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No long-distance running for me

It's definite - I can't run the Red Mountain 50k on Memorial Day weekend. My knee is bothering me too much; I need to take it easy. It's behind the knee and my hamstring hurts too. It hurts when I sit in one position for too long; it hurts when I cross my legs; it hurts when I walk up/down hills/stairs; it hurts when I lay down and throw my leg up on the top of the couch/futon (how I usually sleep). I'm bummed.

According to this site (thanks Renee!), it's either a torn hamstring or tendonitis. Either way, it's ice, rest and anti-inflammatories...see the doc if it doesn't get better.

So with no prospect of high miles anytime soon and no real desire to see a doc (I don't think it's anything I can't rehab from - or at least I'll try self-rehab first, if that doesn't work, then I'll see a doc), I'm trying to find something to focus on.

I've found two: diet and strength training.

I want to lose 15 pounds in six months and I want to tone my body. I want to maintain about 20 miles per week of running, with some cross-training. I'm going to start a strength training program. And I'm going to try my damnedest to eat healthier. I'm still working on the specifics of the plan, but the idea is there.

Comments

yikes. that stinks. Tendonitis. I have to laugh a little at that one because every time a runner has a problem someone says it's tendonitis. Blah. Whatever it is I hope you get over it soon.

Oh no ! Rest up and get better soon.

That can happen pretty easily when you ramp up your running mileage as quickly as you did without having a big base of mileage. I did the same thing going into Across the Year and paid big-time. But, I took the time after it to hit the gym, get healthy and then when I got back to running, I increased my mileage a little bit at a time. Result: I'm running now with no pain and enjoying every minute of it. You can do it, too! Get well, then start small and build slowly.

Ugh. What a bummer. I'll send some healing vibes your way. Good luck.

I am glad you are playing it smart and not going to push the 50K right now.

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