I'm a runner, and I have been since before I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia (which has probably given me an advantage). I was able to run 3 miles when I was diagnosed 9 months ago and I'm now up to 13. I only run on my days off, make sure to rest a lot afterwards, and I don't do it right when I get up (my muscles have time to stretch out a bit so I'm not as stiff). I also eat healthy and listen to my body-some days I can go farther than others. The key is to just progress really slowly...like painfully slow. And if you have a good day, you might want to push yourself more, but don't-you'll pay for it later. After I run I take a long, hot shower, and although I rest a lot, I get up and move around every so often so I don't get too stiff. I also use a "massage bar" (looks kind of like a grooved rolling pin and helps improve blood flow to muscles, which releases tension-they're like $20-30 at sporting goods stores or Amazon). Hope this helps some!

I was always advised against anything but low-impact exercise but if you can get away with it, great. Just be extra careful regarding your knees because that type of wear and tear can cause problems down the road ( no pun intended). Problem with that is by the time you realize it, damage may have taken place, so, careful!

This is just one more area where we're all really different. Some doctors and others will tell you this or that exercise is "good for people with fibromyalgia" but you have to find what works for you.

Listen to your body. Back off to the level where it didn't put you in a flare. Stay there until it feels almost two easy. Then maybe you can try increasing again.

The most important thing is to listen to your body and trust your own instincts. If you try to compare with others you'll just be frustrated. We're all different. Do what works for you.

I'm with Peace. Tkae it as *you* can take it.

I used to run. With FM, I walk. And be aware of yoru gear. One lousy pair of jogging shoes can screw up your ankles, knees, lower back, you name it. (I once bought cheaper exercise shoes. Never again.)

Thanks for your comments, everyone. jrk, the fact that you're able to run gives me hope. I guess I will just have to take this extremely slowly. In Day 2 of this mild flare. No exercise for me today (unless maybe I take the dogs for a short walk).

I was a runner for years and continued running through my first several years with fibro. I had a really bad flare last summer and haven't run since but I want to start again. I've been advised to keep my running limited to the treadmill and to advance very slowly. A couch-to-5K might be too much. Personally I've never followed one but just looking at it now I know it would be too much, too soon.

lallorona, good luck trying the treadmill. If you think a couch to 5k would be too much, too soon for you, how do you think you'll approach it? When this flare is over, I was going to continue on with Week 2 of the c25k, which calls for jogging 1.5 minutes and walking 2 minutes four times, then jogging 1 minute and walking 1 minute 2 times - - with 5 min warm up/cool down walking. Hopefully that won't be a mistake.