This Marathoner Ran All Through Chemo and Now She’s Conquering NYC With the Team That Saved Her

I needed to make a change, so I started a journey into my sober life. I had to “update my operating system”—mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally.

Running seemed like an accessible way to focus on the physical aspect. I had no idea that it would be a connection to mental clarity, stress management, a community, and moments of deep gratitude and presence.

My first run, in 2014, was one mile with my best friend. I was clueless! I wore black velour in 80-degree heat. I wasn’t attracted to running itself, but I was attracted to the feeling of accomplishment after a run. I did it again and again, and my body started to change. I felt fitter, healthier, and had more energy. I started to really like exercise. In fact, I became a part-time spin instructor.

Then, a fluke marathon acceptance changed my engagement with running.

In 2018, my friend encouraged me to sign up for the New York City Marathon. This seemed like a safe bet, because no one gets in, right? We both got in.

I joined Team In Training and raised money for leukemia and Llymphoma research. I learned about long runs, recovery runs, speed work, and hill work. Our coach taught us the “5:1 hack”— run for five minutes, walk for one. This made the runs manageable and enjoyable.

The feeling of accomplishment running the NYC marathon was incredible. In the following years, my running buddy and I completed a range of races with the New York Road Runners. In 2023, I ran the NYC marathon again.

After that race, I became increasingly aware of abdominal bloating, irregular periods, and a bit of cramping. Don’t make a fuss, I thought, this is probably menopausal changes. By January 2024, my inner voice urged me to get checked. And on January 10, 2024, I felt like I was watching a car crash in slow motion. What I hoped would confirm that nothing was wrong, was very different. “You have two highly suspicious masses—10cm and 11cm,” the doctor said. “We can’t find your ovaries.”

I became a Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center patient. It is the most human-focused, center of excellence I could have hoped for. On January 26, I had the “gruesome twosome” removed and a hysterectomy. I began six rounds of chemo.

In March 2024, my surgeon, Vance Broach, M.D., who is also a NYC marathon runner, gave me the medical okay to start running. He said that it was entirely possible that I would be fit enough to run in November. I just had to make it happen and see if my body would allow it.

Running helped “shake the chemos” out of me. On many days, my body felt jumpy. My muscles worked like a glitchy internet connection, my bones felt like they were being stretched and jumped on. Running gave me a little control. I could shake, sweat, move, and distract myself from the pains that are so obvious when sitting in stillness. I always felt better after a run.

My hair fell out. I ran bald. I loved it. I felt strong and joyous, and I formed my Big Bald Goal—to run with the people who saved my life, the year they saved my life, and fundraise for Team Ovary.

When I ran, I wanted my baldness and my Fred’s team T-shirt to capture attention, so people could see a different image of chemotherapy than they expect. When I was asked, “what happened to you?” I could promote having early conversations with doctors about what could easily be dismissed as usual menopausal symptoms.

Running home from the hospital after round six of chemo was epic. I ran with my running mentor, Moe Byrne, M.D.—five amazing miles from Manhattan to Brooklyn. We got to the top of my street, and my family and about 40 of my neighbors and friends were there, banging on pots and pans. Really, they are cheering for so much more—for great science, awesome doctors, resilience, strength, and for shifting the chemo narrative a little bit. I love that running garners such community support.

I currently do three short runs during the week, one strength training session, and a long run on the weekend. My longest run is three hours, and about 15 miles.

Races keep me motivated. The crowds are incredible, and stopping to pet dogs helps me. I used to love meeting my running partner for our long runs on Saturday. I would turn up in some ridiculous outfit, like a superhero costume, a leotard and leggings like Jane Fonda, or a 1920s school gym kit. I also like to “run to my smile” —a steady 11- or 12-minute mile!

Running helps me feel balanced, strong, and healthy. I met someone who said every year he watches the marathon and wants to shout, “you need therapy!” I think running is the best therapy!

On days when I run across the bridge from Brooklyn to Manhattan, and watch the water and the people, listen to the trains rumble by, read the graffiti, and wave to other runners, I feel truly exhilarated and joyful to be alive. I love being alive! I love the relationship I have with my husband, my kids, my family, and friends. I honestly feel running makes me a better person.

Many of the doctors who treated me are running the marathon this year. I secured a place in the marathon with Fred’s Team, the official running team of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and started fundraising and training. I ran consistently through chemo, starting with three miles after round one and getting up to 10 miles after round three.

I’d like to run the NYC marathon every year for the rest of my life.

These tips have made my running journey a success:

1. Prep your gear the night before

I put my running kit out the night before. It’s harder to procrastinate when it’s all ready for me.

2. Engage others as much as possible

I smile as much as possible, wave at other runners, and say hello to people, especially on inclines and bridges. In races, I thank everyone at the water stations. When it gets hard, I want as much human contact as possible.

3. Stretch and cross train

Stretch and do exercise that isn’t running, but that supports running, such as yoga and weights. Focus on core strength, not just miles.

Pauline’s Must-Have Gear

→ Nike Tie Headband: I rely on this to stop sweat and sun lotion getting in my eyes. It’s fabulous! In chemo, I lost my eyebrows and eyelashes, so this was my new unibrow!

→ Amphipod Hydraform Handheld Water Bottle: I love that this is a solid light water bottle. The fabric to slip your hand in makes it so easy to hold without going all weird and squishy.

→ Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23: This shoe has great support and a roomy toe box. I keep returning to Brooks shoes.

→ Flexitol Heel Balm: I get dry feet and I want them to be in the best condition for running. This is the best foot cream I have ever used.