Clinical Oncology is a specialty in the UK wherein as an Oncologist, you can prescribe systemic (chemotherapy, immunotherapy, etc) and prescribe radiotherapy. So you can do both. However, in order to be able to do both, one must sit 3 sets of exams and pass each set at a certain time point within training in order to progress to the next stages.
There are FRCR Part 1, Part 2 (written), and Part 2 (oral). Currently, I am an ST4 (second year Clin Onc Trainee) and must pass FRCR Part 1 in order to progress to ST5. I sat this exam back in September. There were 4 modules (Cancer Biology, Pharmacology, Physics, and Medical Statistics). I passed the first 2 (barely) but failed Physics and Med Stats. And they are not easy exams.
I’ve never really been good at exam taking so I often have to retake some of my exams. I have accepted that they are just not my strong suit but I have to pass them to get through to the next level. Luckily in the UK, a pass is a pass.
And it so happens that the exams are a few weeks before the Tokyo Marathon. This time, I can’t really defer the marathon further so I have to revise and train at the same time. Either I run before going to the library or I go to the gym after the library. Whilst working, it’s one or the other or waking up at 5 am. There isn’t a set schedule as days vary so much – clinic days, long day, David on long day, David on nights. On my study leave days, I have better chances of doing both. As long as I get to do the long run on the weekend as early as possible in the morning.
Of course both activities are also time away from David and the kids. It does help that my mom is here visiting. So although erratic, I’ve still managed to get the miles down. But as usual, I could never follow an actual training plan. My logic is that well, if I am out running, I better just maximise my time and fit as many miles I possibly could.
So here I am, 3 weeks out from the marathon and 3 days out from the exam. Doing both is complete madness!
Last weekend’s long run
2 weeks ago, I ran around Portsmouth. Last week, the stars aligned and I finally got to run around Langstone Harbour. I nearly missed the 9 am ferry that would take me across the harbour to Hayling Island. I literally was running down the pontoon screaming for them to wait. There were a couple of other runners there with the same idea. Then I ran along the Hayling Billy Trail.
And as if by magic, it was low tide at the Southmoor Nature Reserve that I just managed to cross a small stream of water rather than backtracking. I was elated! It was pure joy and my favourite part of the whole run. At that point, I thought ‘Yes! I can do this! Finally!’ And I did.
Reach for the Seven Stars 