Name: Becky Harmon
Age: 47
Hometown: Macon, Georgia
Occupation: High School Special Education Teacher and Middle School Cross-Country Coach
Time Running: 3 years
Reason for Running: I run because I love to challenge myself.
I have run off and on since middle school. But I began running consistently, and with purpose, three (going on four) years ago. Running for me was a way to distract myself from my breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. Running became very therapeutic for me.
I received my diagnosis of breast cancer on April 2, 2019. I found a lump in my left breast, and after a mammogram and biopsy it was confirmed that I had triple positive breast cancer. My type of cancer is driven by hormones. My active treatment phase lasted from April 29, 2019 until November 2021.
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My amazing oncologist was very concerned that I am at a high risk for recurrence, so I had everything thrown at me. I had six rounds of chemo and immunotherapy prior to my double mastectomy in September 2019. Then, due to residual cancer, I had an additional 14 rounds of a “chemo light” every three weeks, along with 36 rounds of radiation. Once that was completed, I was placed on a relatively new drug that I took daily for a year along with a hormone blocker.
When that year was up, I was then told that I needed a radical hysterectomy because they wanted to change my hormone treatment drug—and this would eliminate my risk of possible gynecological cancers and further stop my body from producing the hormones that drive my type of cancer. So currently, all I need is what is called an aromatase inhibitor (a type of hormone therapy) for the next eight years.
It was definitely a long journey, and at times a difficult experience. However, it was tolerable. I was able to continue to teach and run throughout my treatment.
I know going through this experience has made me a stronger and better person. I learned to love my body and embrace the changes that it went through. For me, a bald head was empowering. I am among a group of women who chose an aesthetic flat closure breast surgery. This means I have a flat chest with no breasts, affectionately referred to as a “Flattie.”
I feel that I am more outgoing than I ever was. I appreciate life so much more than I ever did. I have come to know some amazing women that I would not have met if it were not for cancer. It’s a tribe that I never asked to join, but I’m so thankful for those fighters who are now part of my life.
Cancer is something you take day by day. The worst part of having cancer is being told you have cancer. Once you know what to expect, it just becomes part of your life. Early diagnosis is so important—I’m sure my experience would have been different if my cancer was found earlier.
I know that I used running as a coping mechanism to get through the treatment process—it helped take my mind off the whole process. When you are running, you’re thinking about your pace or how much farther you have to run. That is better than thinking how much your skin hurts from radiation burns or getting frustrated because you are about to lose your sense of taste again for a few weeks.
Even today, three years later, running keeps those intrusive thoughts of a future recurrence at bay. Cancer is like a boogie man that is always lurking over your shoulder and that can be exhausting emotionally. Running takes that away and gives me peace.
Throughout this experience, I have learned to listen to my body. Like every runner, some days were and still are better than others. I have had several setbacks and that can be very frustrating. Starting over from ground zero is a struggle. I remind myself that not everyone in my situation is physically able to go for a run and then I regain my focus and keep going.
My hysterectomy with a new hormone blocker has caused me to gain weight and become slower than I’d like. My joint pain is more noticeable and it takes longer to recover from a longer run. But, I have learned to give myself grace, which is a work in progress.
Like many new runners, I made the mistake of overtraining, but I eventually was able to dial in, listen to my body, and adjust my mileage as needed. I usually run 15 to 20 miles a week. Sometimes, I am able to run more and sometimes life gets in the way and I run less.
I have found through trial and error that my body responds better to use the Galloway run/walk method. I feel that I am able to recover more quickly and am less prone to injury.
I was able to take part in an amazing training opportunity in the summer of 2021 when I was chosen to participate in an eight-week training program for Breast Cancer Survivors as a partner with Active Resolute Connected (ARC) and True Potential Running to provide this awesome experience that I am thankful to have been a part of. During that experience, I had weekly access to an elite running coach, a physical therapist, and a nutritionist.
I always use Garmin and Strava to log my runs. I’m kind of a data nerd. I’m always looking for a good running plan and hope to use True Potential Running again in the future, because their support was amazing.
I love running 5Ks and am always looking for a fun and new local race to run. I am setting my sights on a half marathon in February 2023. I’m working now to add time on my feet. It will be a challenge, but I’m confident that I can complete the distance. I may not make my time goal, but I know that I will be able to finish.
Currently, I try to run four to five days a week. I avoid strength training like the plague, so I know that I need to add this into my schedule. Ultimately, I’d like to have a coach that can guide me and hold me accountable. One day I’d like to have a sub 30-minute 5K. I have had a setback after my last surgery and getting my pace back has been a challenge.
Running reminds me that I am still here. Cancer did not win. It challenges me. Each and every run, I want to become a better runner. It has taught me to pick myself up and keep going, to believe in my abilities. I know that I can always improve and grow as a runner.
I hope that there will be someone out there who will read my story and go and make an appointment for a mammogram. My mission is to spread awareness about early detection, as well as reconstruction options for women facing mastectomies. Many surgeons give the aesthetic flat closure as an option, and my goal is to promote it with body positivity.
Running can be a lifelong activity. No matter your pace, if you run, you are a runner. Try not to beat yourself up comparing your run or race to another person’s. The only competition you have is yourself.
These three tips have made my running journey a success:
1. Give yourself grace
Not all runs will be good runs. Even elite runners have off days.
2. Have patience
Building endurance and speed takes time. It will not happen overnight. Expect setbacks and keep going. Not every race will be a PR.
3. Pay attention to your gear
Invest in a good pair of running shoes. Fuel to run and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
Becky’s Must-Have Gear
→ Nuun Hydration: My favorite flavors are Kona Kola and Strawberry Limeade. It provides hydration for everyday and for my long runs.
→ Garmin Forerunner 735: My favorite is the Forerunner 245, but currently using the Forerunner 735. The Garmin has a watch for every type of athlete. It has the ability to provide almost any type of data for those of us who are data nerds.
→ Knockaround Sunglasses: These are great for everyday use and for running. They have a wide variety of styles and are reasonably priced with the average pair retailing at or around $25. I have several pairs and love every pair I have bought.
→ Takeya Water Bottle: It keeps my water cold even in hot Georgia summer weather.
Emily Shiffer is a freelance health and wellness writer living in Pennsylvania.
