Lifelong ban on running

[sendbackaletterfromamerica]

This may not sound a big deal but I've just found out that my chronic health condition means that I should not run anymore as it's detrimental to my body.

Running has got me through life's highs and lows for ten years now. I ran to get me through the pain of my divorce. I ran for joy a lot of the time - it brought me such pleasure being out in the fresh air zooming by different bits of town. I ran when I went on holiday and saw so much more than I would have otherwise. I was just such a dedicated runner and imagined myself jogging about when I was an old lady.

I have not been able to run this past year and I've made the best of it by doing things that are recommended for my condition - swimming and yoga. But I always thought I would stabilise and get back to my running. Today a physio specific to my condition explained the pounding through your body that running requires could do me long-term damage and that it isn't recommended.

I know there are much bigger problems. But I feel so sad about it. It was just the best feeling, for all different emotions. I also liked how fit I felt. I don't feel that way now.

It’s like a door closing on a large segment of your personality and life. Give yourself time to grieve that loss. Then, try to reframe the news as an opportunity to try new things and reinvent yourself a little. Can you try other sports/hobbies such as roller skating/ice skating/rambling/crown green bowls? or something completely different such as art classes? Something you can lose yourself within.

If you enjoy swimming, have you tried wild swimming? Or open water swimming?

It's not the same, but there are good communities of open water swimmers throughout the country and finding something else might help.

This is me too OP. I was a runner and I loved running outside. I then had a nasty accident and fractured my leg and have been told I shouldn't run again.

It feel exactly like you. I lift weights, which makes me feel good. I also do short sprints on the treadmill but there is still, three years on, a real sense of loss.

Can you look at cycling or mountain biking? Might get you out in the fresh air more than yoga and swimming

Ask your physio what sports they recommend for someone with this condition.

I suspect part of the 'fun' of exercise is the chemicals your body releases give you a bit of a high afterwards. You may find another activity that you'll enjoy.

What a shame OP, it's so hard when you're told you're not allowed to do something you love any more. As a pp said, open water swimming is a great alternative, you can do long distance swim events if you enjoy challenging yourself.

Or how about cycling? Would you be allowed to cycle? There's a very similar sense of speed, freedom and enjoying the scenery like you get from running. The only downside is it's not so easy to ride on holiday as you need a lot more kit!

These are all lovely supportive answers, thank you. Yes, being out in the fresh air is part of it and the ideas of cycling and rambling are really good ones.

Cold water swimming really speaks to me too, I met a lovely woman earlier today who runs a group at my local beach and was encouraging me to join. Thank you for these suggestions.

It's just a hard transition as I was really proud to be a runner (I was totally mediocre but I loved it) and felt so many health benefits. It seems ironic that I have to stop for health reasons!

Hard to give up something wholesome that you love!

How about cycling? It's low impact, but still has the outdoor whizzing around element to it.

I know a couple in their 80s who are still cycling.

Yes, cycling is a good idea. It is the whizzing about past different scenery that is part of my enjoyment.

I am a rubbish cyclist but I could improve!

I don't want to minimise your feelings. It sounds hard. But I do think you can get the endorphins elsewhere. I used to be a county level swimmer and thought swimming gave me special endorphins that other exercise didn't, but it turns out its not the swimming per se, it's just that I was good enough to be experiencing the HIIT high from swimming. It's not the best thing for my hypermobile joints and I'm nowhere near that level now. But I'm training myself to do HIIT at the gym on the cross trainer. The endorphin rush is still accessible. Admittedly it's harder to get to but I can.

I had to give up running after developing compartment syndrome. I had two surgeries to save my legs, and like you, thought I would get back to normal - but never did. It is hard at first, but you do adapt.

Thanks, this is all helpful and cheering me up a bit. I'm glad I posted.

I had to give up running too. I found nordic walking and hiking to give me the same "time on feet in the fresh air" and my cardio fitness is no worse than when I was running. I love the pace of walking compared to running now, I take in all the sights and sounds.

