Does speed matter?

skateykatey

That's brilliant and I personally think 38.18 is very respectable. Give yourself a massive pat on the back.

I'm partway through couch to 5k and you've inspired me, so thank you :T

flissh

Well done! Glad you had a good day. & well done for keeping it up.

FBaby

I'm not a fast runner either. As a matter, I am not a fast anything, my strength is endurance. I actually start to feel best at around 10k! Saying that, without trying, my pace has increased the more I have been running.

Don't put pressure on yourself about speed. It is much more important that you are able to achieve the distances you set yourself for. Increasing your pace will come naturally as it is right for you.

Well done for such mental and physical strength in light of your condition, it is very inspiring to read.

marmiterulesok

I also have MS,though you wouldn't know to look at me.

I used to run from 2005 to 2009 then stopped and started for a bit,then stopped completely in 2012 I think.
I've recently (in the last month) taken it up again.

Well done for getting such a good time in the race.

Your body will soon tell you if you're doing too much.

I have a question for you.Now that summer is approaching,do you have a problem running when it's hot?I presume you know that the heat and getting too hot can bring on MS symptoms.
I would go running in the early morning,except I can't get up early enough,so I end up running at 9-10 o'clock at night,when it's cooler.

Just now,I'm concentrating on building up my endurance.The most I've run so far is 1.2 k x3 with short walk breaks inbetween.

marmiterulesok

I forgot to say: my next goal is to do 1.2km x4.

1.2 km might seem a strange number.Why not 1km'

It's because I don't count distance,I count steps.
A count of 1 is 4 steps and I count up to 400 =1600 steps.

400 steps might be 1.2 or 1.3 km.I can't quite remember what it said on my pedometer.

It's what works for me just now.

NotBothered

Hi Marmite

I was diagnosed back in 2009, and yes the heat definitely does affect me, but I appear to get off a lot lighter than others. It tends to make me more fatigued and I get the dreaded invisible itch far more in the warmer months, which is a nightmare when trying to sleep. With regards to running in the heat - I definitely find it tougher, but have so far managed to plod through, however, it's not actually got that warm yet! :-) Am planning to run this evening, but like you, will leave it later on in the day as other friends who run say that it is tougher in the heat, with or without MS! : -)

You sound like you have the same attitude as me towards the "disease", which is great! I dont let it stop me doing anything without a fight! : -)

marmiterulesok

I see people out running at noon to 3pm in full sunshine...I don't know how they do it.Mind you,I used to do that.

I live in Switzerland,so it's been a bit hotter here than in the UK.Up to the high twenties recently sometimes,and very humid and heavy the last few days.
The last time I went running was last Tuesday,so really want to go tonight.
If we're lucky we might get a thunderstorm later on today that'll break the heavy air.
Because I only run when it's cooler,I haven't had any symptoms during or after a run.There are days I just know I'm not up to running.
I was dx in 2006,but had my first symptoms in 1997.
I'm taking a super drug- Gilenya,and that's kept me relapse free since 2011.I have had new symptoms since then,but they weren't considered relapses.
I stopped running because I found it such hard going in summer and always seemed to be starting and then giving up again.I also tend to be a bit obsessional,and was worrying about running becoming an obligation again,and no longer a pleasure.Not good in general or for my MS.
I decided recently to take it up again because
-I love running
-one day I might not be able to
-I want to get fitter,shape up,tone up and lose some flab.

So far it's going well.

I try not to think of MS.It doesn't interfere too much thankfully.
I hope it carries on that way for you too.

Could you get a fan to you cool down at night?

NotBothered

Cant say I LOVE running, but I tried Avonex and Copaxone and both of them gave me the side-effects of clinical depression. So I stopped. The neuro just wanted to put me on anti-depressants, but I took the decision to take my chances with the disease itself, especially as i cant participate in my other hobby of jumping out of perfectly good planes if I am diagnosed with depression or medication for it! I decided the risk of the disease was far better than living my life in a big black cloud with a 29% chance of the meds preventing a future relapse.

So my aim now is to stay as healthy as I possibly can, to keep myself free of germs in the hope that my immune system will stay dormant. I am living healthier, eating healthier, gave up smoking and feel like 10000 times better for it. Long may it continue for both of us.

I actually have a mobile air-conditioning unit in my bedroom. Its a bit noisy, but after a while you kind of find the drone comforting! : -)

marmiterulesok

That's interesting to hear your story.Thanks for sharing.

I wasn't going to be offered any treatment when I was diagnosed,excect they said I could take part in a drug trial for Fingolimod (now Gilenya).Otherwise they'd mentioned Rebif but said I couldn't have it because I already had a history of depression.So from 2007 to 2009 I was on the drug trial,then stopped because I was angry about a lot of things.Found out later that I was on the drug and not the placebo.
My lesion activity really picked up and I was forced to seek help in 2011 for a biggish (for me) relapse.My new neurologist is great and I'm really happy with him.I know that taking Gilenya for me is vital.The only reason to stop would be when the next best thing comes along.I'm female by the way.
I'm happy taking it though.Very few side effects,it's a tablet so no injections and it's keeping things under control.

Wow,you also do parachuting/ski diving.I'm impressed!

I gave up smoking in 2000,after 11-12 years.Best decision of my life.I'm glad you're feeling the benefit.It's hard not to really.

I hope that your MS stays dormant for a long time.

I've just seen the weather forecast.Apart from tomorrow,thundery weather expected til Friday.Maybe I can run after the storm.

I have two air fans that are pretty noisy,but I couldn't do without them.

Svalbaard

This is quite possibly one of the best internet threads I've ever had the pleasure to read. Well done on the running.

If it helps - I quit the cigs after 20 years and started running January 2014. This year I finished my 1st 1/2 marathon in 2:10 and am in training for a 1/2 Iron distance triathlon.

Keep it up. For me, running has been a revelation, and it stops the bears from catching me also :-)