Anyone with Fibromyalgia who's tried running/jogging?

I'm brand new to this group, joined about 5 minutes ago. I'm really pleased that there's a group for people with Fibro, I was diagnosed in 2008 and as an added complication I also have Crohns Disease. I was just wondering whether any of you have attempted to run or jog. I'm told it's the best way to burn off the calories but I struggle to walk far, let alone run - how are you all exercising? I also have a hula hoop (don't laugh!) which I can at least do in the privacy of my own home rather than inflicting my wobbly bits on complete strangers. I live in Yorkshire, which is pretty hilly, so maybe jogging is a daft idea - what do you all think?

Replies

  • janstacey
    janstacey Posts: 24 Member
    Welcome to our group! When I first saw a specialist i was told to begin with walking, he had me going 10 minutes per day, increasing week by week ( slowly) so i got up to a minumum of 30 minutes per day. I saw another specialist who told me I can do whatever I want for exercise but I need to learn to listen to my body and learn to accept my own limitations. That being said , I do try to at least walk every day, I have done running as well but start soooo slowly because you may feel good in the moment but the next day can be quite tough..I do circuit training now and some days I seem to breeze through it and other days I struggle with 10 minutes. It is so hard for me to accept that I may not be able to do what I want but as we know that is part of the fibro. I have always been active and athletic so it is hard for me to accept that my body won't always cooperate. For me , when I push myself too far I pay the price down the road and feel like I am taking 2 steps backwards. The exhaustion can be overwhelming so I must accept that baby steps are ok.
    I wish you lots of luck and hope you find what works best for you!!!
  • Thank you Jan, I'm glad to be part of a group. Running would be fab but unlikely, so walking is probably more achievable. It would be lovely to walk every day but we've had rain nearly every day since I can't remember when! I can't walk in the rain as I'm now too fat for my waterproof! :smile:
  • janstacey
    janstacey Posts: 24 Member
    I actually purchased a walking at home DVD that you do in your own home. It is a terrific place to start...the one I got was a Biggest Loser DVD....it has 4 levels and I found it extremely helpful when I wanted to focus on becoming healthier....on my sore , tired days I can pop it in the player and do what I feel is best for that day...
  • rysprincess94
    rysprincess94 Posts: 13 Member
    Hi, welcome to the board! I have been on here for a couple months or so now and started out just walking. I am 5'3, starting weight was 273.8. So any running was totally out of the question as I would be a painful mess the next day. However, I also started a fitness class that is 1/3 step aerobics, 1/3 strength & weights, 1/3 balance & yoga. I have been doing this 2x a week and walking about a mile after class on the treadmill. I am now down just 20 lbs, but was able to comfortably jog this morning after a 3 mile treadmill walk at about 3.0. Then I did the last 5 mins at the jogging pace of about 4.5. (for my short stubby legs) I feel great right now, 12 hours later...and fingers crossed will maintain this feeling come morning. My point is simple...start slow, walking. You will find small victories along the way. Mine was losing the first 10, then 20 and now I am down 2 pant sizes. But never in a million years would I think of putting myself out there in a public gym jogging for a nanosecond let alone anything more! You will know when your body is ready...just keep it as a long term goal to get to in your weight loss journey! :wink:

    Nicole