I was feeling rather rambunctious on Saturday and I thought I'd see if my knees could handle a little two-three mile run. I mean, two-three miles is nothing right?! I should be fine. My physical therapist said that I should only do about 20 minutes of cardio that engages my knees so I don't get too inflamed. So I'm thinking sweet, I can AT LEAST get in two miles. (Oh how my goals have changed..)
I head out the door and I'm a little stiff, but feeling good. My ankles need a a couple minutes to warm up, and then I fall into my pace. I feel a smile creeping onto my face, Oh running, how I miss thee.
And then I hit the sidewalks. The ground is really uneven and it puts some pressure on my right knee. No problem though, I'm allowed to keep running if the pain stays below a "3."
Man, I'm not even breaking a sweat! I'm still in great shape. Yippee! Maybe I'll do five miles instead. I mean if I feel okay, why not?
And after about about ten minutes, my left knee starts to tinge a little. Both knees are creeping up to that "3" threshold. It's definitely the ITB, not the tracking problem. So that's good... I guess. I'm good though. I'm good. Must. keep. going.
11 minutes in: Ouch! The shot up pain runs up the outside of my right knee all the way up to my hip. I stop and walk it out. Maybe it will go away?
So I walk for a few minutes and then try to get in the groove again. But, sadly, no can do. The pain is entering the "4" and "5" zone so I have to stop-- unless I'd like a severe lecturing from my PT.
20 minutes into my run/walk, I am clearly nowhere near five, or even three miles.
Boo knees. Boo.
The good news? My lungs felt great. True, it was only a couple miles but I think all this cross-training and gym time will pay off because I didn't feel out of shape at all. I felt a little stiff, but I think if my knees would have been able to handle it I could have easily busted out an eight mile run. Or so I tell myself.
Wulp, I get an A for effort. I think I'll try this again next week. Now it's back to the gym.
I agree, a definitely A for effort - I say even an A+ is well deserved. ::hugs::
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crappy - hope you can build up your strength to let your desire rule you rather than your body!
ReplyDeleteGreat effort, you don't know until you try. Can you try swimming for awhile? Yes I'm trying to lure you to the triathlon darkside.
ReplyDeleteGood that you stopped when the pain was too much. I didn't do that and ended up really hurting myself and just started up again a few weeks back.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad your lungs felt good but what a bummer on the knees. When I went through IT issues a complete rest from running did the trick, and the help of a CHo-Pat after that. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteUgh, sorry your knees are still giving you problems! But great job on the cross training, sounds like it's working!
ReplyDeleteITB yeah? No good...and I'm sure you'll get a ton of advice for how to address it...I only have two to offer - form roller and glutes/hip strengthening. Since I've focused on that, my ITB problems have greatly diminished...good luck..
ReplyDeleteHave you changed your shoes? That is the only way I could get over ITB. A complete change of shoe, brand and shoe type.
ReplyDeleteI agree 'A' for effort - I know how difficult it is but be patient and concentrate on the cross training - you WILL get through this
ReplyDeleteGreat job getting out there, glad your lungs felt good!
ReplyDeleteGreat, I was entertained by the post. I learn more things on it. Thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's good that you stopped. You may want to look at your shoes to make that they are not the cause of your knee pain.
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