Mamaooch: I Miss Running TOO!

[Paco386]

I can't run anymore because of severe PA and minor pppp. It is the pain in my ribs,neck,back and hips that keep me from running. It is hard to believe that I ran a marathon 3 years ago. I do continue to work out just unable to run. I attend a cycling class 3xweek and 2 days I work with light weights. I have to loosen up these very STIFF joints in the morning. I also do yoga at night to help me sleep.
Thanks for asking! I really do miss running.

Take Care
Cindy

Dear Mamaooch!

I want to join your "I Miss Running" club :) !!! ... I made a New Year's resolution this year to make running a big part of my life and I was doing such a good job at it too (I have attached a picture of me [that is me: #99] at my first official race. I made a magnet out of this picture and I have it on my fridge as inspiration) .. I was living in NYC at the time and I am a member of the New York Road Runners Club. I was able to run the 9 races required to qualify for guaranteed entry into the 2007 NYC Marathon (I actually ran 10 races - one for good luck :) ) ... unfortunately, one of my knees started to act up really badly in June and I could not continue running. I was also kinda fine with it at the time especially since I could not get away with long pants in the increasingly warmer weather. Now that I live in FL, it has thankfully felt a lot better but not 100%. I will check with the doc next week - I hope it is not PA. I have been tempted to walk a 5K scheduled next month near here ... but I do not want to overdo it until I know for sure ... however, I can walk fine, even long distance without pain. I also signed up months ago for the Miami 1/2 Marathon this January and due to my knee worries I have not been able to begin training for that. The bright side of all this is that I have not gained back all the weight I lost in the process ... about 30 lbs :)

So I join you mamaooch ... I MISS RUNNING!! :(

[ouchyk]

Paco,

I hope it's not PA. And I'm glad you're getting it checked out.

We have a member of our support group who is going to run the Boston Marathon, he has PA or had it. ( in remission ) So please keep the faith, you too Cindy.

There was also a story about another member who ran the marathon in the Advance Magazine...very inspiring.

http://www.psoriasis.org/publications/advance/200604_goals.php

Karen

[wildflowerAnn]

That is an inspirational photo Paco386. Congratulations on reaching your race goals. Glad you can still consider walking events, and hope your knee inflammation goes away!

[Paco386]

ouchyk: THANKS for the link to the article ... it was inspirational to me beyond words. It makes me hope for better days ahead. Running the NYC Marathon would be a dream come true - I want it to be my first full marathon since it is where I was born and raised and lived up until a month and 1/2 ago. To think that I can actually run the streets of New York that I once drove and hung out on - my last residence is ironically along the route: across the street from the bridge crossing into Manhattan from the Bronx (I believe it is Mile 21 and to most, "the wall"). I think I would break down into tears to run by there again and knowing I am almost at the finish. My dad lives in Miami and that is why I want to do the Miami 1/2 in January.

wildflowerAnn: Thanks for your kind words! I don't want to feel like P is taking away my dreams, especially since I have worked so hard to get so close to them. Running is sometimes hard on the knees and I realize a lot of my running was asphalt (duh, NYC - even in Central Park) and I should have been mixing it up more with grass and softer ground. However, looks like I will have better options around my new home. I'll let you know if I end up resuming my races, even if I have to walk it :)

ALL: Back in April, I completed the Frederick Progressive Marathon (in Maryland). It allows you to run (or walk) a marathon length 26.2 miles on your own over a period of 12 weeks. I used a lot of my NY Road Runner races to complete the first 25.5 miles. The final lap was in Maryland (0.7 mile) during their marathon weekend and once crossing the finish line you got a medal. It's my only one and proud of it, but I want a full marathon medal. Progressive marathons feel like you're cheating :p but it's designed for people who cannot or won't run all 26.2 at once - but then again, how many people have the diligence to keep up the miles over 12 weeks also??? San Francisco has a progressive as well, but it was the weekend I was moving to FL so I couldn't make it. Maybe next year?

IDEA -- I have never seen a 5K or any other race dedicated to psoriasis awareness or similar ... ISN'T IT ABOUT TIME??? Gonna look into it and see how I can make one happen around here ...

:)

[ouchyk]

IDEA -- I have never seen a 5K or any other race dedicated to psoriasis awareness or similar ... ISN'T IT ABOUT TIME??? Gonna look into it and see how I can make one happen around here ...

:)

I think that's a great idea. :) I would get in touch with your local support group and see what can be done.

We have another member druss who is also a runner...and is doing the NYC marathon.... :D where he will proudly show his psoriasis or whats left of it as last time I heard he was doing super well.

And another gal as well Neese. She runs local races and someday I hope to be on the sidelines cheering her on.

Hats off to all the runners here!

Karen

[mamaooch]

Thank you Paco! It feels good that I am not the only one out there. Running for me was such a passion, 3 years ago I ran a marathon for Relay for Life. A friend and I decided to run a marathon during the event to raise more money (my MOM is a two time survivor of cancer), so it was a great night for me. I also ran several 5k events and would run with my friend in the mornings before work....it was such a stress reliever.

I wish you the best! I hope and pray that your knee will allow you to run again, and who knows, maybe with the help of Remicade and MTX I will be able to run again. I miss it so much.

Have a great evening! Thanks so much for the support! You rock!
Cindy

[Paco386]

Thanks so much Cindy ... it would be a thrill to hear that you have resumed running again!!

[mamaooch]

Paco,
The school system where I work is starting a walking challenge next week and it will end at the end of the school year in May. The goal is for everyone to walk 1,000,000 steps before the end of the year. It is through the website BE ACTIVE and it does sound fun. We all got a free pedometer and we wear it to work. I wore mine to work on Friday and I logged over 4,000 steps that day. The school is huge and I walk the halls all day checking out computers and teaching class.

I know it's not running but it is the next best thing. You never know, maybe with the meds and determination I may be running again. At least I hope so.

Thanks for the support. Hope your knees feels better so you are able to run soon too.

Cindy

[ouchyk]

Cindy,

We were told at PATH that aprox. 2k steps = 1 mile! You're doing great!

http://www.thewalkingsite.com/10000steps.html

Karen :)

[mamaooch]

Paco,
I did find a walk dedicated to Arthritis (not PA but close). Here's the link.

http://www.arthritis.org/events/arthritiswalk/

There is actually a event near where I live in October, so I think I will sign up.

Have a great evening!
Cindy