Starting running again.

joybedford

Hi I am new to this group I will post my introduction later. I used to be good at running, I have run numerous races from 5k to half marathon. My longest run was 18 miles. About 4 years ago I was diagnosed with a condition called fibromyalgia, a condition which causes muscle and joint pain and chronic fatigue amongst other things. Initially I carried on my usual fitness regime running regularly and lifting weights. 17 months ago we got a dog we chose a dog that could be my running partner (German shepherd) however he is terrible on the lead and I have yet to run with him. I am desperate to get back into running but on the occasions I have run I get frustrated with myself as obviously my fitness has decreased. So how do I get over this mindset. I am supposed to be doing a half marathon in September but I haven't run at all for 6 months. I really want to get back to the standard I was at previously, any tips anyone. Everyday I say I'm going for a run and I don't.

Elise4270

Hi welcome! Running with chronic pain is difficult. I've worked thorough piriformis syndrome for the last 3 years, and keeping my focus has been difficult. One day at a time.

There are several runners that have dogs in the monthly challenge group. (Definitely pop in). They might be of some help. @shanaber. German Shepherds are usually great dogs. Maybe there's still hope.

Maybe you could try to go for a walk in your running clothes. Once you get warmed up and your mind disengages, you'll try a bit of a run.

I'd think once you get back into it, you'll regain that conditioning easily. Set smaller goals, maybe don't worry about the upcoming half, it is what it is, usually a good time.

joybedford

Thanks for your reply. I ran yesterday 2.9 miles in 32 minutes I was happy with that as the last time I ran outside was last July. I have ran occasionally on the treadmill but even that was 3 months ago. It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be now I just need to keep it going.

Elise4270

Awesome! It's so hard to get back into the groove. I was out 3 weeks with foot pain and it's crazy hard to get back at it. I may have to go back to bribing myself to get out I'll just have to make sure it's a low/no cal bribe.

I've been eyeing races for next year. That should add some motivation.

mbaker566

i have fibro/behcets and sometimes i over do it. i was struggling against my body and finally took up the c25k and then the b210k and ran a half a couple of weeks ago using a program from the asics website.
sometimes, i overdue it and then i'm out for a week or two. i needed 2 weeks to recover from the half
there are a few things i needed to deal with. 1) i am still me and not my illnesses 2)my body does not react like a normal persons 3) i'm going to hurt so i can hurt and be unhealthy or hurt and be healthy 4) taking a break is sometimes necessary for me to be healthy and functional.

get yourself fitted shoes. if your base is happy, then the rest of you is happy
go slow and listen to your body.
GermanS are great dogs but they need training just like any other dog. Partner running isn't always the easiest for them as they are more wired toward acting independently and coming back to check in with you (working breeds in general imho).
My collie was leash reactive when we got her and she tried to bark and lunge at everything, pulling all over the place. So i worked on loose leash stuff independent of the running. if she sees something she wanted to bark at, we turned around and walked away. if she pulled, she turned opposite of her pulling and went in that direction. I can also bribe her with treats and got her a halti. She's not perfect now but she is a million times better. Working on a good "heel" helps tremendously too.

good luck

joybedford

Moyer566 thank you for your reply it's good to know someone in the same position.. I am slowly working my way back into running. I am going to send you a friend request so we can support each other if you don't mind.

7lenny7

Regarding the dog, work on obedience before taking him running. An obedient dog is a MUCH better running partner.

I'm not familiar with your condition, but my suggestion is to run slower. 2.9 miles in 32 minutes seems too fast for someone who hasn't run outside since last July. When I started running I was running slower than that for several months. If you can't sing a song or carry on a conversation while you run, you're going too fast.

Good luck on the return to running!

mbaker566

@joybedford I am more than happy to be your friend and part of your support system. there is a large group of runners here on mfp like mr. @7lenny7 and ms. @elise4270