Saturday 1-19-08

Well, I didn't get to go to the Dr. on Thursday - I was still in Atlanta working on a problem when the appt time came.. I did get to go on Friday morning.

Result - I'm going to live. The orthapedist I saw had fairly good news, and actually took the time to listen and diagnose the problem (unlike the general physician that I went to on Monday - - won't be going back to her). He diagnosed me with runner's knee, and told me to run if I wanted. I am to (starting Monday) run 3 days a week, for 2 miles each for 2 weeks (preferably on the treadmill). If my knee is getting worse, then he's going to do an MRI to see what's botched inside. If it doesn't get any worse, or feels better, I can go up to 3 miles , 3 days a week for another 2 weeks - if no problems then I can ramp back up - just slowly. He gave me a prescription for Etolodac, which is an NSAID, and told me to ice my knee well after my runs, and be sure to stretch well after my runs. Above all, take it easy. He told me that even if injured, I should be working it a little to keep from loosing fitness in the injured area. He also jerked and prodded on my knee and concluded that my knee is in pretty good shape - stable, very little lateral movement.

Since the appointment, I've had 2 runs - one because I needed a workout, and one out of opportunity.

Catch up workouts:

1-16-08 (Thursday) - After I got back from Atlanta, I went to the pool, and swam 24 laps semi non-stop. I didn't take any rest breaks, but I took my turns slowly, and had to stop once or twice to adjust my goggles, so I got some breathers during those pauses. I've been focusing on elongating my strokes and getting more pull per stroke. After my last swim, my triceps were very sore, so I guess I was using some new muscle groups (I think that's good). This time, I did the same long strokes, and at about lap 15 I felt my upper abs start pulling, so I was using my stomach muscles more - again, this is good. Between the swimming and the sit ups, maybe my abs have an opportunity to make an appearence. I didn't do sit ups because the swim team was starting to fill the pool and the parents were filling the stands - didn't want to be in their way. Good workout, though.

1-17-08 (Friday) - After work, I needed to workout and de-stress a little bit. It was dusk before I could get out, so I grabbed my gps and headed to the dam. I ran 2.11 miles in 21:10 (avg speed of 6 mph). My knee did well, but it was cold - still a good run.

1-18-08 (Saturday) - WOW!!! I was planning on running with Steph today, and taking the distance as it came. When we got up, we had decided that since it may rain, we'd wait until later in the evening to run, or just run on Sunday -- That lasted about 10 minutes. It started to SNOW!! We NEVER get snow!!!! When I saw the snow, I told Steph I was going running NOW - enjoy the cold weather and the rare snow. She was right behind me - we both put on some layers, and head wear and headed for the dam. We ran 4 miles in 32 degree weather and blowing snow (and a little rain). IT WAS AWESOME!! The first mile was kind of cold, but then we warmed up, and just had to deal with the snow in our eyes. It was so quiet - all we could hear were the waves and the sound of snow bouncing off of her nylon running jacket. The last mile was brutal. We had turned back and the snow had given way to a little more rain, the roadway was slushy, and there was more road traffic. Steph's cap got pretty wet and with the wind, she started getting an earache. Overall, another great running experience. We did 4 miles @ 42:43 (avg 5.7 mph). Another cold run, but it will be good memories when it's 100 degrees outside.

Wednesday 1-16-08

Monday (1-14-08) I swam 24 laps. It was a pretty good swim, and I only took one break (after 10 laps) - however, I took slow turns ( and probably was able to catch my breath a little there). I also did sit ups/push ups.

Tuesday (1-15-08) no workout - church meeting

Wednesday (1-16-08) - supposed to be a rest day - but I worked last night, and slept today - so my schedule was a little more open this afternoon. I decided to go to the sportsplex and run on the Dreadmill. When I got to the gym, it was raining lightly, and it was cold (about 34 degrees - its supposed to get pretty cold tonight). In these conditions, a smart man would have gone inside and jogged on the Dreadmill, or the walking track, or lifted weights....however.

The stubborn side showed up.

I got all the way to the door of the sportsplex and I turned back to the car. I put in my headphones, cinched up my sweatshirt hood, and strapped on my new GPS (Forerunner 201 - which I have only used ONCE!! - - New Years Morning run with Steph - we rang in the new year at a party, came home, put on our shoes and went for the first run of the new year @ 1am) - and I headed off for a cold run in the rain. It was GREAT. I kept about a 10 minute pace (3.11 miles in 32:30 - there are still a lot of features on the Forerunner that I still need to figure out). My knee made itself known around 1.5 miles (Dr. appt is tomorrow), but it was pretty mild. I ran around the sportsplex parking lot and access streets - I love not having to worry about marking out distance - I can just enjoy the run. I should have had gloves - my hands got wet and cold quickly. I should have worn wicking socks, and I should have put bandaids on my nipples ( one got a little tender once my shirt was soaked). After the run, I went inside and did sit ups and push ups.

Maybe its just my arrogant side, but I enjoy knowing that I can go out and do a run like that regardless of the weather and enjoy it, then know that the people on the ellipticals/treadmills watching cnn and talking on the phone in the gym have no idea what their missing. I know they probably think someone is little off to run outside when the gym is available.

Cold, hurting, wet, and chaffed - I still enjoyed it more than any workout since October - can't wait to do it again.