Written by Luke Gibson
After my sudden diagnosis in September 2024 with a chronic autoimmune disease called Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR), which falls broadly under the arthritis umbrella, I was left to ponder one of two choices. I could sit on the couch and feel sorry for myself, waiting for it to go away, which may take up to three years, or in some cases longer, or I could get out there and just move.
This disease hit me age 52, around 20 years earlier than the average age of diagnosis. Five years prior I’d been diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis in both knees, especially bad in the right one. My solution at the time was to wait for the swelling to go down, and then do a half marathon every weekend for 10 weeks straight. I walked the first one in the pouring rain with my wife. I then built up by implementing short stints of running, gradually increasing the ratio until, by the end of my challenge, I was doing majority running.
I knew I could tap into this resilience 12 months ago with the new diagnosis, just as I had done in 2019 with my knee issues. The high dosage of steroids to reduce the inflammation in my upper body, hips, and problem areas associated with PMR, to a large degree, masked the pain I should have been feeling while running. I didn’t question it: I just went with it.
Waking up at insane hours, I would drive to Town Beach in Port Macquarie and simply run. At times it would have looked like a hobble, shuffle, stagger or stumble, and sometimes a jog, but the main thing was, I got the job done. It was crucial for my physical and mental health. I became more involved with the local running club, Run Port Mac (RPM), who are incredibly inclusive and cater for runners of all ages, shapes and abilities.
The PMR was most likely caused by stress, which occurred while I was studying a Diploma in Counselling. I’ve since discovered ways to minimise my stress. Doing the Health Psychology subject, an elective as part of my Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) through Charles Sturt University has contributed significantly to this.
Getting out there into the elements and exercising has been crucial for my mental health, and
without it, I believe I wouldn’t have been able to cope with my studies. I’ve witnessed amazing sunrises, been fortunate enough to have run with fantastic people, and improved my overall physical wellbeing. Despite the various degrees of pain, I endeavour to exercise daily.
In doing so, I’ve been able to complete several events over the past 12 months, including a few half marathons, and most recently, the half marathon leg of the Western Sydney Half Ironman competition, where my wife kicked things off with the 1.9km swim and 90km bike ride legs. With stunning nature and breathtaking beaches on our doorstep, it’d almost seem a crime not to get out there and exercise!
Whatever your situation, if during your studies you feel stressed, or you need a break, just walk away and clear your head. Go for a walk or a run, have a swim, or go on a bike ride. Get out into nature and do whatever it takes to feel reenergised to continue your day. These daily journeys, for me, have turned into a lifetime habit.
Charlie blog is a SSAF initiative.
