Heh, sorry.
HI,
I've been a marathoner and ultramarathoner since I was 51 (I'll be 57 in a few days). I was diagnosed with fibro about 3 months ago. I had just come off a 6 month layoff due to 3 clogged arteries discovered after finishing an ultra in bad shape with systems shutting down (possibly the "traumatic" event that may have precipitated fibro) and a very low blood oxygen count due to blood bypassing the oxygenation process.
So, as soon as I got through that I tried running and it was very difficult. I had pain throughout my body and morphine and Norco had NO EFFECT on the pain level. A specialist in fibro and another doctor, rheumatologist diagnosed me with fibro.
I found that I could just barely run 2 miles without stopping and then starting again for another mile and then I was done and actually had to rest up afterwards (which I never had to before even after running 50K races in the mountains!).
So, I just started slowly with 2 miles, then 3 miles, then 4, then 6, then 7 for those I would rest at the halfway point...it took a couple of months to do that. The thing that really helped was that I was able to run with a variety of people (mostly doctors and nurses by some strange coincidence) who were sensitive and patient to stop with me when I needed to (I used to run marathons, running by the aid tables to pick up food and only stopping for a quick portapotty). Now I was stopping at the midpoint of a run to rest. And recently, had to stop several times on a hot day during a 5 mile run (fortunately I had a doctor with me).
I think what has really helped me going is various running partners. Almost every city has a running group. I've found that each of them are sensitive to new members and make sure that they are partnered with someone. Talking while running really makes a difference, but your body may tell you to stop due to exhaustion at some odd times, then you stop or walk (making sure that you're hydrated with water or an electrolyte drink during the run) and eat a banana or something like that shortly after you finish a longer run. If you are by yourself when running, it can be pretty depressing when your body all of a sudden gets exhausted and you're forced to stop...pls look up a local running club in your area...I've traveled around the country and found every single one of them to be very friendly to new people and let them know you have fibro and may need to stop - they will stop with you since they don't want you to get lost and they care about you.
I take 2100 mg of neurontin each day and that enabled me to get off twice daily morphine and Norco (Vicodin ES with less acetaminaphen). It turned out after tapering off both that I felt better as I continued the neurontin and it has taken care of the pain. However, after a 7 mile run I have to take a rest (even falling asleep) within 2 hours of that run!!! So, I can't seem to avoid that. During summer I can get away with night runs before dark, but will switch to treadmill during summer.
Did fibro affect my speed....h...ll yes. I used to run just over 8 mins/mile for a half-marathon and now my average speed for a 6 mile run is 10:30/mile. I have also tried running 4 miles in the morning and 7 later in the day and that has worked out ok to build up mileage. I did 13 miles in one run with some stops and then went to sleep for nearly 4 hours!
I haven't gotten it figured out, but I'm trying my best - its an experimental process and I hope it gets better as I lose more weight and continue running several times each week with a long slow run on Saturday. Also, I've run several 5k races with my friends and that helps motivating the mind and so far the body has followed, but still slowly. It gets discouraging and humbling to see people I have run with or against in prior years take the age-group awards that I used to get regularly and I'm back somewhere in the middle of the pack. But, perseverance, prayer, and faith that God will get me through this without tearing me or my family apart is what keeps me going.
So, however you start your running - basically set a target distance and then cut it in half and plan to stop at the halfway point for 3-4 minutes and then finish the run.
Good luck. Fibro is very humbling.
I've been a marathoner and ultramarathoner since I was 51 (I'll be 57 in a few days). I was diagnosed with fibro about 3 months ago. I had just come off a 6 month layoff due to 3 clogged arteries discovered after finishing an ultra in bad shape with systems shutting down (possibly the "traumatic" event that may have precipitated fibro) and a very low blood oxygen count due to blood bypassing the oxygenation process.
So, as soon as I got through that I tried running and it was very difficult. I had pain throughout my body and morphine and Norco had NO EFFECT on the pain level. A specialist in fibro and another doctor, rheumatologist diagnosed me with fibro.
I found that I could just barely run 2 miles without stopping and then starting again for another mile and then I was done and actually had to rest up afterwards (which I never had to before even after running 50K races in the mountains!).
