The Waiting Room

This could take a while...

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Run, Seeking Solace, Run!

Posted by Seeking Solace |

Yesterday was the first day that I was able to do any sort of exercise since the Big Flare. I am almost done with the 18 day steroid taper (five days to go), and I am feeling like my old self. So, I decided to take Junior for a brisk walk, which turned into a slow jog.

Jog? Yes, this girl with RA jogged!


Before the Big Flare, I jogged a little on my treadmill, a whole five minutes doing intervals. I would jog for one minute and then walk for three. But yesterday, I felt like testing the water, or should I say pavement. So, we started walking, building up speed. Then, once we hit a straight patch in the neighborhood, I started a slow jog. I made it to the end for the straightway, which is about .20 of a mile Then, I slowed down to a walk. Junior and I hit another straight patch and did it again, another .20.  We slowed down again and walked. Total for the trip was one mile.

My joints didn't hurt. Even this morning, I don't hurt. My knees, ankles and other joints feel fine.

Some of you know that pre-RA, I was a runner. I've ran track in high school. In fact, I was a state ranked sprinter. Stress fractures in my legs ended my competitive days, but I continued to run for fitness and to maintain my sanity. It was my "thing". When I first started having symptoms in 1997, I tried to keep up, but I just couldn't do it. By 2001, when I got my diagnosis, I stopped running. I couldn't handle the pain and I was still trying to find my way to a steady state of remission.

So, yesterday's little jog was a big thing for me.

I am not expecting to run marathons or anything like that. I know I have to listen to my body. I not even sure if I should be pushing my luck right now with how I feel. It would be nice to reclaim something that RA stole from me.

4 comments:

Nitewriter said...

I'm so glad you enjoyed getting back to your previous activity. I hope you will confer with your specialist before continuing. Often when we feel good on steroids, the crash that comes after reveals overuse or damage we were not aware of at the time of the activity. Something you might consider is "running" in shallow water with bambino in a carry pack (chest or back). I know it's not the same but, like all of us, sometimes we need to adjust activities we loved to something a bit different. I used to dance and teach dance. Now I do chair or water dancing. Not the same for sure - but I can still "dance" (sort of). I still choreograph "dances" for my specific needs and abilities. I'm not one to poke my nose in where it doesn't belong, especially about health needs, but do be sure you get the okay before doing this again. Doing it occasionally is worse than a weekend warrior syndrome. You could be doing minute stress and damage that, over a period of time, will add up to one big disability issue later in life. Had I known then, what I know now, about my activity and my joints, I would have done some things much differently. You're still young and you do know now what I had no clue about when I was your age. Lots of hugs coming your way!! I'm sorry if this came off negative -- I honestly did not mean for it to be. Just be very careful with what you do under the decreased pain while on steroids.

jo(e) said...

That sounds like a win. Congrats!

Seeking Solace said...

Nitewriter: No worries. I know that you are not trying to be negative or mean and that your comment is only looking out for me. I really do appreciate that. :)

ernise said...

Very cool!

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