Advice, please

[JonOz]

At the age of 59, I completed Couch to 5 km about 7 years ago, surprising myself by regularly running 5K 2 or 3 times a week, usually on a running machine :-). Previously I'd only ever run a bath.

Due to one thing or another, this dropped off, and I would like to get back to this level. I go to the gym most days, but not running.

I know there shouldn't be any "but", but there is gout! :-(, some days I can hardly walk, let alone run...

My doctor helps, with daily tablets to try to avoid it, and others for when the pain gets too much.

Is anyone else with similar challenges and any advice, please?

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Hi JonOz …sorry to hear you’re having problems with gout…I’ve never had it, or known anyone with it but I’m sure there’ll be people on here who have….have you spoken to your doctor about how it might affect your running?

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate]

Sorry I have no experience with gout, although I've stopped and started c25k many times! When I was coming back after COVID and totally wiped out, I started off with the Active 10 walking app (sister site to this one, part of health unlocked).

Can your GP refer you to a physiotherapist who can guide you back to a more active lifestyle?

You need advice from someone who understands the implications of your condition - when it's safe to push through on painkillers, when to ease back, when to stop. Nobody here is qualified to give you that advice.

Is it something that will go away or is it part of your life now?

[mrrun Graduate]

Gout? Inflamed big toe? Excruciating pain, worse than a bad toothache in the middle of the night? Yep, I’m a veteran. My causes? Red meat, more red meat, red wine, salami, beer, salt….. My major attacks stopped when l quit smoking in 2015 and I’ve only had them sporadically, maybe once every few years since. Obviously, you can barely walk let alone run when there’s major inflammation and you need it to clear completely before attempting to run again. Your doc will supply you with the best medication but try and figure out what’s causing it in your case and try and avoid it. Do I avoid stuff that’s causing my grief? Nope, but don’t copy me please! 🙏😉