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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:
Chickenvoicesinmyhead · 01/02/2023 17:55

It is a big deal @sendbackaletterfromamerica and I sympathise completely. I am in the same position albeit with knee problems.

I have replaced my running with an e-mountain bike. The same exhilaration of having the freedom is immense.

When my knee needs a bit of help it backs me up. It's still endorphin-rich and I know if I decide to go off exploring (pretty much all the time) there are no limits to hill climbs etc. Still really challenging where you want it to be but the assist is there when you need it. It's so liberating.

Not cheap but it's replaced the running, and some.

ehb102 · 01/02/2023 17:56

Bad luck. Sympathy.

You don't have to give up your sporty self though. Change the angle of your direction. Look at Nordic Walking. Low impact for the knees but by golly! It gets the heart rate up. If you are a runner already you will probably be super speedy at the Nordic Walking. To give you an idea, I did a Park Run with my poles and at a speed of 5kmph I had an average heart rate of 85%. Now I'm a big woman, but my running friend who took up NW is super fast. My coach was a skiier before injury.

I learned with Nordic Walking East Anglia on one of their crash courses. A pair of poles and you're back on your sport. Hard or soft surfaces.

GuppytheCat · 01/02/2023 18:04

Massive sympathies, OP. Some bonuses of cycling:
you can see much more in the same time
you can cycle pub-to-pub or teashop-to-teashop
you can go past a roadside stall and buy random dubious pots of chutney
you can reach your mid-80s, realise you're a bit wobbly on two wheels, buy a trike and carry on getting out there daily (or is that just my dad?)

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Exercise & fitness Fitness General health
pattihews · 01/02/2023 18:04

In the last couple of years I've developed Haglunds deformity in both heels and at the moment I have bursitis and can barely walk. I seem doomed to a life in clogs and have had to give up cross-country walking. Not sure, because of the action involved in cycling, whether I would even be able to do that. All my plans for an active retirement dashed. It's grim.

Original poster
sendbackaletterfromamerica · 01/02/2023 18:05

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.

Thanks, just looked these up and going to try them out!

OP posts:
LemonSwan · 01/02/2023 18:06

It sounds like the impact is the issue?

Try bikram yoga. They call it the cocaine of excercise.

Original poster
sendbackaletterfromamerica · 01/02/2023 18:07

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.

That sounds so lovely but I think the repetitive rowing action would be bad for my shoulders. It makes me wince thinking about it as RA shoulder pain the most searing. It looks a really great sport though.

OP posts:
Original poster
sendbackaletterfromamerica · 01/02/2023 18:08

Oooh will look up bikram yoga. Also great point that when cycling you can stop off at nice places.

OP posts:
BitOutOfPractice · 01/02/2023 18:08

I also run and claim to hate it. I always say the best part is stopping 😬 but if someone told me I couldn’t, I’d be genuinely sad.

so I just wanted to say I can totally understand your feelings and I hope you can find something that you love as much to fill that hole

LemonSwan · 01/02/2023 18:10

If you can’t get the highs of exercise at the same time as looking at scenery/ being outdoors then you just need to separate them.

I do a lot of gardening, walking, visiting gardens. But I bloody love my my bikram. Every time I come out of there I am so proud and feel high as a kite with endorphins.

FrangipaniBlue · 01/02/2023 18:15

Ah god OP I really feel for you.....

I'm currently injured and was told by physio not run for around 3 months. It's driving me crazy!

Can't imagine being told not I run again. Ever. 😢

Toomuchinfor · 01/02/2023 18:17

This happened to me too. I'm so sorry. There are other things you can try and over time the grief will be less frequent. But it's very hard.

Daffodilis · 01/02/2023 18:32

I'm so sorry, I know this is such a blow. I used to love to go hiking but alas now unable due to really bad neuropathy and not being able to walk more than a few steps.

CatherinedeBourgh · 01/02/2023 18:37

On a completely different note have you looked at rock climbing? Great for strength, being outdoors and no impact at all.

