Sunday morning I went for a run. That sounds like such a simple and non-threatening thing, doesn't it? And yet, on that run my right knee started to hurt and hurt pretty badly. I wasn't sure if I should try to push through the pain (hate to think of myself as a wimp) or stop. Being stubborn I chose to try to push through. By the time I hit 3 miles I was limping.
The walk to my car was an angry one. I was (still kind of am, honestly) pissed off at my body for betraying me. There was this part of me that thought once I stopped running I'd feel fine. When that didn't happen, I got grumpy. When the pain got worse, I got nervous. Other than a strained groin muscle I haven't had an injury that's kept me from running. The idea of having something go wrong that requires real time off and actual work to heal--- well, that freaks me out.
Sunday morning I went for a run and I'm not yet sure when I'll be capable of running again. In my stubborn mind I'll be running again by Friday. The reality? Likely not. Having talked with other runners and those who have dealt with knee injuries (thanks for all the insight, Lori!) I suspect its something called Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS). See here if you want further information. Grrrr.
And so I'll rest and stretch and massage and work on strengthening my muscles. In the meantime, I'm not sure what I'll do...other than jones to get back out and run.
Hang in there..I sprained my foot (kicked a baby gate) and was out for six weeks, came back just in time for the Turkey Trot last November. Then I got sidelined for another six weeks with plantar fasciitis, but I'm back on track. What I've learned is rest and recover or you'll be sitting a LOT longer than just a few days. Your body will get back into the groove of running, so maybe you'll run a bit slower for a week or two but you'll pick up where you left off. :D
ReplyDeleteThat sounds awful, Michelle! Take it easy, and let the body rest. Feel better soon!
ReplyDeleteThank. Unfortunately, I'm very bad at rest. I like movement very much. I may not be able to run, but I'll find something active to do or I'll go crazy.
ReplyDeleteNicole, Kurt did just the opposite with his plantar fascititis..he got new shoes, ran through it and got better. Regardless, glad you're back out running again. When will you run your first 5k?
Oh no! ITBS is no fun. I had my IT Band freak out on me while in Basic Training. I learned some pretty neat stretches - although i couldn't possibly explain them on here. Anyway - it eventually just became a non-issue. There one day, gone the next.
ReplyDeleteThere are also these kind of knee braces you might want to try if your knee feels a bit mushy. They don't cover the knee, rather, they are just a thin band that you place below your knee and they offer support by holding your knee up. I found them to be very helpful during walking/running/marching.
I hope it gets better soon. Call me if you need help with stretches!
Thanks Steph!! I'm sooooo bummed I can't really express it. Another friend has kindly supplied me with links to stretches, but I may call you just to talk about it.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry, Michelle! Being sidelined sucks, but you will get better. Check with your doctor and see what you can do in the meanwhile; active recovery can help you not go stir-crazy while you wait for the knee to heal. I'm currently jonesin' to get back out there myself, and have about another three weeks to go before I get the "all-clear" from the doc over my Achilles injury; you have my sympathy!
ReplyDeleteThank Maggie! I'm thinking about trying to swim in the meantime. I have GOT to find something!! I've got my fingers crossed for you and your "all -clear!" Let me know when you're back out running and how it feels. I'm curious to know what it's like after your enforced break.
ReplyDeleteI will definitely let you know how it goes. I have big goals, and I'm not gonna let an injury stand in my way! This is a temporary setback, for both of us. Swimming is a great alternative; maybe there's a triathlon in your future?
ReplyDeleteOh my Maggie! A triathlon? At this stage of the game I can't even imagine it. Right now I'd be happy to run another 5K. If my knee/hip cooperate I have a notion to run a half marathon. If I could do that, I would be well and truly amazed with myself :)
ReplyDeleteI believe in dreaming big. There was a time when walking a mile was difficult. Then I ran a 5K ... did a 10K bike/run/obstacle race ... did more 5Ks. Now I have a half-marathon in the plan (February 2012 - the Disney Princess Half Marathon in Orlando; wanna join me?) barring any injuries that seriously halt my training. I am amazed to have done what I've done so far; nothing is impossible. (Of course, if I'm really gonna try a Tri, I'd better learn to swim!)
ReplyDeleteOooohhh! If we run a Princess Half Marathon, will we wear tiaras? ha! That would be entertaining. Since you're talking about 2012, I just may show up and run that one with you. How absolutely cool would that be? I know I'd get a kick out of it.
ReplyDeleteI've been looking at obstacle course races and I'm really liking the looks of them. As soon as my knee/leg/hip WHATEVER thing can handle it, I'm going to sign up for something like that.
I would love to meet you at the Princess Half! And I'm totally wearing a tiara.
ReplyDeleteNo, I am no kidding.
If you search my blog for "muddy buddy," you can be enthralled by my first-person account of that race last summer. It was the event that started it all! I've been hooked ever since; I think you'd enjoy something like it! Also, see if Warrior Dash is coming to your area. Finishers get medals; I like race bling! ;)
This is getting more and more tempting. I sort of love the idea of running in tiaras. which is funny, because I'm so not a tiara kind of girl. But maybe that's why I adore the thought so much. Hmmm. If I can really get my running groove back, I just may have to commit to this!
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