Scared of failing

[MummzieH]

Hi, I have arthritis in both hips and one ankle. I’m hoping this will help with the pain and lose weight. Do any of you run with arthritis and does it help?

Thanks

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

I think the most important thing is to go really slow and listen to your body don’t let pain get worse good luck

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

I don’t... but this article may help runnersworld.com/training/a...

Failure, yeah that’s scary... however, if you cross a start line you’ve already beaten failure. Have a good read of the guide in the pinned posts... run nice and easy... you can do this.

[MuddledGardener Graduate]

I have arthritis throughout the length of my spine, and in my hands and feet to a lesser degree. I have had spinal surgery and have delayed another op. I am doing remarkably well since running. My hips are much more flexible, and my lower back less stiff too. Occasionally I take codeine to help me sleep, but apart from my regular anti-inflammatory tablets, I don’t take anything else.

Actually, surprisingly, I don’t feel back pain when running, and since I’ve got proper running shoes, my feet hardly ever hurt. I am shedding fat, and getting much fitter, both physically and mentally. Running also helps prevent osteoporosis, so all in all, I would say if you can do it, then you should! 😊

[Meepmum Graduate]

I have had both arthritic knees replaced, the last one 9mths ago and hope to do my graduation run tomorrow. I have managed to get through this with no knee problems at all and like Muddled G my hips and lower back have improved. I'm hypermobile but have also managed to avoid strains and injury so far. I take turmeric capsules daily but that's it. I use the Japanese slow running technique also called Niko niko pace you can find posted about on here. It's certainly working for me, I'm no Paula Radcliffe more Brian the snail 🐌 but I don't care, have a try and you will be surprised I think 🙋

[BaddieThePirate Graduate]

I run with ankylosing spondylitis and medication and it helps. Arthritis is the same family of conditions I believe, but different so I don’t know how it will be, but try it and see. youtu.be/9L2b2khySLE(Not working as expected?) so you’re being as kind to your body as possible. Good luck!

[whibbles Graduate in reply to BaddieThePirate]

Thanks for posting the video as I'm always looking for the "miracle cure" to help to keep me running injury freer. Interested to know if anyone has tried slow jogging ? Very impressed with the runners on this post who run with arthritis !

[MuddledGardener Graduate in reply to whibbles]

I slow jog most of the time. 😊

[backintime Graduate]

I don't think you have anything to lose by trying, and potentially a lot to gain.

[MummzieH]

Thank you everyone. I am humbled and inspired by the number of responses and information. 🥰

[Lifluf]

I have arthritis in knees and hips due to medication I'm on. I've got to week 6 so far. I have to leave 2 days between runs and have learnt to run slowly with shorter strides. My joints are definitely better now and I know I can get to the end. Good luck. Take it easy and listen to your body and you'll get there.

[Alissum Graduate]

I have arthritis in both knees. I consulted my GP before I started C25K about running. Was told to go ahead but if I was in pain to stop and wait until I was pain free before running again.

Sometimes the arthritis flairs up and i will have an extra day or two rest. I would say 99% of the time I am now pain free. I am also medication free.

Before C25K I struggled to climb stairs, kneel, walk very far. I was also on prescribed medication and in constant pain.

I started C25K in April 2018. In March 2019 I completed a half Marathon. I can run 22.5km distance. I can run for 2 hours 50 minutes. I don’t think I will ever run 5km in 30 minutes though 🤪

My knee joints are so much stronger now. I wish I had started running years ago.

Get the go ahead from your GP. Take your time, it’s not a race. Repeat weeks if you need to. Go to a good independent running shop before you start running for gait analysis to get the best pair of running shoes for your feet and running style. Drink at least 2 litres of water every day, especially the day before a run to help against sore muscles.

Most of all Enjoy your adventure 😀

[jmd104 Graduate]

I have osteoarthritis in both knees and hips following an accident in my teens. I’m just starting week 8. As others have said, take you time and listen to your body, don’t force past pain. Having said that I usually have more pain walking than I do when I’m running. Since starting C25k I have been able to really reduce my pain relief. I can’t remember the last time I needed my codeine and now only have about one day a week where I need to take my paracetamol. Also weaning off the anti-inflammatory tablets.