family carried on all the regular things I was too tired to do --- I dreamed. Then I started to pray about it, and read Marathoning for Mortals, and my dream began to grow and grow and grow.

This is what I decided to do -- train for a marathon, and save for a trip to WDW without telling my family!!! I want it to be a Celebration Run. I feel I am not only a cancer survivor but a cancer victor (I just had an "all clear" colonoscopy this week) and I want to celebrate God's faithfulness by running in the WDW Marathon and giving the gift of joining me to my family as a Christmas present. I had just finished the "rough chemo" when we went to WDW in 2006 for my daughter's senior trip (we home school so her senior trip was also a family vacation) so WDW is sort of place of celebration for us anyway.

I have confided in only three girl friends, none of whom are runners. I can't talk much about running around the house or my family is going to wonder "what's up with her".

Sorry if this is way more info than anyone wanted, but it's a big part of why I'm running and why I need somewhere to vent.

I'm still figuring out all the smilies and great clippies everyone uses so bear with me. Suggestions are welcome.

Thanks for giving me an outlet.
Dona

 

[runwdw2008]

Things are really crazy this week. Not much official running is going on -- unless you count sprinting with a full grocery cart. Really, I was jogging in the parking lot. This Saturday is "homeschool" graduation for my daughter. We are having a "ceremony" and reception -- cheesecake in the family life center at our church. We are excited about all the fun, but a little hectic in the last minute preparations. Added to that she and my son are dancing in a ballroom dancing showcase this weekend as well and you have lots of chaos. Oh, did I mention I am sewing a dress for her for the graduation and the showcase They are going pretty well.

We have been watching a nest of hawks in our yard -- we obviously live in the country -- and yesterday saw two baby heads in the nest. Good fun.

Today, we are off to shop for clothes for the boys to wear for the graduation. Shopping for my boys is no fun -- too many "it doesn't feel right" issues. They really don't care what it looks like for the most part -- it just has to "feel" good.

Hopefully, I will get going on serious training next week. I think I have built up enough energy to be able to follow the run/walk schedule in Marathoning for Mortals. Last run was almost 3 miles at an average pace that would have kept me just ahead of the sweepers.

Dona

 

[hockeygirl]

Hey Dona! Welcome to the Boards!!

First of all, I think you have an amazing story!! I think it is awesome what you want to do over the next 7-8 months. You definetely came to the right place for encouragement and support.

I am also training for the 2008 WDW marathon, so I look forward to reading your journal and keeping up with your progress!!!

 

[runwdw2008]

Laurie Thanks for the encouragement. Since I'm doing the full marathon does that mean I could add the cool "08" Mickey clippie to my posts?

Today
I can't wait to get back to a somewhat normal running schedule. This week of chaos is starting to wear on me. Hopefully one dress will be completely done today and the other one will be easy to finish up.

My 6 year old is turning into a "mall rat". She is constantly in my ear telling me what she wants to wear when we shop for "beach clothes" for our summer vacation. Nobody really needs beach clothes -- least of all her -- she just got the bug because we had to go to the mall yesterday for shoes for her brother and sister. We live far out in the country -- maybe I should just stop going into town at all.

Anyway -- I am hoping to get a run in tomorrow. Not much chance today of anything more than a quick walk. But we do have ballroom dancing tonight -- maybe if I never stop going around the floor I could count it as cross training.

Dona

 

[HMHunters]

Dona -



You have a great story! I am also training for the WDW marathon using Marathoning for Mortals; I'm currently in week 10 of the "Run Half Marathon" program and then I'll do the "Run Marathon" program.

You absolutely should add the clip art to your siggie - you are officially a WISHer now!

Make the time to run, even if it's not as long as you're scheduled for. Twenty minutes is better than nothing! Lots of times I wear my running clothes and run after dropping my kids off somewhere while they're doing their thing. It's just got to be a priority. I made a chart and put it on the fridge which inspires me to stick to it to be a good example to my kids. I figure it's one of the most important lessons I can give them.

Happy running!
Renee

 

[runwdw2008]

Renee thanks for the encouragement. I did manage to get in 2 miles yesterday. Not bad for a day I thought was going to be shot.

Good luck on your training for the full -- at least you have a half under your belt. I feel like such a newbie.

Today is hectic as well -- finishing sewing for my daughter for the weekend, decorating the room for graduation, picking up all the last minute things. But hopefully I will get in a short run this afternoon or early evening.

I'll work on getting my new clippie up on Monday. How exciting.

 

[AmyBeth68]

Hi Dona

I just wanted to pop in your journal here and say HI and also tell you that I'm inspired by your story and I'm looking forward to following your marathon training over the next 7 months . I ran the marathon last year and I am training for Goofy 2008. YES...I'm totally crazy . It's nice to see so many runners journaling their experiences and training!

I wish you the very best of luck!!! Congratulations on taking that big step to train for the marathon. I'm sure it will be a rewarding experience!'

OH...and YES....add that clippie!!!

 

[Cindylou]

Dona,

Best of luck to you with your busy weekend. It's hard to imagine how you get any training done while homeschooling your kids. Keep at it. As long as you're dedicated, I'm sure you'll find a way.

Good luck, I look forward to keeping up on your journal.

Cindy

 

[hockeygirl]

I hope you are enjoying your weekend, sounds like it was going to be a busy one for you!!

Definetly add that clippie to your signature! Doesn't matter how long you have been here..everyone is part of the team!!! I just started running in January, and I feel like I have been here forever!!!

Keep up the good work!

