Started Running Again...

[Over40]

I posted this on another Raw site and had some good comments so I thought I'd drop it in here for some folks who might be having fitness issues.

About 5 years ago I was diagnosed with degenerative arthritis. I was told I would need a hip transplant by 65 (23 years from now), I was also told not to run/jog, skip rope, lift weights, etc.

I bought an Airdyne by Schwinn and used that. I also began implementing the SuperSlow strength training protocol. But the core of my fitness centered around the SuperSlow workouts. Although the SuperSlow was increasing my strength, I was gaining weight and I could feel my level of conditioning free fall.

The summer before last I was asked to go on an outing with a church youth group that included a 30 mile, three day hike. So I started Airdyning to get into shape. I went all three days with no pain in my lower back or hips.

Well, fast forwarding to this Fall, I was sitting on the couch one day watching "Four Minutes" by HBO concerning Roger Bannister's sub-four minute mile. The show was quite inspiring and intrigued me.

The next day I went down to the mall and bought a $100 pair of Nike running shoes. My wife flipped. Not because of the shoes but because of the pain she figured I'd be in from running (and I did have apprehensions myself).

Well it's been two months. I have occassional stiffness in my lower body joints, but am up to 50 minutes per run. I do LSD (long slow distance) and don't really keep my mileage, although the other day on the treadmill I did 3.75 miles.

I share this not to brag about my incredibley slow running times, but to hopefully help people who maybe going through some physical ailmenst that might be hindering them starting a fitness plan to give it a try and find a way to facilitate your workouts that will best benefit you.

Before starting I was having chest pains (hopefully stress related as I stated on the other site) those are gone. I also, when aerobically taxed, felt as though I had a shelf under my lungs and they wouldn't expand past that shelf. My breathing in situations that cause exertion has improved immensley.

Anyway, good luck with your workouts and have a Happy New Year (as well as a belated Merry Christmas).

Jon in Idaho

[tglasco4]

Great story Jon. I think running slow is good because you decrease the risk of injury. But be careful not to overdo it because of your condition. I would limit myself to every other day because of your hips. Keep it up!!


Peace.

Todd

[twinee1]

About 5 years ago I was diagnosed with degenerative arthritis. I was told I would need a hip transplant by 65 (23 years from now), I was also told not to run/jog, skip rope, lift weights, etc.

Jon in Idaho

Thanks for posting. It seems you are doing well !!! I find it is more important to listen to your body. I think you are doing the right thing...being active.

I think it is horrid for Dr to program someone by saying "you will have to have surgery..you cannnot run...." I beleive in the power of words and cannot is t something we should not be programming our body/mind with. I prefer to program myself with POSITIVE thoughts.

I am 44....10 years ago I was told by my Dr (when I went in with a knee problem from running, 12 miles at that time..) I need to stop running or I would have arthritis....and then 3 yrs ago told I had early stages of arthritis in the shoulder and needed to drop the weight training....through diet and anti inflammatory (natural ) and a slight adjustment in my training...I was able to heal both problems.

I will NOT have arthritis at 65 and neither will you !!

[misslinda]

YEhawwwww Jon !!!!!!!!!

Boy, I wish Jaurequi was here to read this. We're always excited to meet other runners ;) :) What an inpsiring story. :)


Nothing beats a pair of running shoes,
ml

[kmik]

Fabulous comeback Jon! They can't keep me away from running either :) (ofcourse I'm using the very loose definition of the word running ;) )

Slow runs are good, and another thing I've been implementing that I really enjoy are walk/runs, using Jeff Galloway's methods http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/walk_breaks.html. That gives me the freedom to cover long distances and enjoy an occaisional burst of speed and still feel great when I'm done.

I believe a raw food lifestyle will continue to help you overcome what would have otherwise been in store for you, and you'll be running for as long as you want

Thanks for sharing your story!