If you get good you can also keep going to a really old age, there are some awesome veteran climbers about!

superplumb · 01/02/2023 18:40

I've been told the same
Ran lots at long distance but got diagnosed with arthritis in my knee which I could manage with pain relief.
Fast forward 10 years it hurts a lot ans now ive torn meniscus and now I been told, no more running at all, not even a gentle run on the treadmil. I'm gutted. Loved a run on my own.
I plan to get into weight lifting. Hate cycling hate swimming...

SparkysNightmare · 01/02/2023 18:45

sendbackaletterfromamerica · 01/02/2023 17:27

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

Show quote history

I was diagnosed with RA 10 years ago in my mid-thirties. When did you have your diagnosis confirmed? It took a while to sort out the treatment that worked for me and I had a pregnancy during that time, which complicated things! I am now pretty stable most of the time with occasional flare-up, which is manageable through painkillers.

I was a gym-goer and found it really difficult not being able to exercise initially ( I hate swimming 😂). It has taken a while but I am now a regular runner. I was told that building strength and muscle is actually a really good idea as it helps support the joints, provided you don't already have joint damage (medication can prevent this if started early enough). I don't run silly distances (10k max) or very fast!

Don't want to give you false hope but wanted to share something positive. : - )

Lovemusic33 · 01/02/2023 18:48

Can you walk and hill climb? I do both, I can’t run but I enjoy being outdoors, I walk every day and luckily have a lot of hills near by to climb.

Thindog · 01/02/2023 18:51

I haven't been able to run for ten years but still have a very outdoorsy life. Horse riding, cycling, paddleboard , kayaking , canoeing and swimming are all possible and fun. You will find your thing.

Fragrancefreebabywipes · 01/02/2023 18:52

Sorry to hear Op.
I can’t run much (hyper mobility and I end up with so many aches & pains).

I bloody love cycling though! I ride mountain bike (MTB), gravel bike & road bikes. It’s amazing for fitness. I have met so many people and discovered so many new routes, places & cake shops!

MissWings · 01/02/2023 18:53

Get a second opinion.

User6761 · 01/02/2023 18:55

I'm in that same position because of a genetic toe issue so I sympathise. I also can't do anything with impact without being in a lot of pain, so step classes, even Zumba are no longer suitable. I'm considering doing swimming lessons so I can work towards being one of those people doing laps of fast front crawl (I can only swim breast stroke) - I think that might give me the same sense as training towards a 10k. Maybe. It's tough when your body says no.

Buttalapasta · 01/02/2023 18:55

I know exactly how you feel OP in fact I got the same news last October. The last few months my mental health has worsened and I think it's the reason why. Nothing else quite hits the spot! I think I need to get a second opinion though - is that a possibility?

RiverSkater · 01/02/2023 18:59

Second opinion for sure. Has the doctor confirmed this?

I have injury at moment which running probably won't help but my physio told me for my mental health and cardio fitness I should start again with precautions etc..

Running very slowly in zone 2 for me.

Total empathy on the mental health front.

steff13 · 01/02/2023 19:01

You have lost a part of your life that was important to you. It's ok to grieve that loss.

There are lots of good suggestions here for other activities you can try. I hope that you find something else that fills that space.

Anyfeckinusername · 01/02/2023 19:07

That's really hard OP.

Please, please come cycling. If I lived near you I'd be dragging you along to my club. I completely relate to your feeling of whizzing through villages, it's similar on a bike. I'm only cycling a few years and I love it. Even hearing my own breath working hard. listening to the world, the wheels, seeing things that I ordinarily wouldn't notice, lost in thoughts. And real physical push, challenges and highs. You might click with it!

At 41 I was hit with a prolapse post partum. It just changed everything and I was extremely depressed. I wasn't able to walk very far. The supermarket isles were about my limit. Anyway I dealt with it through physio and Pilates and time. It took about two years to inch my way towards a bike, then a TRI club (but I only cycle) and a few years on I love it! Im 48 now, going strong Smile.

Hope you find a new groove, I think you will, can hear it in your posts that you're motivated Smile