Just when things were getting good
For a runner, the only thing more frustrating than an injury is an intermittent injury. Here today, gone tomorrow, only to come back the next. It's tricky and unpredictable and throws you off your routine.
A few weeks ago I wrote about this little knee problem I'd been having. It would only hurt sometimes and only about a mile or two into the run and then it would be fine. So I kept running. Then, about nine days ago (most runners know the exact details and time frames of their injuries- we can be anal like that) I ran my first run with no knee pain whatsoever. It was gone. I was thrilled.
This past Saturday I ran a five mile race on a hilly course and felt great the entire time. The knee didn't act up for even a second. Sunday, I did my long run of ten miles and the knee was still good. I was ecstatic. I thought it had finally become a thing of the past.
Monday was a rest day so Tuesday's run was a six miler. I was about eight minutes in when it started to hurt. About nine minutes in when I started limping. 9:32 when I had to stop. It hurt worse than it ever had before. I knew I shouldn't push it, so I walked home. Honestly, I was pissed the entire time. Truly irritated and deeply mad. I know that sounds drastic but I couldn't believe that after all the icing, massage, bracing and cross training that the pain was gone for over a week and then came back.
It's quite possibly the most frustrating thing I have to deal with right now. Not because I can't walk or won't be fine in a week. It's because feeling good about running is about the only thing keeping me sane right now. When I'm out there, cruising down the road or trail, I don't have to do anything else. I don't have to decipher code or event plan or do laundry, I just get to sort it all out and get away for a while. And now, I can't.
The intermittent injury is not only keeping me from a normal running routine, it's keeping me from a normal life routine. I don't know how much longer I can deal with it.
Oh yeah, and it snowed last night. Yes, snowed.
7 comments:
That's no good!! Running is the best escape from everything. Did you see a doc? Prolly nothing they can figureout anyway.
IT SNOWED?!?! Is that usual for MAY???
snowed!? wowza.
injury aside, you make running sound (almost) appealing. and that is saying A LOT from someone like me. :)
heal quick!
Snowed? Freaking El Nino(Who I blame all weather weirdness on).
As for knees - I know first hand how lousy they can be - I had to have surgery to fix mine after a rugby injury had me down and out. I hope everything's ok!
I had a knee injury like that after being hit by a car. The specialist had me bike for about 30 - 45 minutes a day in the easiest gear. Something about blood flow to the knee and low impact healing.
If you can, see a specialist. You don't want to make it worse. The snow might not ever stop.
Sorry about the injury. Hope you didn't catch it by visiting my site the other day ;-) How are your shoes? sometimes old shoes can cause knees to go wonky. Or maybe you need snowshoes!
I have the wonky knees = bad shoes issue too. Mine is due to having flat feet. I can't even wear flip flops if I'm going to do any real walking. :)
Yes, everyone. Snow. Not typical for May but I suppose some would argue it is typical for Colorado. Bah!
RGF-Doc says "ice, stay off, blah blah blah..." :-)
Sizz- Oddly enough, running is often my escape. That's the most appealing part.
Bre- Rugby? Dang, I'm scared of you! ;)
CoolCat- yep, I'm going with the low impact this week. Fingers crossed.
l2r- I'm pretty sure the shoes are good. However, I love the word "wonky" and plan to use it as much as possible from now on.
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