So, I just started slowly with 2 miles, then 3 miles, then 4, then 6, then 7 for those I would rest at the halfway point...it took a couple of months to do that. The thing that really helped was that I was able to run with a variety of people (mostly doctors and nurses by some strange coincidence) who were sensitive and patient to stop with me when I needed to (I used to run marathons, running by the aid tables to pick up food and only stopping for a quick portapotty). Now I was stopping at the midpoint of a run to rest. And recently, had to stop several times on a hot day during a 5 mile run (fortunately I had a doctor with me).
I think what has really helped me going is various running partners. Almost every city has a running group. I've found that each of them are sensitive to new members and make sure that they are partnered with someone. Talking while running really makes a difference, but your body may tell you to stop due to exhaustion at some odd times, then you stop or walk (making sure that you're hydrated with water or an electrolyte drink during the run) and eat a banana or something like that shortly after you finish a longer run. If you are by yourself when running, it can be pretty depressing when your body all of a sudden gets exhausted and you're forced to stop...pls look up a local running club in your area...I've traveled around the country and found every single one of them to be very friendly to new people and let them know you have fibro and may need to stop - they will stop with you since they don't want you to get lost and they care about you.
I take 2100 mg of neurontin each day and that enabled me to get off twice daily morphine and Norco (Vicodin ES with less acetaminaphen). It turned out after tapering off both that I felt better as I continued the neurontin and it has taken care of the pain. However, after a 7 mile run I have to take a rest (even falling asleep) within 2 hours of that run!!! So, I can't seem to avoid that. During summer I can get away with night runs before dark, but will switch to treadmill during summer.
Did fibro affect my speed....h...ll yes. I used to run just over 8 mins/mile for a half-marathon and now my average speed for a 6 mile run is 10:30/mile. I have also tried running 4 miles in the morning and 7 later in the day and that has worked out ok to build up mileage. I did 13 miles in one run with some stops and then went to sleep for nearly 4 hours!
I haven't gotten it figured out, but I'm trying my best - its an experimental process and I hope it gets better as I lose more weight and continue running several times each week with a long slow run on Saturday. Also, I've run several 5k races with my friends and that helps motivating the mind and so far the body has followed, but still slowly. It gets discouraging and humbling to see people I have run with or against in prior years take the age-group awards that I used to get regularly and I'm back somewhere in the middle of the pack. But, perseverance, prayer, and faith that God will get me through this without tearing me or my family apart is what keeps me going.
So, however you start your running - basically set a target distance and then cut it in half and plan to stop at the halfway point for 3-4 minutes and then finish the run.
Good luck. Fibro is very humbling.
I got desperate to get back to some semblance of running. So, I reviewed Jeff Galloway's stuff on run-walk-run. I did 7 miles 2 days ago and even though my overall time was slower, I didn't have the pain I normally get and no flare-ups.
It was difficult to run for 3 minutes, walk for 1 minute, run for 3, walk for 1, etc. Then I switched to run for 4 minutes and walk for 2 minutes. I don't know which works best, but realized that I needed a longer walk break. The main result was avoidance of a flareup and minimization of leg pain. Unfortunately, it didn't do anything for endurance. I still had to rest within 2 hours of finishing my running.
It was difficult to run for 3 minutes, walk for 1 minute, run for 3, walk for 1, etc. Then I switched to run for 4 minutes and walk for 2 minutes. I don't know which works best, but realized that I needed a longer walk break. The main result was avoidance of a flareup and minimization of leg pain. Unfortunately, it didn't do anything for endurance. I still had to rest within 2 hours of finishing my running.
Thanks you for the post.
Hi guys, Im a newbie. Nice to join this forum.
Hi guys, Im a newbie. Nice to join this forum.
Thanks for the advice. I think my challenge is the "mild form of exercise". I agree that a controlled test will be best to determine the point where the onset of a fibro flareup is about to occur. I'll talk to my rheumatologist about that. However, my challenge is how far I can push that time further out. I was able to run a 1/2 marathon with the flareup occuring at about 7.5 miles. Later, I communicated with Jeff Galloway and he suggested working up to it using the formula of run-walk-run with no longer than 1 minute for the walk part but gradually change the ratio from 2 mins running to 1 minute rest to as far as is reasonable like 10 : 1. Unfortunately, I deviated from this schedule and in October was diagnosed with a broken pelvis and a couple of pelvic stress fractures as a result of excessive running to soon and other conditions. I believe it may have occurred during the flareup in the 1/2 marathon and it was the pelvic joint at the front holding the left and right pieces of the pelvis together. The joint was weakened from some deficiencies in my body chemistry, including how it processed calcium. In an case I learned that using the Galloway method to do a slow buildup with the consultation of the rheumatologist (as you suggest) to help build a plan and LIMITS built into the plan is the best way to go rather my oriiginal approach..
