Ok to take a rest/break - running with fibromyalgia

[Serenity_runner]

Hi all

So I'm at week 8 run 2. I normally run 3 times a week and work out 7 days a week using home workouts (Fitbit coach sessions) and walk the dog around this. I am limited to when I can run due to the covid restrictions, a full time job and being a single parent to a 4 and 5yr old. I have fibromyalgia which is most well managed however this weekend I've had a massive flare and had to skip two runs because even walking was deeply challenging physically for me. I know I *should* run today but honestly I feel it would be too much as I'm not clear of the flare yet. Trouble is if I dont get a run in today it may be 2 weeks until I have a child free slot to run again. Will I do too much damage to stop and then how far back will I need to go to restart? I'm so frustrated that this close to the finish line my fibro has decided to put me on my back but after managing it for 3 years I've learnt to listen to the signs of needing to back off my body a little. Any advice would be great... I'm feeling frustrated with myself.

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Apparently we don’t lose fitness for 2 weeks so you’ll be fine. I’m sure you’ll be able to do 28 minutes again but if you need to drop to 25 for a run or 2, that’s fine too. You certainly do not need to go back to the beginning!

[Serenity_runner Graduate in reply to Tasha99]

Thank you. I'll still manage to walk and work out gently but just not run as I can't do that with the smalls. I was dreading having to start again!

[f1madman Graduate]

Yeah take it easy and have some rest you deserve it and wait until the flare is under control again. It's amazing you're juggling life so well, and don't be disheartened as you will not lose significant condition in the first 2 weeks of not running.

Im on my second week of resting my feet since I started getting heel pains. It's hugely frustrating at first but I just have to remind myself I'm doing this for myself in the long term and avoiding and managing injuries now will prevent further pain and injuries later.

[Serenity_runner Graduate in reply to f1madman]

I know. I have to be careful not to push it but its SO frustrating! But I also know if I tried to run today I wouldn't manage it.

Hope your foot gets better soon.

[Instructor57 Graduate in reply to f1madman]

I hope your heel pains are easing now ?

I honestly feel I may also need around 2 weeks !

But as you say , we are doing this for ourselves and need to listen to our bodies,

Good luck ! 👍

[f1madman Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

Yeah they're getting better, doing some exercises and stretches for it (it's so boring though) and using rollers and ice. Haven't felt any pain today which is good if it stays like this I might even run towards the end of the week 🤞.

How are your back/butt pains, are you starting to feel better?

[Instructor57 Graduate in reply to f1madman]

Good, I'm pleased it's getting better !

Unfortunately I'm not there yet .

I'm waiting for a telephone consultation with my doctor this morning to see what they suggest, possibly an osteopath or chiropractor or physio .

Problem is I don't really know which way to go at the moment .

But, I will get there eventually I hope !

[Blackberrypie Graduate]

I don't have any experience with fibromyalgia but it sounds like it's better to listen to your body and take it easy. I'm sure you'll be fine to pick up again.

[Serenity_runner Graduate in reply to Blackberrypie]

Thank you. A flare is global muscle pain across my body and chronic fatigue so it feels like every movement is being made in thick treacle and takes extra effort to move each limb. On top of that it brings brain fog where I forget/get confused easily.

[Blackberrypie Graduate in reply to Serenity_runner]

You're a brave person for even thinking about running when you feel like that! Hope you're back running soon.

[Serenity_runner Graduate in reply to Blackberrypie]

Thank you. I've lived with it for nearly 3 years now - I used to feel like that 24/7 now it's a rarity rather than my normality but it knocks me flat for a day or so. Not much fun!

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Hi, my last run was week 8 Run 1 so I know how you feel , I had to have a break also after what is either sciatica or piriformis syndrome (difficult to know which !)

However, it needs to be done , it is now 4 days since my last run and the first time I have had more than 1 day off and it's driving me crazy , but, I'd rather take the time now than to run and be out for 6 months ,

The program will still be there !

Try not to pressure yourself to run .

Recover first .

Good luck ! 👍

[Serenity_runner Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

Thank you. Hope you feel better soon! I just find it hard to have to rest when I've worked so hard. But with many spinning plates sometimes I just have to rest.

[Instructor57 Graduate in reply to Serenity_runner]

I get it !

I really do,

I'm hating not running every other day having worked so hard to get to and complete week 8 run 1

I even find it hard to come on here now and see everyone racing ahead .

of course wish them well but I want to be out there also.

But a week or more off now is better than 6 months through rushing back .

I'm sure you will be back out when you can .

Good luck 👍

[Elsiegreeneyes Graduate]

I can relate to this so much!

I’ve learned to listen to what my body is trying to tell me with both endo and fibro - but it’s hard to find the balance between pushing on and taking a break.

I hope you are well, and wishing you health and happiness ☺️