Welcome back to my blog—a space where I share the messy, beautiful reality of living and running with rheumatoid arthritis. If you’re new here, I’m Alison: runner, life coach, and someone who’s learning to move through chronic illness with grit and grace. This post continues my diagnosis story and marks the beginning of my return to movement.
After the phone call confirming I had rheumatoid arthritis, I was told to come in to sort out treatment and next steps. My doctor said I was lucky—there were so many amazing drugs for RA now.
I hated that.
I didn’t feel lucky. I resented becoming “one of those people” who have regular doctor’s appointments and take medication. I was angry. I felt cheated. My body was failing me, and I couldn’t stop it.
All I could do was search online for someone-anyone-who had RA and was still running. They didn’t need to be a superstar. Just someone who hadn’t given up. Someone who was still striving.
I had to see a different GP this time-the one I’d seen before was away, and my appointment was urgent. This new doctor was incredible. I could tell she was horrified by my bloodwork and condition. Apparently, my RA factor was sky-high. There was no doubt: I had RA.
It was bad. But in hindsight, it was a blessing. Many people wait years for a diagnosis, and that delay stalls treatment. If you know what you’re dealing with, you can face it head-on.
She checked the latest protocols and started me on Methotrexate immediately—a move that would later impress my rheumatologist. I didn’t realize at the time how proactive and advanced that was for a GP. She also ordered a chest X-ray to establish a baseline, since RA and its treatments can affect the lungs. And she increased my Prednisolone to really bring the inflammation down.
That scared me a little. But I had to admit—Prednisolone was already making me feel amazing compared to the hell of the previous few months.
I asked her about running.
She sighed and said, somewhat reluctantly, “Okay… running. Yes, you can run if you feel like you can.”
I left feeling a little better. A little more hopeful.
Even in those early days, when everything felt like it was falling apart, I never truly believed I wouldn’t run again. I knew I would. I just needed to hear it from someone else.
A few days later—high as a kite on 60mg of Prednisone—I gave it a go.
Incredibly, the inflammation in my feet had come down. My Hokas fit again!
I was nervous. Afraid of breaking something. So I kept it gentle: just over 2km at a 7-minute pace. But I did it. And I knew there was more coming.
A couple more easy jogs, and a week later I ran parkrun in just under 29 minutes.
I knew I had to take it slowly and carefully. But I was back in the game.
I was getting my life back.
If you’re reading this and wondering whether it’s possible to run again after an RA diagnosis—yes, it is. It won’t look the same, and it won’t be easy. But it’s possible. I’m here to share what I’ve learned, what I’m still learning, and to support others who are navigating this path.
In future posts, I’ll talk more about training with RA, managing flares, and how life coaching helped me rebuild not just my body, but my confidence. If you’re curious, struggling, or just need someone who gets it—I’m here.
You’re not broken. You’re adapting. And you’re not alone.
Alison x