Hello - your post is crazy about the broken pelvis - that sounds horribly painful - and I am so sorry for you....
I also have been "running" with Fibro. As someone who never was able to run or walk without serious pain, I found the Chi Walking program last year and was able to walk a half marathon, pushing forward and will be walk/running in the half marathon this year.
I know what you mean about not pushing it to far - if I do - I am in flare for a week - so I have a tendency to not overdo it....Right now I am on the Walk 3 minutes - Run 1 Minute portion of Running for Mortals -
I love Jeff Galloway - and I love his program - I am just not there yet....
Hope you are able to recover quickly and get back to your game - Now that I have found running - I don't ever want to give it up!! I love it!!
Koiotic
I also have been "running" with Fibro. As someone who never was able to run or walk without serious pain, I found the Chi Walking program last year and was able to walk a half marathon, pushing forward and will be walk/running in the half marathon this year.
I know what you mean about not pushing it to far - if I do - I am in flare for a week - so I have a tendency to not overdo it....Right now I am on the Walk 3 minutes - Run 1 Minute portion of Running for Mortals -
I love Jeff Galloway - and I love his program - I am just not there yet....
Hope you are able to recover quickly and get back to your game - Now that I have found running - I don't ever want to give it up!! I love it!!
Koiotic
I have known quite a few fibromyalgia sufferers and am just glad I don't have it.
A woman in her 60's that I met a couple of years ago told me she regained her life after being introduced to seaweed, something called limu I think it was a brown seaweed.
She said she was nearly bedridden and after she began reguarly taking this she had her life back with bouts every 3-6 weeks.
There are some interesting studies on the main ingredient Fucoidan (spelling?) on the pubmed.org website.
I know if I had this terrible disease I would give it a try. I have never known anyone that was really cured. good luck
I'm glad to find this thread. I've learned there aren't many runners out there with FM.
I was diagnosed as a young adult 16 years ago following a flu that just wouldn't go away. Remission found me during my baby-making years a short time later; I think hormones that relax muscles and joints really helped. Thankfully, most of my symptoms stayed away until two years ago.
I had never been athletic, but a couple of years ago I realized I had to loose weight, so I started walking. A year and a half and 30lbs later I joined a "Learn to Run" class in March and that's when the reality of my FM hit home again. After my first day of walking and running 5K I could barely walk for several days. I spent the first two days on the sofa or in bed in severe pain. Each week I participated in the class, morbidly obese people ran past me. My brain wanted to go, but the pain in my legs kept me from progressing at the pace of my classmates. But I stuck with it.
By mid-summer I had no problems running 5K but it took several weeks longer than the end of the class to accomplish the goal. I stuck with it, running on my own, and managed to work up to 10K. Then I had a two week vacation and barely ran. BIG MISTAKE.
Every time I stop running, due to health, injury or weather, my FM flares up when I start again as if I am a beginner. I can't stop running. If I can't run outside, I MUST use a treadmill or my elliptical. MUST. This is what works for me.
Its cold winter right now and our sidewalks have been nasty. Cold makes my FM worse, too. I haven't been running more than once a week and I'm not keeping up with my half marathon training plan and I'm struggling.
I want to run a half in May.
I am in a running club. The club isn't helping me, though, because their training plan is progressing faster than I can. Some days they run and I can barely walk. When I do run with the club, I always finish last and sometimes I get lost if I don't know the route. I hate being left behind. There is no social benefit of being in the club for me and that's the pits.
I feel better training with beginners. I can run a few K on my own and then join a learn to run class as a helper. Adding some running/walking Ks on my own Ks is the best way to progress and I like running with people who are struggling with aches and pains like I am, even though it won't be long until they surpass my abilities.
