Last weekend I was nonstop – a lots of yoga, a pretty tough hike, a 10K on Memorial Day, tons of walking. I felt REALLY GOOD.
I think I’m paying for it now though. My symptoms began flaring a bit Tuesday and I thought it was just recovery from the 10K. Now however, I’m sitting at my computer, putting off starting my day because I have some morning stiffness I haven’t had in a long while and my wrists are hurting again, ugh. Not to mention I’ve just been extra tired since Thursday – missing workouts and (trying) to go to bed early.
I know it shouldn’t, but whenever my pain feels more acute than normal, my mind goes into what I call “spiral of doom” thinking. Oh my god, the meds aren’t working… Permanent damage is happening. Right. Now. I’ll be disabled. I’ll be in a wheelchair. I’ll have to quit my job. Blah. Blah. Blah.
I’m trying to catch myself when I get into this thinking and replace it with other thoughts. Having symptoms reappear is totally normal. It doesn’t mean you’re getting worse. It doesn’t change the fact that you’re spending a lot more time feeling better than feeling bad. One bad day or week does not null and void your progress.
I just can’t help but wonder if I caused the flare by pushing myself too hard. It’s frustrating though because when I feel good, I don’t want to slow down or hold back. Anyone have advice for striking that balance?
My RAD Life 
#1 by John on June 3, 2012 - 6:46 pm
Like you, when everything is going well I want to do more and more. I always have to stop and remind myself of how far I’ve come and that I need to do something that is sustainable, oh and remain injury free. You might be overtraining, so it might be an idea to cut back or have a rest, remember the end game.
#2 by musefulness on June 3, 2012 - 11:44 pm
Thanks John. It’s great advice – simple, but so hard in practice! I just saw your blog – I ran a half marathon in December 2011 and set a goal to run a full marathon in 2013. I’m not sure my RA will let me run the whole thing, but I may still try. At any rate, following your training should be inspiring! Good luck getting fit!
#3 by John on June 4, 2012 - 10:45 am
Thanks for the follow and good luck with your training. 🙂
#4 by riceeyd on June 5, 2012 - 1:27 am
I love that you are living life to the fullest when you can. I think that is all we can do with this disease. We will drive ourselves crazy with the what if’s of what causes flares. Even if we pay the price in the long run, the few moments in the sun are certrainly worth it.
#5 by musefulness on June 5, 2012 - 3:28 am
Thank you for this! I needed to hear that. 🙂
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