Any runners out there?

[noeladevile]

I really enjoy running and have set out to train for a half marathon twice, but can't seem to stay uninjured long enough. Just curious to see how others w sjs who are runners deal...

[Jozee]

Wish I could run. Last time I did was about age 3. That's 40 years ago.Good luck to you! Hope you get well enough to put your running shoes back on.!

[shortstuff]

Hi there.  Yes, I'm a runner.  I've been running for about 22 years and I have been racing on and off since 2004 (in between my two pregnancies).  In the past two years I've done a slew of 5Ks, 5 milers and 10Ks.  Last spring I trained for and ran my first half marathon.  It was incredible.  Then I was diagnosed with SjS in August.  I stopped running for several weeks because I was so bummed but then I decided to say screw it, I'm doing it anyway.  It's the least I can do for my body right now....maybe it's crazy but I feel like I can be healthy in this one way since I'm not in others.  Who knows what the future holds, either, I may not be able to be active at all eventually.  It's hard enough to get up in the morning as it is.....My mouth gets dry when I run so I try to chew gum.  I always carry chap stick and layer on the sunscreen.  I also have a chronic cough, not sure if it's asthma or just general dryness in my airways, so I use an inhaler before I head out.  When I'm motivated I run about 2-3 times a week and cross train on the other days so my body doesn't get strained from any one thing.  I just decided to sign up for another half marathon in April and am running with a group of mom friends who will be running their first.  I'm actually wondering if there's some way to raise money for SjS research or the Faustman Lab through my race.  I'd love to chat more with you about training plans, etc.

[LizPetillo]

I used to run cross country.
I used to swim a lot too.
Not a chance now ...
I'm lucky to be able to go downstairs to do my laundry.

[Babs659]

Yes!  I've run 13 marathons, between 1999 and my last one in 2008.  I started having problems breathing and with muscle fatigue and dizziness so had to really cut back. But after two years of treatment I'm getting back into it.  I MAY try to do a half in March, we'll see.  I definitely feel a lot worse and more achy when I don't exercise.

I also said "screw it!" and decided not to give in to fear, and keep doing what I love for as long as I can.

Nice to hear from you

[amberjolie1]

I used to run a bit - not nearly marathons or anything else.  I mainly don't because of time right now (3 kids and had a job - lost it but am looking; and now it's too cold for my tastes to run).

[navydad]

I run too,, from one doctor to another, I think from now on i;l walk

[Jozee]

Can always count on you for a good laugh right before bed. Thanks Navydad.

[Meld256]

Bless all you runners who can still do it.  I say, keep up with whatever you can and go for it.

I used to LOVE to run, just for the fun and exhileration of it. I ran on track teams in school and loved it. Used to play tennis...oh, well that's in the "used to" list now.  I'm in that catagory now that if I can possibly get the vacumn run about once a week or walk into the grocery to get a few things, I'm excited.  And it can't be both on the same day... (:

[becerrad]

I'm also a runner. I WAS training for my first half-marathon, and even signed up for it and paid, and discovered
much to my chagrin that I couldn't seem to get past the 5-mile training runs...would get SO exhausted and out-of-breath
that I had to stop...well, a few weeks later, I was diagnosed with Sjogren's. Then it made sense. Anyway, on the
prednisone, I ran a fast (for me...I'm a fairly slow runner...9-minute-miles) and terrific 3 miles a few days ago, and was
so encouraged by that. I'm HOPING when I switch to Plaquenil that it will ease my symptoms enough that I can continue
running. I'm with those of you that said, "SCREW IT! I'm going to run." We've got to keep trying...

[inga]

I gave up sprint triathlons at age 50. Everything breaks and tears now.

[BobC50]

Hi,

I'm a newbie on here and was looking for some sort of indication about Sjogrens and exercise. It seems that I have been really lucky, although disgnosed with the condition and get flare ups of the pirotid and lymph glands occasionally, the dryness and joint pains I seem to be relatively free form the really debilitating things.

I was wondering if exercise prompted flare-ups or if they were just random. Certainly I haven't really established a link from my own experience but I would like to hear from other 'active' members.

The most difficult thing seems to me to be mental, overcoming the desire to not do it. Again is this a common experience?

Should mention that I train for triathlon for 30 - 60 minutes, usually every day. I have a full time job too.

Many thanks

Bob

[Nathan]

I haven't really made a connection between exercise and flares, except when I am flaring, the desire to do any kind of exercise quickly goes out the window. That's one of the hardest things to fight I find. Exercise can help you feel better by the endorphins, but the fatigue is a killer.

[mews]

Last year I was a size 4, one year later I doubled my weight and I can't hardly walk.. I worked out every day, loved it then, I crashed and I never went back!

Navydad you say it the best.. that's all I do now!!! SAD so SAD   Last night I went for a walk around the block with my husband, I was up all night long in horrible
pain...I will keep trying because I know I need to try!

Mary

[Babs659]

Hi, Bob.  I'm still trying to train for a half marathon (see my previous post), but 8 miles feels like a death march.  I keep trying, but I do notice my motivation is not what it used to be.

I used to LOVE long distances, but can't seem to get back there.  Not saying it's the Sjs, may be just a mental block.

Let's keep hashing it over and maybe together we'll figure it out!