Starting Again

[Andy14st9lbs]

It has been a while since my last post, 14 months to be exact, so I'm starting out on that wonderful journey again, so here's a little background to why I'm starting over again.

With the help and encouragement of the lovely people on this site I graduated 5K back in January 2019 and then moved on to 10K which I graduated in May of 2019 following JuJu's plan.

Then came the hiccup, from about June onwards I started to feel not too well, but kept on with the running, because once you have that bug you just have to go out and run, well at least I do. But, come December, after having loads of tests, CT and MRI scans in the prior months I had to stop as I no longer had the energy.

On the 19th of December I was finally diagnosed with Bowl Cancer, not something I was ever expecting, because since starting running I had never been as fit, I went from 14st 9lbs in October 2018 when I first started C25K down to 11st 7lbs when I completed my first 10K, so the diagnosis was quite a surprise.

Surgery took place on the 7th January this year, pleased I was asleep through it because it lasted 5 ½ hours, but it went well. Then in February I was told the cancer had spread to my Lymphatic system making me a Stage 3C, not what I wanted to hear, but we'll deal with it.

So, for the last 5 or so months it's been Chemotherapy, not a pleasant experience by any means, but I'm on my 8th and final cycle with just 2 weeks left to go. Then comes that 12 week wait until the first CT scan to determine whether or not the Chemo has worked, so fingers crossed.

Now to the starting again part, this morning I woke at 04.15 and started to look at my running shoes, I had purposely left them sat on top of their box where I could always see them and they had been there since the last time I ran on the 7th of December last year, so at this point I thought stuff it, I'm going for a run and Week 1 had begun.

So, let the journey commence once again.

And to those just starting out, always remember, you can do it!

Happy Running everyone.

Andy...

[Whydothis Graduate]

You are inspiring! All the very best with your recovery and the running.

[Andy14st9lbs Graduate in reply to Whydothis]

Thanks very much 🙂

[Mamma_Mayhem Graduate]

Aww Andy. This post made me cry 😢. I really, really hope the scan goes well and you have a positive outcome. 🙏❤️ You would have finished this course well before the scan.

How was your 1st run after such a long time off?

[Andy14st9lbs Graduate in reply to Mamma_Mayhem]

Hi MM... thanks for the kind words, they're appreciated 😁

First run was OK, better than the first time I did it back in 2018, just have to take it steady, but it felt very good to be running again.

[Icandothis87]

Inspiring post! Wishing you a positive recovery and all the best in starting your journey again.

Take care

[Andy14st9lbs Graduate in reply to Icandothis87]

Thank you and I'm looking forward to the journey ☺️

[Hidden]

Thanks for sharing your story Andy - keep moving forwards!

[Andy14st9lbs Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Cheers Jetpack 👍

[Hidden]

Hey Andy welcome back! X I hope you get the news you want to hear ASAP and also that you graduate again on here! X I’m week 7 and would love any tips you have about motivation or determination as it seems you have a lot of both!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Oh and I had my large int removed last dec and have a permanent ileostomy I font know if you have had that done but am here for any advice etc xx

[Andy14st9lbs Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks very much, slowpoke...your kind words are appreciated.

The one thing I learned was that there will always be good runs and bad runs, times when you don't feel 100% and times when your rhythm is off, on these occasions it's important to stay positive during the run, because the feeling of completing a bad run is just as good as completing a good run, maybe even more so, because you have just proved to yourself that you can conquer your doubts and push on through when it gets tough, this enforces willpower and willpower is all you need to succeed.

Hope that makes sense.

As for an ileostomy, after the cancerous section of bowl was removed, the surgeon was able to connect the other two ends together, so a stoma wasn't required.

[Hidden in reply to Andy14st9lbs]

Oh that’s good! X

[Allbarron Graduate]

Hi Andy.

You have done so well. I understand exactly what you have gone through. I went through chemo/ radiation therapy myself a few years back. Not pleasant!

I've got to commend you on getting out there so soon. I'm not sure I could have done that. You are a legend!!! A lot of this I think is positive mental attitude and it looks like you've got that.

I am sending you lots of good wishes and support. Please listen to your body and mind and give yourself some time when you need it.

Happy running my friend🏃🏃

[Andy14st9lbs Graduate in reply to Allbarron]

Thanks very much...sounds like you are doing really well after your treatment 😎

I will definitely listen to my body, it's certainly talking to me this morning 😜 so will give it a couple of days before W1R2.

[Allbarron Graduate]

Oh I'm a veteran. Been clear 6 yrs now but took me til January to start this. That's why I'm in awe of your determination. 🤩

[Andy14st9lbs Graduate in reply to Allbarron]

WOW...6yrs clear is awesome 😁

[Scout37 Graduate]

I'm humbled. And there was me, bleating on about a tough run this morning.

I think your grasp of tough is greater than mine!

Onwards.. wishing you happy running and the best possible news to come.

And thanks for your words this morning too!

[Andy14st9lbs Graduate in reply to Scout37]

Thanks very much, Scout 🏃

[Smile23 Graduate]

Inspirational

Many people would decide that running again was a bridge to far

Enjoy and i am looking forward to hear that you have graduated again and that the scan goes well

Sending positive vibes x

[Andy14st9lbs Graduate in reply to Smile23]

Appreciated Smile and thanks for the positive vibes 😁