Pre PMR I ran 5k every other day + fitness training workouts etc. I’ve tapered from 20mg to 6 in the last 3 months and so far so good but I miss the exercise! I tried running gently for about 2k and suffered very sore hips for 3 days as a result.
However I have found that I can still swim my normal 50 lengths at a reasonable pace without the bad reactions. For me it’s the best form of exercise - low impact, supportive and uplifting
I love swimming.
Did you just go out and try to run 2km without building up to it slowly? You have to get back into training as if you were a complete novice, whatever level you were at before. Start with a 5 minute run - if you feel OK the next day, add a minute or two - assess on the next/rest day. Keep that sort of pattern until you find a level where you feel it the next day. Go back to the previous level and use that as a training level.
You will get there - but only by going about it gently and slowly, The distance will mount up a lot faster than you think ...
Knarllyknees ,
Ive found that even though I feel and can run distances the after affect tells me I’ve done too much. Whereas, slow & low can be achieved.
Over exertion pays the price
Be careful with running. I have damaged my knees (stretched ACL)and can't run any more because I was pushing too hard too soon. Imagine that you were injured and could not run for extended period of time ( since the beginning of PMR). Keep in mind that weaken muscles put extra stress on your joints so you need to make them stronger again. You would probably start with walk/run exercise to build up your muscles back. Keep it at very low pace and give enough time for recovery; perhaps do it every 3rd day for several months. Cross training is very good too, so alternate between running and swimming, even add 3rd activity too. It took me about a year before I recovered to pre-PMR fitness level ( for biking and swimming).
If you have any specific question, don't hesitate to ask here or via private message.
Similar here, I have managed to swim throughout, but still find walking anything other than short distances painful. The only time I feel completely comfortable is when I am in the water and I can still manage a kilometre swim quite comfortably. Even the fatigue disappears when I am swimming though I usually need to take a nap after still. I would imagine that people with PMR and with more shoulder involvement than I have would find it harder though.
You could try running in the water to gradually build up your strength again. A lot of people at the gym I visit, use the pool to recover from sporting injuries. You could also try power walking before taking up running again and that would reduce impact until you are feeling stronger. Which reminds me, the couch to 5K programme is a very good way of safely building up from scratch.
Whatever you do, be careful of joints as the ligaments and tendons an be affected by prednisolone and you don't want an injury before you've even got started. Certainly my knees have been affected by pred and I have to take care not to kick too hard when doing breast stroke. I've always been fairly body conscious as I have a long history of musculoskeletal issues and when recovering (which I have had to do a number of times), you really do need to listen to your body and to watch your posture during physical activity to avoid unnecessary strain on vulnerable areas of your body. I've always found weight training on the resistance machines more effective than any physio that I have ever had. Your body is fully supported and it is easier to control the range of movement and amount of effort you put in. Though, again, take it really easy to begin with if you haven't used weights before.
I would add a slight note of caution with swimming. Breast stroke can be bad if you have sciatica, for instance.
I had a swim recently for less than 10 mins. My back completely seized in the night rendering my hoped for trip to the loo a non event for quite a long time until I was able to get out of bed in hunched over position and a fair bit of pain. Very gentle stretching and some help finally got me upright. Not an experience I would care to repeat.
I also took up swimming and because I can only do breast stroke I developed a Pes anserine bursitis in my left knee because of the leg action. It's now ok but I've gone back to walking and because it is weight bearing is better for my bone density. As others have mentioned, a bit of everything is probably the best way forward as repetitive movements do tend to cause problems for us.
I am new to this site and diagnosed with PMR in March 2013 (56 yrs old and female). Down to 15 mg predn.,
Low enough pred to get low cortisol symptoms? 
How soon can I start the slow taper?
GCA in the Aorta
Waking in the night. 
