Nobody’s Perfect (and Other Excuses)
My dedication to the marathon training plan has been nothing short of miraculous. Until now.
For five weeks, I missed only one day. Until this week. Where I’ve missed 2 days straight. Sigh.
(That annoying sound you hear is my sister nagging and screeching about how 2 days can set you back, and about how crap I’ve been at the nutrition side of this process, and about how if I don’t get back on track, and I mean tomorrow, she’s going to fly up here and drag me on a run by my hair.)
(Just heading her off at the pass.)
Frankly, I’m exhausted, and a bit worried about injury. I did great last week, posted my best time yet for 3 miles on Saturday, and then noticed my bum knee creaking like an antique rocker for the duration of Sunday (a merciful rest day). Then throbbing and crying out in distress on Monday, particularly when going up and down stairs. So I decided to skip the run, and ice the knee. Then I decided the same thing tonight. Sigh.
The knee has always been a PITA. I busted it approximately 5 different times growing up, 3 times skiing, 1 time playing softball on a frozen lake, and 1 time dancing on a table in college) (oh, Cuervo). It pops pretty easily, but it’s been a few good years since it’s been bad. And frankly, I’d like to keep it that way. Anyone with advice on how to continue training without totally screwing myself up, please speak up. In the meantime, I’ll be getting back to work. Because in the words of President Josiah Bartlet: Break’s over.
(Also…mea culpa over.)
I also channel President Josiah Bartlet often when I need to motivate myself — usually I use “What’s next?” Hang in there, I’ve never done anything as ambitious as training for a marathon, but I think not injuring yourself is an important priority to have.
Great job so far. I have started finally but I am far behind your progress. The whole plan goes out the window if you get shin spints, stress fractures or some other kind of injury, so you do need to moderate your goals when it is practical. I don’t see why you couldn’t try the treadmill for a week or 10 days until you feel better, or perhaps a dirt trail rather than concrete. Even the ellipitical machine. The impact on your knees will be less. As long as you’re doing exercise the same amount of time and similar distances, I don’t see why easing the impact on your knee has to be a major setback.
Also, stretching helps and consider a knee brace. You can buy those foam rubber ones at Dick’s for like $15.
Ditto what Brian said, and maybe check out yoga for runners. There are specific stretches that will help stabilize your core and stretch your running muscles.
Kayla – I want to put “what’s next?” on my tombstone.
I figure it’s half irony, half spiritual statement on the afterlife. Hahah…
Brian/Jen–good thoughts on the stretching and doing low impact cross training. Frankly, I should have done the bike or elliptical if nothing else last night, my knee was a crap excuse to just be lazy. Which is why I have to get back after it again tonight. Blergh!
I’ll definitely look into yoga for runners, good idea..
If you’re knee hurts, you were right to rest it. If you’re prone to knee injuries, you should ice it after every run regardless if it hurts or not. I’ve only had very mild knee problems, but I can usually feel the stress on my knees while I’m running if it is going to hurt later. You might want to take walk breaks at that point if it’s the same for you.
I think Brian’s right about the eliptical. As long as you’re bringing your fitness up, it should help at this point. For what it’s worth, I’ve had knee pain that lasted a couple of days twice during my marathon training and it always went away. I’ve also missed 2 days here and there so you’ll be alright. Just get back in there! It’s national running day today.
Lauren, I totally forgot about National Running Day so thanks for reminding me! I’ll be doing 4 miles tonight. Whooooo….
So, I know its a broken record kind of thing here and a conflict of interest (???) but see a good sports chiropractor, one that can do extremities like ankles and knees. I know your knee is foighted but if the foot and ankle isn’t working right, or the pelvis isn’t moving correctly biomechanically then your knees and hips will suffer. I wish I could help, I finish up in September and may actually end up with a podiatrist degree (kidding) with the amount of feet and ankles I have been adjusting lately. I may be able to find you someone out there if you are interested. Keep doing it. Maybe trying swimming a day or two a week instead of pounding the pavement, its not weightbearing (which will help the stems) and its great cardio and burning workout.
Wurrey, get your shit together, and write me a story bitch.