October 2007 Archives

My 20 miler with Juls - A picture is worth a thousand words ... so here ya go:

I am so proud of my younger sister ... she's only one year younger. She ran her first 5 K (ever?) this past weekend and she finished. It was tough - she's not a runner these days, though she used to run quite a bit when she was younger.

Then life got in the way. Her horses demanded attention, then jobs, then there was the job of trying and trying to get pregnant. Back then her determination paid off, and she had her little one - now that keeps her busy. There's always a reason not to exercise.

But she joined a group that is training together and she is having FUN! And she is succeeding. Her determination now is also paying off, but in a different way. I can hear the excitement and happiness in her voice when she left us the message about finishing the race.

Way to go Carrie!! I love how you stuck with it and had such a great experience. We'll have to go for a run next time I'm up there visiting ... xoxoxoxo

My friend Juls does have good advice, and I appreciate it. I am the first one to tell others that they need to listen to their bodies when they are hurt. So why am I having such a hard time listening to someone tell me the same thing? I'm type A, I'm wed somehow to this dream/idea of running CIM - I've visualized it being my best marathon ever, and qualifying for Boston there ... I've got a lot invested in this vision of my future.

But it is just one vision, and by no means the only possible future for me. So, for now, my plans are on hold. I will see what Doctor O. says on Friday during my appointment and in the meantime, treat my knee gently and with love. I will not demand unrealistic things of my body ... I will listen to it and respect it's wishes. Hhhhmmmm ... well most of the time at least. I am going to try and run tonight (as the swelling and pain have abated since yesterday) but don't worry Juls, I won't push it. Promise. If it hurts I'll stop and switch to weights and core strength building exercises. Lots of options - many possible futures :-)

It's been confirmed - I have Plica syndrome - and it ain't pretty. When it flares up it feels like IT band syndrome (for all you runners out there) but on the inside of my knee. Anyway, stopping and stretching my hamstrings seems to ease it enough for me to continue running through it, like I did yesterday, while putting in a very slow 18 mile training run on flat terrain. The thing is, I'm not so sure it was the smartest thing to do. But what's done is done as they say.

I will be asking the good ole' doc again this week whether another steroid injection is warranted, or we just go straight to the knife. The ultimate cure is surgery ... but we all know that is not an option to be taken lightly. I have timing to consider as well ... my peak training for my marathon in December is NOW ... so if I can train through it I might just do that and postpone surgery until afterwards.

Unless my doctor thinks the constant inflammation may be making the whole situation worse, by creating scar tissue. In which case, Plan B is to undergo orthoscopic surgery as quickly as possible, recover as quickly as possible, and get back out there. Me, type A? Naw ... well, maybe a little. Okay, a lot.

And, just in case I need it, I have devised a Plan C, which is to do CIM as a training run in December and then sign up for the Napa Valley Marathon in the Spring - another one of my favorite courses. I have to admit it would be nice to run my next (and maybe my last) marathon with less pain. It's funny how we get used to "bad" situations ... and just keep plodding along as though everything were fine, just fine thank you.

As I am writing this, I'm thinking to myself ... Forget about the knee - I should have my head examined. I'm 46. My body is trying to tell me it isn't happy about what I'm doing. Maybe I should listen. In the short term (i.e. tomorrow) I think I will forego my routinely scheduled a.m. run at the park. I'll wait another day to see how the knee responds to my home remedies of ice and ibuprofen, while I try to get in to see the doc.

Well the verdict is in ... there's good news, and there's bad news. The bad news is Doctor says I have Plica Syndrome AND a torn meniscus. The good news is the meniscus tears are minute and probably do not warrant treatment (at this time). The Plica might respond well to a steroid injection. So that's what we're going to try this coming Friday. In the meantime I've still been running according to my Less is More training plan, and am coping. Ice is my new friend.