Lifelong ban on running

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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.

I was the same, loved running and due to several knee injuries due to skiing and then having to have a couple of operations I also had to give up running. I the just did swimming for a few years but around 5 years ago I started cycling. It was something I never thought I would do, very bad experience as a child so was scared! However after a couple of weeks I realised I loved it. I now cycle a reasonable amount and last September completed Tour of the Borders, 86kms of pure torture but afterwards the sense of achievement was amazing.

I would recommend trying it and see if you get the bug, but watch out if you do as new bikes are not cheap!

Get a electric bike, then if struggling you can get the extra boost. I live in a hilly area and biking as changed my life as I can't drive

I love to get out there and especially looking forward to nicer weather, riding along river, or country park. stop at coffee shop or take a picnic.

I mainly stick to cycle paths but starting to go on minor roads. Yes cars are annoying and pedestrians on shared paths (wearing headphones or glued to phone and don't hear bell)

I hope you find a hobby you can enjoy and love as much as running.

I am sorry (even though to me running sounds like punishment, not joy!). But it is horrible to lose something you love like this. I wondered if cycling might give you some of what you enjoyed about your running?

My friend got an elliptical trainer when he was unable to run due to the impact. All the movement with none of the impact on your joints.

Personally I have a knee issue and find cycling good exercise.

I felt cycling wasn’t exciting when I used to tootle about on a hybrid. Then I borrowed a drop bar road bike and omg I felt like I was flying. I get the same high from cycling as running now. Get Strava and get hooked on improving segment times and you’ll never look back.

I see someone else has but I was going to suggest climbing.

I totally empathise, I love running too and would be upset if I couldn't do it again. I can run but I had to have an operation that has permanently left me unable to do something else I love and it's an adjustment. I try to remember all the joy it brought me while I could do it.

I'm so sorry - I get tetchy enough when the physio cuts my runs back without losing it altogether. I think you need to analyse what running brings to you - the endorphin hit/being outside/the sense of achievement in doing a race etc and then try and find activities that match it might be cycling/wild swimming or perhaps rowing. Maybe also explore a few sociable activities like badminton/tennis and see if the camaraderie is helpful?

for me swimming has always given the best high, I've not done it for years tho, might be saving it up for when I cant run!

Horse riding. You'll end up needing to own or share one to get out into the countryside and do your own thing.

Are you in a hilly area with a nice steep set of steps that you can climb up and down multiple times. Great cardio without the impact on knees and joints. I love it and find it quite meditative.

If you have the opportunity to visit Scandinavia, Austria or Canada, you could try cross country skiing?

Basically running on skis, but it’s a gliding motion so no impact (like a cross trainer).

You couldn’t do it every day like running, but it’s a really similar experience (and easy to pick up).

You do know rowing is nearly all legs don't you? If you look at someone on an erg in they gym they are doing it all wrong. It is not that hard on the shoulders at all as your arms are straight out, acting as a lever. It's only right at the end that you bring your elbows in. It is very low impact so I think worth talking to your Doc or a Physio about. Info here seems to say it's ok

www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/exercise-and-rheumatoid-arthritis

No I didn't know it was nearly all legs! Didn't realise at all. I will definitely give rowing some consideration then, thank you. And thanks so much for that link, it's a helpful one.

It's a very common misconception!
www.concept2.com/indoor-rowers/training/technique-videos
This shows you the correct technique, you could build up slowly and gradually on an erg if needed and then try on water, though learning is a fairly slow process so you don't just hop in a boat and start rowing as if you were in the Varsity race 😀

Glad you found the link helpful, obv it's horses for courses but I hope you find something that works for you. One of the reasons I love rowing is the camaraderie, I've made so many lovely friends and being part of a crew is really rewarding. I was worried it might be really snobby but nothing could be further from the truth!