9.21.2010

Run: My weekly attempt to run again


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.

13 comments:

  1. I agree, a definitely A for effort - I say even an A+ is well deserved. ::hugs::

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  2. GO barefoot baby!

    http://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&u=http://www.canibaisereis.com/2010/09/15/christopher-mcdougall-nascidos-para-correr/

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  3. crappy - hope you can build up your strength to let your desire rule you rather than your body!

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  4. Great 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.

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  5. Good 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.

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  6. I'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!

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  7. Ugh, sorry your knees are still giving you problems! But great job on the cross training, sounds like it's working!

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  8. ITB 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..

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  9. Have you changed your shoes? That is the only way I could get over ITB. A complete change of shoe, brand and shoe type.

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  10. I agree 'A' for effort - I know how difficult it is but be patient and concentrate on the cross training - you WILL get through this

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  11. Great job getting out there, glad your lungs felt good!

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  12. Great, I was entertained by the post. I learn more things on it. Thanks!!!

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  13. It'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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