I was a cross country runner in highschool and college. After 2 kids and years later, i was diagnosed with RA (almost 2 years now). I am not on meds - yet. Have been taking vitamins, supplements, and avoiding foods that trigger the pain. I also have Sjogrens, and fibromylagia. A few weeks ago, feeling really good, I walked a mile on the treadmill. This week, I've been running a mile every day, walking a mile afterwards and feel like my old self again. My goal is to get up to running 2 miles, then finding a trail in the woods. After I run, my ankles are very stiff and my legs (knees down) itch. To alleviate this, I put my legs in the pool near the jet and they get a mini massage. Kudos to everyone going through this. It's exactly what I needed to get rid of the depression and 'death sentence' that I've been having. Peace!
Thank you! Today, I walked/jogged 3 miles on a trail overlooking the Bay. What an awesome view and now am energized. No pain today. One other thing I've been doing is a modification of the Blood Type Diet. Seems my type A leads me to a more vegetarian diet... which is what my Rheumy had suggested. ("Positive Polly" is back!)
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This post is perfect timing for me. With my RA finally under control, I have added sprints to my daily walks as well as other physical stuff that is helping to strengthen my body. Reading about folks with RA who are physical is exactly what I need and want to hear. Thanks so much for sharing. This story really motivates me to try more.
I am so glad you were able to find motivation in my story! That is all I can hope for...how are your sprints going?
xoxo
Katherine
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yay for great timing! Love when that happens. Hope your sprints and new regimen are going well. I remember at the beginning, I thought I would never be able to practice yoga again, and then when I slowly started to have a more active practice, I had all of these 'off limit' poses that I thought I'd never be able to do again. With the exception of headstand, I have done them! Can't do 'em everyday, but it's amazing how things can change.
I love sprints. They make my lungs feel good, they make me feel like a kid, and when I see how happy my four year old border collie is to join, it makes me laugh out loud! However, later in the evening, my left knee is always sore. Did you experience this when you added running back?
Cathy, I haven't had any problems with my knees. My biggest troublemakers are my ankles. They couldn't withstain the pounding of the pavement, but grew stronger over time. Unfortunately, I took about 2.5 weeks off my training recently due to a vacation and then a flare, and now the pain is back! Trying to train through it though.
As for your knee, what does the pain feel like? Does it feel different from the pains you would normally experience? If so, we might be able to find some stretches that can help you!
I love the image of you sprinting and your dog running alongside you. Keep it up, girl!
Katherine, it is weird because the pain in my knee does and doesn't feel like RA. I have been doing lots of other exercising this last year - bike riding, P90X, hiking, etc without any problems in knee. It is possible that I need to work slower - it is just too much fun! Stretching ideas would be great.
Cathy,
Let me ask a few questions:
- Do you always run on the same side of the street? If you do, does it slope in a certain way that it may effect the way your knee reacts as your foot pounds the pavement? If so, maybe try alternating the side of the street that you run on!
- Are you wearing new or old sneakers? If your sneakers are older, you may want to invest in a new pair that provide plenty of cushioning!
Get back to me on those two things, and then we can look into some pre or post sprinting stretches you can do! Keep in mind that I am NOT AT ALL A PROFESSIONAL and if the pain persists, you should definitely seek an expert opinion.
xo
Kat