Sh&*, I want a new Knee

Been a while, and frustrated. Finally, I went to the Doctor, who said the knee pain was tendonitis and suggested time off. Bummer. He explained it is not uncommon for the strain of the MCL to evolve into Tendonitis. So here I am, out of commission. Pouting! This is where I could use a Dana push right now... She always found something to do when something hurt, and somehow, it was fun? But then, that is the way it is when you have two fat people with the same goal! I can only hope that I can get out as we get warm weather. Been doing a whole bunch of walking. That at least keeps me going. Spending more time in the weight room, I can feel it in the upper body.

I am sure happy to see many of the ultra-list folks doing well in training. Envious but happy. Many are looking forward to spring and dirt and grass. Anyway, that is the update. I will listen to the document, take more time off with ice and heat rotation, and hopefully get some minor runs next week. Some solid runners are getting set for great April runs. I was planning some, but I am still determining. I am looking with high hopes to kick off the season at Superior 50K in May... Until then, rest, Ice, Heat, and prayer...

Carry on!

18 days was enough... I think

Yippeee… After taking 18 days on the bike and the elliptical machine, I got out today. A little tired of the bike inside. Last week, it was 160 miles on that bike. I planned to run on St. Patrick’s Day, but the weather did not cooperate. So today, it was the day. I only did 2.5 miles at an 11-minute pace. At first, I was worried that the twinge was still in the knee, but after 5 minutes, all felt smooth. I am thrilled.

The weather is looking better, and I look forward to getting outside. However, my other hobby is being a USTA Tennis Official, and with the collegiate season upon us, my weekend run options are minimal. I am planning on base training about 25-30 miles a week and increasing about 3 miles a week. This is very doable, as I do not want to feel knee pain again. I have been fortunate never to have any knee issues, and I did not like it.

My son is now back in Colorado. Sure is nice he is doing well. Is there ever a time we can just feel good about their being on their own? Or is it just not wanting to recognize we are not needed, except for tuition…

Anyway, I'm looking to get more runs outside, ride my bike to work, and sleep with the windows open. (The Ceiling Fan Is off!) It's an inside joke, but someone knows what that means…

Carry on…

On the upswing

My knee does not hurt. I have been limiting workouts to the bike and elliptical for the past 9 days. I will continue with things like my son being here this week, having my time, and loving lifting weights.  So I will stay in the gym for the week. I was a little nervous about my knee but feeling better. It still has a little twinge, but I will be OK with a little more time off. I am really looking forward to LSD runs in the parks… I just need to get outside. I am so far behind the idols in my realm... Julie Berg did 50 miles in the cold and 14 miles the next day. Adam H, slowed by a minor injury, is packing in the workouts very analytically. It is good to have people who inspire us humans to get off the duff and get on the trails.

I joined the Upper Midwest Trail Runner group. I think this will be an outstanding site for bringing so much information into one place to simplify coordinating and finding activities. I am excited and glad to see so many great running minds in charge… It will surely be a success, and I am happy to have the opportunity to support the effort.

Besides that change, I look forward to riding my bike to work this week. Weather looks positive and I am so excited. Work is only just under four miles and it takes me 13-15 minutes by bike (door to door) and 8-12 minutes by car. Easy decision if the weather if right.

Carry on…

One great thing, one sucks....

My son is coming home for Spring break! That is the great thing... What sucks? That is the only word I can describe my slip on the ice. I was on a slight slope trail and did not see the ice under the snow last Monday… My right knee was swollen and in pain. My co-worker thinks I have a sprained MCL, as she had the same. She said a few weeks rest, and she was fine.

After a week, it is not major, but it sure hurt. For the first two days, any activity was painful. Today (5 days later), I can bike lightly without any pain, to chicken to push it. I have not run for 5 days. Walking is only painful if I turn or change direction. I feel a little sensation, but it is nothing like the first week. I will take another few days and make an appointment next week if I still have that sensation when walking. With some luck, I will be set for the snow melt and run to celebrate farewell to the ice.

As I said, my son is coming home this weekend for spring break. He graduated from High School last year and attends the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado. Having him here will be nice. The past 7 months have been tough emotionally being an empty nester. See, after my divorce 8 years ago, it was just he and I occupying the "frat house" as it was a male-only house.  We have a great relationship; he would play ping-pong at 2:00 AM when he could not sleep, took many fun trips, and is a great kid, so I am told. 

Running a 100 is nothing compared to being a parent, in my opinion, as you make mistakes over in a day or two, and it is done… Being parents, we really live our lives with second thoughts. A fellow runner has the saying "pain is temporary, regret hurts forever". As a parent, I can admit I failed many "races" in raising a child and have regrets, although when I hear about his maturity on the phone and success at a tough school, it is like I finished the 100 that has always eluded me. It decreases the regret that hurts… That is my opinion.

Those whom are empty nest adults know the feeling I am sure. For those who are not there yet, it is like a 100, you can prepare all you want, but something still jumps up and bites you when you least expect it. There is so much information on being a parent and more on running a 100, but none of that is for sure. My girlfriend and I are pretty opposite in parenting (I guess if we raised kids, she would be an ex…), but she has raised two very stable girls much on her own.  But again, using my parenting skills may have destroyed her kids and vice versa… But I guess we both did well, and I have come to the realization just like a 100… there is no answer for everyone. I have no right to be critical or doubt what others do. As I have learned, you just need to dig deep and know what is best for yourself, as what works for me may destroy another runner…

Carry on….