Training for a 1/2 marathon and listening to my body!

Hello all,



I just discovered this forum from a link on a Runner's World article on running after a hysterectomy. Gosh, I wish I knew about Hyster Sisters before my surgery on Jan 24th! I was pretty much in the dark and alone with preparing for the operation, but I'm so glad now that I'm in recovery to have found all of you here.

I was running about 20 miles a week before surgery, and planned it so that I would have enough time to train before the Popular Brooklyn Half Marathon in May. Although my surgeon said I should be able to start running two weeks post-op, I was entirely too weak and still felt pain from doing more an hour of standing and walking.

Now I've just passed week 4, and felt well enough to start running again. Started off slowly with a 3.5 mile run, then a 2.5 mile run, and then yesterday a 5 mile run. Did a yin yoga class with just long stretches, no super active vinyasa, and about 20 minutes of yoga for runners after my 5 mile run. Today my abdominal area is hurting from the 5 miles, so I'll give it a rest today and try again tomorrow.

Been reading about the possibility of prolapse and adhesion here. Anyone have any bad reactions to running after a total hysterectomy? I'm afraid to do anything that will set me back, but I've had to get out there to run so that I can be active again, for my head as much as my body!

I'm not a 1/2 marathoner, but I enjoy 5-8ks. I began running intervals at 8 weeks after having worked up to 3 miles of walking, and could run the entire 3 miles of my route by 12 weeks. That was 3-1/2 years ago. I'm definitely menopausal, I pump iron at a weekly Body Pump class, I still run for cardio... and I've had no issues with either prolapse or adhesions. I plan to keep on unless I'm told to stop by my doctor - whether for prolapse or joints.

Thanks for the response and glad to know that you are staying active! Since I started running again about a month ago, I'm building up my weekly mileage and will be doing a 7 mile long run this weekend as running is the last safe form of strenuous cardio one can do outside during these days of COVID-19. So far it's been going well. I'm much slower than I was before but I obviously took a month off any exercise and so it's taking my body some time to acclimate again.

Stay healthy and safe!