Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Lifelong ban on running

89 replies

sendbackaletterfromamerica · 01/02/2023 15:47

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.

OP posts:
Dogsgottabone · 01/02/2023 16:50

OP i sympathise so much.

18 months ago i injured one foot then the other went. And then I found out I have a double prolapse.

In theory if I get the feet fixed and a support to hold up my prolapses I will get back to it. But there is no guarantee this will happen.

I need the high I get from a run. Even a short one. HIIT doesn't come close and yoga just winds me up. Swimming gets me out of breath but makes me ravenous!

Like the idea of a PP about grieving it to help come to terms with things.

Are you still able to keep doing long walks?

OntarioBagnet · 01/02/2023 16:56

Same, it’s been about 3 years now and I’ll never be able to run again. I’ve taken up cycling instead which I’m really enjoying. Is that an option?

Original poster
sendbackaletterfromamerica · 01/02/2023 16:59

Thanks so much everyone. I really appreciate every response. Yes I can still go walks. I'm scared to do too much incase I cause a flare up but I'm hoping I can do good long ones once my medication is fully sorted. Just hard to get my head around it.

From all the great suggestions, cycling, hiking and sea swimming are shining through. Also just googled Nordic walking and going to see if there's anything like that near me!

OP posts:

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Exercise & fitness Fitness General health
SinnerBoy · 01/02/2023 17:01

You say that you like to get out and see the world and that cycling is permitted; that's your answer!

I wrecked both Achilles in my 20s and went on to cycle loads. Several years ago, mid 40s, I spent about 8 months building up to running 1.4km. The day I went 1.5, one went. I couldn't walk for days.

I don't cycle much now, but it doesn't hurt me, apart from an arthritic knee...

Justalittlebitduckling · 01/02/2023 17:04

It’s a type of grief. You have to grieve the loss of your old identity as a runner and the loss of the gift that running is to you. You have to let go of the what ifs and just accept you will not run again. Then try whatever is closest to it (walking, cycling etc). It will get easier.

Hercules12 · 01/02/2023 17:08

you don’t have to say but if it’s a type of inflammatory arthritis like rheumatoid then I wouldn’t assume it’s an outright no. I have psoriatic arthritis but belong to a group that is mostly for rheumatoid and there are lots of runners on there including marathon.

knackeredmu · 01/02/2023 17:12

I would look at walking, fast walking is quite fun, gets you outdoors with the same freedoms as running
Cycling - off road trails can be amazing
Outdoor swimming - find your local lido and give it a go - I would wait until it's a little warmer for your first go or pair up with someone more experienced

There's lots out there for us non runners x

Sirius3030 · 01/02/2023 17:13

I have the same problem 😧A life-long runner, but now told it is all over.
My solutions, 9 months in, have been indoor swimming and cycling. I totally get outdoor swimming, but it is a lot less straightforward than running. And colder! I joined a gym, but go there almost exclusively for the swimming.
I have a road bike and an off-road bike, but the latter is not much fun in winter.

I also run an exercise class where I used to do some gentle jogging. FWIW, I have found that running on my toes (similar to barefoot running) takes a lot of the impact out of the exercise. It might help you if you have joint problems.
Finally, I go along to ParkWalk occasionally, and will start doing that more frequently.
Hope that helps.

StamppotAndGravy · 01/02/2023 17:15

It might not be a forever ban, just a different approach and time. I've got terrible joints that will never get better. My physio takes the piss out of me about why do I actually want to run when I could do nice pain-free cycling or rowing, but she's found loads of ways to keep me running without doing myself more damage, including shoes, technique, strength, braces, rest days and routes.

If it's really a forever ban, you have my sympathy. It took so long to stop hating running and it's such an efficient workout, that now I finally like it in bereft why I'm injured.

Spudlet · 01/02/2023 17:18

I'm really sorry op - I would be devastated, no word of a lie. I feel for you. It's not silly to be upset at all.

I would also be looking to get into cycling. My SiL was also a runner and had to stop after a car crash caused the sort of injuries that are preceded by the words 'life-changing'. She got into cycling, and I think she's toying with the idea of wild swimming too. And she still hikes.

Hope you find your new thing soon.

Chesneyhawkes1 · 01/02/2023 17:18

I'm so sorry you've lost the sport you love.

I'm a runner and when I was injured I bought myself a road bike. It's fab and great fun. It's the exercise I've found most closely gives me the same feeling as running.

dangerrabbit · 01/02/2023 17:20

If cycling is allowed but you're not great at cycling, have you thought of getting an electric bike? This can help you on hills and be more low impact but still exercise and you can go further than manual bike!