At this point I don't expect to be able to do the half without any walking. I'm OK with that. I have to just keep going because restarting hurts too much.
I was diagnosed as a young adult 16 years ago following a flu that just wouldn't go away. Remission found me during my baby-making years a short time later; I think hormones that relax muscles and joints really helped. Thankfully, most of my symptoms stayed away until two years ago.
I had never been athletic, but a couple of years ago I realized I had to loose weight, so I started walking. A year and a half and 30lbs later I joined a "Learn to Run" class in March and that's when the reality of my FM hit home again. After my first day of walking and running 5K I could barely walk for several days. I spent the first two days on the sofa or in bed in severe pain. Each week I participated in the class, morbidly obese people ran past me. My brain wanted to go, but the pain in my legs kept me from progressing at the pace of my classmates. But I stuck with it.
By mid-summer I had no problems running 5K but it took several weeks longer than the end of the class to accomplish the goal. I stuck with it, running on my own, and managed to work up to 10K. Then I had a two week vacation and barely ran. BIG MISTAKE.
Every time I stop running, due to health, injury or weather, my FM flares up when I start again as if I am a beginner. I can't stop running. If I can't run outside, I MUST use a treadmill or my elliptical. MUST. This is what works for me.
Its cold winter right now and our sidewalks have been nasty. Cold makes my FM worse, too. I haven't been running more than once a week and I'm not keeping up with my half marathon training plan and I'm struggling.
I want to run a half in May.
I am in a running club. The club isn't helping me, though, because their training plan is progressing faster than I can. Some days they run and I can barely walk. When I do run with the club, I always finish last and sometimes I get lost if I don't know the route. I hate being left behind. There is no social benefit of being in the club for me and that's the pits.
I feel better training with beginners. I can run a few K on my own and then join a learn to run class as a helper. Adding some running/walking Ks on my own Ks is the best way to progress and I like running with people who are struggling with aches and pains like I am, even though it won't be long until they surpass my abilities.
At this point I don't expect to be able to do the half without any walking. I'm OK with that. I have to just keep going because restarting hurts too much.
I'm not sure if this thread is still active or if I'm jumping in too late, but in case folks are still checking back, I thought I'd give it a whirl.
I'm new to this forum and am relatively new to running (my teenage son is my running coach) --- been dealing with fibro for 8-9 years.
Has anyone else found that running creates new (and/or aggravates dormant) trigger points in the quads and hamstrings? If so, how are you treating them? I'm afraid that ignoring them and hoping they'll go away on their own will lead to injury and an inability to run at all.
I've started self-taught myofascial release (I have the books, the balls, the rollers, etc.) -- it's excruciating but I figure it's what my body needs. Deep tissue massage has always been painful so I might as well save the cost of massage (not covered by insurance) and try it myself.
Anyone else tried this or any other remedies? Pilates isn't enough to keep my muscles smooth and I do not want to give up running -- hoping to run my first 5k this fall and my goal is to run it under 29 minutes. Hey -- it's a goal. Gotta have goals. ;-)
I was diagnosed with fibro about 10 years ago. I was an avid runner up to that point; I have since regressed to my current point of about 2 miles per day. I would love to find a running group familiar/dealing with fibro; I definitely can't keep up with my old group. I live on Eastern Long Island-if anyone knows of a group, please please post! :)
I too have been diagnosed with fibro and rhematoid arthritis. I have been put on a variety of medications but did not like how they made me feel. I have always been active and loved to run. However my feet hurt when I attempt to run. It use to happen in mid run but now it starts right away. Its very frustrating. It sometimes even hurts when I walk. Anyone else having issues with their feet?
I can tell you I purchased a Enagic water machine which produces high akaline water and can say that I strongly beleive that this has helps. I am not on any medication except for thyroid and take a variety of vitamins. I have my good days and bad but would really like to run again!
I can tell you I purchased a Enagic water machine which produces high akaline water and can say that I strongly beleive that this has helps. I am not on any medication except for thyroid and take a variety of vitamins. I have my good days and bad but would really like to run again!
