Hello, fellow runners. 10 weeks post eot and sad to report still unable to run. I had some joint and muscle cramping issues during treatment. Most of it has resolved excepting the right calf/achilles/knee, which is where the biggest problem was on tx. I've been following the reports filtering in from others haviing similar troubles. I am still hesitant to assign all blame to the meds given the variables at play (age, lengthy time off from significant exercise). But I do have to wonder since I was ultra careful about stepping up my activity level and more than willing to take whatever amount of time needed to get back up to speed, so to speak. If this were comparable to problems I've had in the past it would be more understandable, but it's new to me and I'm still trying to get a handle on the cause/effect of it all. 

Time will tell. Running is a personal passion and it's not the first time I've had to do a lengthy re-start, so giving up isn't even an option. I do hope other exercise fiends will add to this thread with their personal experiences. Information is power.

wayne

Hi Marky. I agree that it feels good to run. I have temporarily solved the fast/slow problem by not timing my runs.

I couldn't tell you if it is the tx, progression of disease, or just aging that has slowed me down. I have also diversified my workouts with the idea of doing a triathlon, so I'm not putting in 30-35 miles a week in running shoes.

Slow or not, there is no question that I feel better than I did a year ago. The improvement has been subtle, but noticeable. My wife as a keen observer, agrees that I seem to be better off than I've been in several years.

Whatever you can do, walking, kayaking, fishing, playing golf-it's being active that is important in the long run.

Fortunately Huey, my sister is getting a kayak so I'm not tempted to add it to my collection of running shoes, bikes, diving gear, ski equipment, tennis racquets, etc., that clutter my garage and basement.

Hope you and  Groupergetter are back in the water soon with your respective outdoor fun!

I have not had it on the water all summer ,, too tired.  My favourite exercise.

Hey Gator Man -- I am a runner.  Regardless how fast/slow you run, it feels good just to run.  I am in my fifties and am two years post treatment and virus free.  I have run many marathons.  During treatment, I could not wait to run again.  I tried many times to run during treatment but lasted maybe 200 meters before sucking for oxygen.  So I walked 800 meters then ran 200 meters for distances between 5 and 10 km.  It felt good just to get out...but nothing took the place of a long 2hr run.

As I mentioned, it's been over 2yrs since I completed treatment and I still struggle to regain my 'running mojo'.  I'm grateful I can run but have slowed considerably.  My ability to manufacture enough oxygen to really step on the gas has been diminished.  When trying to increase my pace, I often get a stich under my right rib that was not present prior to treatment.

I think treatment accelerates our chronological aging process.  It's part of the price we pay to rid ourselves of the virus to live longer and healthier.

It's frustrating but like you I'm glad I'm virus free.

Way to go G-man, I'd probably make about about 300 yards.  The Walkathon is more my speed

Great job on staying after it!!! Maybe next year you will bring that time down as your body has been through a LOT this year.

I ran the Peachtree Road Race 10K on July 4th, as I do almost every year. It occurred to me that I have never run this or any other race virus free, at least not since high school. The irony is that I was considerably faster 2 years ago, prior to tx and with undiagnosed cirrhosis.

I'll take being slow and rid of Hepatitis C any day over more competitive running results!