NewFriday · 01/02/2023 17:24

I have to admit, I'd be inclined to seek a second opinion. I don't know what your condition is and wouldn't be qualified to offer advice if I did, but I do find medical opinion varies a lot on the harm v good running does.

Original poster
sendbackaletterfromamerica · 01/02/2023 17:27

Hercules12 · 01/02/2023 17:08

you don’t have to say but if it’s a type of inflammatory arthritis like rheumatoid then I wouldn’t assume it’s an outright no. I have psoriatic arthritis but belong to a group that is mostly for rheumatoid and there are lots of runners on there including marathon.

Yes, it's RA that I have. I spoke to the specialist RA physio today and she said running would likely result in long term damage. Would be so interested to hear about your group if there's runners with RA in it. I wondered even if I could run on sand? But it takes away the lovely travelling aspect of running if I have to walk to the beach, run along the sand a bit and walk back.

I agree cycling seems the best option to focus on. It doesn't make me feel all excited and happy at the thought yet, but I supposed changing your mindset takes a little time.

You've all given me loads to think about and look into. Thanks

OP posts:
Differentnamethistime · 01/02/2023 17:37

I got into mountain biking when I couldn't run and absolutely love it. I don't do anything overly technical but it lets me get out into the hills, the climb is amazing cardio and the feeling I get when I reach the top is similar to how I felt when running! A great way of seeing beautiful scenery. Would absolutely recommend if there are good spots near you x

Galarunner · 01/02/2023 17:39

I would get a second opinion, from a physio who specialises in running. I am a fell runner ( off road / hill running)and my fell running club is full of bloody minded old gits who were often told they couldn't run for medical reasons, 10, 20 ,even 30 years ago. I regularly run with a guy in 60s whose hip is absolutely fucked but a weekly off road run is vital to his mental health. He does cycle/ walk to keep up his fitness rather than run everyday like he used. I would avoid road running. This is probably terrible advice!!

squashyhat · 01/02/2023 17:39

OP I really sympathise. I have had rheumatoid arthritis for 30 plus years (an old gimmer) and it's horrible when you have to accept your body can no longer do things you were once excelling at. I never ran but over the years have had to accept that walking and hiking long distances is out of reach. I have always cycled but live in a very hilly area so even that was diminishing. Last year I got an e-bike. Gamechanger! I am more confident on the roads, can explore bridle paths and tracks, and really enjoy finding places local to me that I never knew existed. You will find your new normal and be able to enjoy it.

FlowerArranger · 01/02/2023 17:40

Are you allowed to do weight training with dumbbells, @sendbackaletterfromamerica ?

Try Caroline Girvan. Life changing!

Or low impact HIIT, e.g. Growingannanas.

Free on YouTube.

Goodread1 · 01/02/2023 17:41

Hi @sendbackaletterfromamerica

I also think that doing anything to do with creative Arts such as painting pottery quilting knitting ect

Is really good for stress relief

Also meditation

FallonofDynasty · 01/02/2023 17:42

I also can't run due to OA in the knees, but can cycle, walk, swim indoorsand out. I do some sea swimming and lido albeit not in winter.
Walking is fine , sometimes feel it on a city break when walking all day.
My main annoyance was not being able to play tennis again.

SamphiretheTervosaurReturneth · 01/02/2023 17:43

sendbackaletterfromamerica · 01/02/2023 15:47

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.

You have my sympathies. I lost the ability to exercise in my late 30s/early 40s. Combination of health issues. Prior to that I was a fitness instructor, kickboxercise instructor and ran daily!

I have no ideas for you, RA is so very bloody personal! But good luck finding something that works or you.

I never did, one of my issues was a recurrence of ME/CFS! I am now 57 and a total flump. And it is fucking horrible!

Soothsayer1 · 01/02/2023 17:43

If this was me I'd focus on strength training and swimming, I know nothing really compares to distance running but you still can exercise!

HelenHywater · 01/02/2023 17:45

I am the same OP. I miss it so much.

I have taken up yoga a bit obsessively and love it but it doesn't give me the same highs as running. I've recently found I can run on the treadmill a bit but it's not the same as running outside.

My friend who had to stop because of a heart condition has become passionate about wild swimming.

OldieButBaddie · 01/02/2023 17:45

Oh no you poor thing, I was told similar due to a knee problem a few years ago and took up cycling and now rowing, tbh I love rowing even more than I loved running! Obviously this may not be an option for you, but lots of rowing clubs run learn to row courses very cheaply.

kasho5 · 01/02/2023 17:46

Oh no 🙁I’m currently injured and haven’t run for nearly 3 weeks and very fed up. I’d be very unhappy if I was told I couldn’t run again

Swipe left for the next trending thread