Hi, very interesting forum here. I was diagnosed with Fibro a few months ago, and I too am a runner. It has made cross country running rather difficult as I am always in fear of jolting my body by putting my foot down a rabbit hole, or merely slipping on a muddy bit. I have joined the gym to help me get the benefit of using a cross-training machine which is a tremendous help on "bad days" as it puts far less impact on my joints. It is no-where near as nice as being out in the open air!! I managed to run a 5.5 mile cross country race on Saturday to raise money for the RSPCA, and when I had completed it I was a little achy (lots of hills and rough terrain) but I felt on top of the world! Unfortunately, anyone with Fibro can appreciate that if you are an adrenalin junkie like me you are going to suffer in order to get your fun - I was at a theme park yesterday, and after several crazy rides and rollercoasters I am rather crippled today! Plus 2 and a half hours in the car to get there added to my misery. I am NOT going to give up, or at least I won't until my body says so. Life is for living!!! If any of you out there have Raynauds Syndrome just like me, then remember, keep warm after exercise, it helps tremendously!! Keep running!!!!
Hi - I am a 56 year old female. I am really encouraged to see this topic and was wondering if there were others out there like myself. I was diagnosed with fibro 14 years ago.
With stress the firbro came and went. I was in the Navy at the time and had to complete PTs on a regular basis. I tore my groin just prior to going out on a run with my fellow sailors one day and couldn't complete my PT in the required time. What I realized years later was the tear came a few days after I had completed a 5K. It had been a hilly 5K and stressed my body differently than I had been used to. Unbeknownst to me my body needed more rest. I went through physical therapy and eventually regained my ability to walk without pain but was diagnosed with the fibro at the same time. Running was out. I finally regained my strength after four years of physical therapy.
Renewed strength meant (in my mind) I could start running again. So I decided to train for a half marathon. I completed several 5K's and started jogging with a buddy. I could not sustain running any longer just jogging and fast walking. Got pretty fast at it too.
After training and completing the half marathon I thought I had beat the fibro down. I felt good. I came in under the time allotted to complete the half. I was on top of my world. Then I completed the 4.2 Pat's run and felt awful during the 4.2 miles. I had never felt so sick while exercising. Fibro had me down worse than ever. I wound up stopping any exercise at all because of the pain it unleashed.
What I found out since that last bout is it is VERY IMPORTANT to listen to my body and do EVERYTHING IN MODERATION. My biggest hurdle now is being consistent. I am working on slow and steady to win my races.
Fibro changes lives drastically - as you all know. But I think it is a benefit because I HAVE to be balanced in everything I do. I can no longer be that all or nothing girl.
As the ultra marathoner said in a previous post - fibro is humbling.
Thanks for being here.
With stress the firbro came and went. I was in the Navy at the time and had to complete PTs on a regular basis. I tore my groin just prior to going out on a run with my fellow sailors one day and couldn't complete my PT in the required time. What I realized years later was the tear came a few days after I had completed a 5K. It had been a hilly 5K and stressed my body differently than I had been used to. Unbeknownst to me my body needed more rest. I went through physical therapy and eventually regained my ability to walk without pain but was diagnosed with the fibro at the same time. Running was out. I finally regained my strength after four years of physical therapy.
Renewed strength meant (in my mind) I could start running again. So I decided to train for a half marathon. I completed several 5K's and started jogging with a buddy. I could not sustain running any longer just jogging and fast walking. Got pretty fast at it too.
After training and completing the half marathon I thought I had beat the fibro down. I felt good. I came in under the time allotted to complete the half. I was on top of my world. Then I completed the 4.2 Pat's run and felt awful during the 4.2 miles. I had never felt so sick while exercising. Fibro had me down worse than ever. I wound up stopping any exercise at all because of the pain it unleashed.
What I found out since that last bout is it is VERY IMPORTANT to listen to my body and do EVERYTHING IN MODERATION. My biggest hurdle now is being consistent. I am working on slow and steady to win my races.
Fibro changes lives drastically - as you all know. But I think it is a benefit because I HAVE to be balanced in everything I do. I can no longer be that all or nothing girl.
As the ultra marathoner said in a previous post - fibro is humbling.
Thanks for being here.
I'm so sorry. How hve u been latley?
I want to be there next year I’m working hard to be. I have had go to for 12 yrs am s writer and speaker on it and never thought I would ever even have this goal again . I’m 56 and I will be there! Congrats to you