 

[runwdw2008]

Well, we survived the infamous graduation/tango dance showcase weekend. All dresses were done in time and everything was great fun. Our guest speaker was a little late, and one of the people who was supposed to give one of the "blessings" got it on her calendar wrong and arrived on Sunday instead of Saturday. I felt worse for her than I did for us.

However, needless to say, the whole weekend was out as far as training was concerned. Monday was just REST and then on Tuesday my mom decided she wanted to go to decorate family graves at cemetaries out of town before "Decoration Day". So, I took her to do that. For those of you non Southerners -- Memorial Day/Decoration Day is big in the South -- especially with my parents' generation. Some cemetaries make it an all day event with pot lucks on the grounds and almost a family reunion atmosphere. Fortunately, all of the cemetaries we visited were on at least gravel roads so I didn't even get stuck in the mud We got to eat at a real greasy spoon called "Burgerland" or something like that. My little kids went with us and they thought that was great!

Anyway, thanks to Renee I got in some running yesterday, Wednesday. I took her advice about running after dropping the kids off at activities. So, I got in a mile or so while the boys were at taekwondo before I had to run errands. It felt good to know that I had squeezed out some running time. Plus, it saved money for my Disney trip by keeping me out of stores.

Later,
Dona

 

[HMHunters]

So, I got in a mile or so while the boys were at taekwondo before I had to run errands. It felt good to know that I had squeezed out some running time. Plus, it saved money for my Disney trip by keeping me out of stores.

It all comes back to Disney, doesn't it?!? Glad you had a successful weekend AND got in a run! Good job! One step at a time ...

Keep it up!
Renee

 

[runwdw2008]

Well, I had my doctor's visit on Friday to get the results from my follow up CT scans. They were ordered because I just finished my year of chemo in April. My colonoscopy report was great -- however, the CT scans came back that I have "two very small questionable spots" on one of my lungs and a possible cyst on my spleen. I am scheduled for a PET scan on Thursday morning -- I will have to call later for my results as we are leaving the next day for vacation. I told Drew (my husband) " good news or bad news, I'll be at the beach!"

My verse is Ps. 60:18
"Through God we shall do valiantly. And it is He who will tread down our adversaries."

This verse has been a reminder through my year of chemo that ultimately my healing is from God and not from me or my very capable doctors. They can only do so much and I can do only so much. God is the one who will "tread down" my cancer and restore my health.

I feel great and told the doctor I have absolutely no symptoms, and that I was running again.

I did a 3.5 mile walk/jog this morning. It may be about the last one before the PET scan. I want to make sure there is no lactic acid in my system for the scan. Any motabilism (spelling?) can give a false positive. Lactic acid can sometimes do that, as well as carb breakdown. I will be eating mostly meat and water the day before

 

[hockeygirl]

Hey Dona--Glad to hear you were able to get some runs in. I will be thinking of you with your tests that you have coming up, I hope all goes well with those. You have such a positive attitude about everything, that is so inspiring to me!!!

I hope you have a great week!

 

[DreamBeliever]

Hi Dona,

You have an incredible story and I'm glad you posting it here so we can walk this journey with you. I'm so glad you feel up to training and participating in the 2008 marathon.

Many prayers are coming your way regarding your test results and future good health

 

[HMHunters]

Dona -

Just wanted to send some good WISHes your way for your PET scan; praying for you and good results! Hope your vacation is awesome!

Renee

 

[hockeygirl]

Hey Dona--just wanted to drop by and say that I will be thinking of you tomorrow morning. Sending some you way that all goes well!!

 

[runwdw2008]

My PET scan came back great. They couldn't even see the spots on my lung. No explanation for what they were on the CT scan. I will do a repeat CT scan in 6 weeks, but it looks like nothing, since it didn't show on the PET scan. God is so good!

Our vacation was great. The extended family part went well. Grandparents tended to stay in the beach house more than I had anticipated, but have said over and over what a great time they had -- so I guess they were doing what they wanted. My six year old discovered she loves to snorkel in the pool -- best $4. I spent

We rented bikes for the week and the six of us (DH and four kids) went on bike rides. The little kids (10 and 6) went on short ones. The big kids, DH and I went on one 17 miler and one day my husband (Drew) and I went on the same 17 miler by ourselves. It was great. I made a mistake the first long bike ride and tried to pace myself with the teenagers -- NOT -- then I remembered, it's 90 degrees, I've had a year of chemo, and I'm a penguin runner -- so maybe I'm a penguin biker as well. So I stopped trying to keep up, set my own pace and made it fine from then on. It was great fun. I hadn't ridden a bike in years, Drew (really doesn't like to run or exercise at all) discovered that he has found his exercise -- biking ! He is now looking at somewhere to ride close to home without having to take his life in his hands on the highways. There were great bike trails where we were in FL and so traffic was not a problem -- which made it expecially relaxing biking with the little kids -- and me, too, I felt like I was "most likely to run over someone".

The beach was great. Biking was great. Chocolate was great. Read a book during the week "In the Company of Cheerful Ladies" Great vacation.

Thanks to everyone for the thoughts and prayers about my tests. I actually got the results on Monday while on vacation.

Dona

 

[AmyBeth68]

Great news Dona!!!! So glad your vacation went so well too! Sounds fabulous!!!

Happy training!!

 

[HMHunters]

Great news! Glad you got that good news on Monday, which I'm sure made for a much more relaxing vacation!

Sounds like you got in not only good relaxation but some XT as well. If DH is a biker and you're a runner, all you need is a swimmer for a triathalon relay team! (Not sure they'd let DD use her snorkel gear.)

Welcome back and good luck training!