Been there, it's shit but just get out and do other stuff. Parkwalk at parkrun if you have running buddies to keep in touch with.
Knitting/crochet good for settling you mentally (on top of "do all the exercise").
Worth getting a bike fit before spending a significant amount of money on a bicycle btw.

I take it they’ve advised high impact activity - unfortunately running particularly on pavements throws a huge amount of force through your joints.

having said that, rambling/forest walking provides a potential outlet. Wild swimming is good but be careful if you have concomitant lung problems - the shock of the cold can be problematic.

with all things, advice can be given but it is up to you to do your own risk benefit analysis. I often think when we give lifestyle advice we often don’t consider the mental health benefits. It’s up to you to decide whether the benefit to your mental health is worth the risks (whatever they may be). It’s no good your joints being in pristine condition if you are living a miserable life.

Sorry to hear that you can’t run any more.

I love to swim outdoors, Lido in the colder months though!

I’m so sorry to hear that OP.

Sometimes life is so unfair and it’s just Sod’s law that the thing you’ve found that keeps you healthy and active, is the one thing that’s unhealthy for you.

I hope you can find something that gives you the same amount of pleasure.

I'm so sorry OP. I've only felt tiny shades of what you describe when I've been poorly. You are absolutely entitled to feel bereft and to grieve that part of you

I think the suggestions given have been great. For me running gives me quiet, allows me to be outside and see nature in new ways and gets me active. It also gives me a sense of achievement. I wonder if focusing on those things in different ways may help. Do you garden? I've got some friends who do walking races, like speed walking, not sure if that would be allowed? How about something like ice skating or roller blading? Paddle boarding? Not sure just throwing ideas around!

I had to give up running too and felt very similarly! As others have suggested, cold water swimming gives you some of the same endorphins as running, for different reasons. There's also a real community aspect to it. But give yourself time - several years in and I've only recently given away/binned my running gear!

Ah your feelings about this are so valid and understandable. I had a couple of months off due to a stress response and it was awful. I'm dreading the day I need to stop as well (I feel that day will come sadly).

Would you be able to do hiit or strength stuff? I find the les mills grit strength classes really challenging and I'm a seasoned runner! X

Does your physio have lots of experience with the movements that go into running? I'm asking because I'm wondering if re-training to a lower impact style of running might work for you. From what I can tell, very many if not most runners have a really bouncy style, pushing off high and then landing heavily. In contrast, a style that is closer to accelerated walking might work better for you especially if it's on natural ground rather than pavement. So, flatter strides, feet stay on the ground as long as possible, don't push up but more forward. Might mean finding a really good coach to retrain. Full disclosure - I have iffy knees and trained myself into something similar, but I have a couple of decades in martial arts so have pretty much internalized staying grounded and with a low centre of gravity. Also, I always a casual runner at best.

No advice as you’ve had some good suggestions and you’re already doing swimming/yoga which is what I’d have suggested but just wanted to post sympathy - running can be a big part of one’s identity and I am so sorry you’ve had this news. You are obviously motivated to stay fit though so you will find new challenges and activities that hopefully give you as much joy in the long term 🤍

I had this too a couple of years ago and it's really rough. There are still mornings when I wake up and think that I'd love to go for a run and I miss that post-run feeling. I've tried to channel it into other activities - mainly weights/strength based as I also have a small child so not always easy to leave the house to work out. I'm sorry though, it's so tough.

Another one recommending cycling here, it's the only exercise like running where I can just zoom past stuff and empty my mind

That must be very hard to deal with. I heard the ultra runner Mimi Anderson talking about something similar on a podcast, she had to stop running due to injury. She has a book called Limitless which I believe covers some of it. I haven't actually read it yet it's on my very long 'to read' list. It might be of interest if you like reading non fiction. She has taken up cycling.