Running, Post-Cancer and -Chemo

The subject line is misleading because it implies that I’ve noticed running after cancer and chemo to be different from running prior to the big C&C combo, but, no, actually, I’ve only ever run post-cancer and chemo.

Still. I have valid observations to make!  so observe I shall.

• The first two times I ran, I hurt like mad. My shins, that is.  My shins hurt so bad.  I was doing that walking-slowly-and-gingerly thing for a couple of days last week, and kept thinking “oh my God, I’m breaking my own legs with this running crap!”  (because of my low bone density — damn you chemo and heparin!)  However, cooler heads prevailed and convinced me to try new running shoes.  And the shin ouchiness went away.  Am pleased that I am not in fact breaking my own legs by running.
• It’s not easy, but it’s not killing me, either.  In a lot of ways, it’s kind of like my chemo experience.  It doesn’t make my body feel particularly good while I’m doing it (or afterwards, either), but boy does it make me feel like I’m winning over…something.  I’m accomplishing something.  I like that feeling.
• I’ve been doing my Race for the Cure training for a week now, and it’s getting a bit less-impossible, but at the same time, I don’t know that I’m going to be able to manage to run the entire 5K. However, I think if I manage to run even part of the Race next month, that’ll still count as an accomplishment, and I won’t have anything to be ashamed of.  That does take some of the pressure off.
• Found a podcast for each week of the Couch to 5K plan (the training plan I’m following for the 5K) that helps a whole lot.  Just search on iTunes for “Couch to 5K” and you’ll find it.
• I am certain that the very sight of me allegedly running would send y’all into fits of hysterical laughter.  I am SO not fast.  I look even more awkward than speed-walkers look — and that’s sayin’ something.

That’s all I’ve got tonight. Seacrest out.