It's been over a month since my knee started screaming at me when I ran longer than 1.5 miles. Anyone who knows me, knows that 1.5 miles is simply warm-up, so to not be able to run pain-free longer than my warm-up has been torture. Some nights I've pushed through, and other nights I've sucked back my frustration and blinked away tears and walked back home.
I recognize that it's probably at least partially due to the imbalance of muscle strength as I primarily focus on running. So I've been working in yoga workouts, strength training workouts, incorporated a foam roller for deep massage, and recently started pool workouts. The pool workouts have been the hardest because I'm not a strong swimmer at all. It makes me face myself in an environment where I have no training beyond summertime swim lessons at the Girls Club when I was 9... Yes that means almost 30 years without doing more than a lap or two. Want to talk about being out of your element!
But as a good friend has recently told me, "It's time you became a fish instead of a bunny." Apparently that will need to be the case.
I made a call this morning and was able to get a same day appointment with an Orthopedic Surgeon regarding my knee pain. A quick physical examination and three x-rays later, there's no obvious cause to be found. The Dr. is left only able to offer a generic diagnosis of "overuse injury".
Dr. says, "Cross-train, Cross-train, Cross-train. If you can run a mile without pain, then run a mile, do the rest of your workout in the pool or on a bike, but don't run through the pain." I start a mental mantra, "I love the pool, I love the pool..." Then he says, "And give it at least THREE months." I change my mantra, "I will not cry, I will not cry, I will not cry..." And then after scheduling a follow-up appointment for 6 weeks from now, I go outside and promptly begin to bawl in my car like someone shot my dog.
It's only three months. But it's that realization of how important a role running has taken in my life. It's my stress release. The races have become a social outlet. It's been the solution to my weightloss goals. But I also recognize that cross-training can help someone like me maintain all my hard work, fitness and hopefully, deal better with the frustration of being sidelined from running.
So tonight, I hit the pool. I'm bringing a friend who is currently training for a triathlon so she'll inspire me to swim hard. Hopefully, just the physical exhaustion will help me pick up the pieces of my emotional meltdown today. I'm sure that it will. And three, four, or however many months from now, I'll look back and think what a great thing this silly little injury was as I am qualifying for Boston. (That's right. I may be down, but don't count me out. I refuse to give up my dreams!!)
I'm so sorry about the knee problems. Doesn't it compound the frustration to hear that there's no real reason for it? Of course, overuse IS a reason but I'm sure that isn't what you expected.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for not giving up on the dream of the Boston Marathon. I imagine the cross training will enhance your preparation for it rather than take away from it. And believe me - you're about to find out how much of a whole body workout swimming can be - it's awesome, actually!