Knee Test Part Two

I decided it was time again to test my knee and I went on a run.  I woke up early so I could get a run in before I went to work.  The sun hadn’t risen, which was a little exhilarating.  Unfortunately my knee wasn’t the best and I realized that something really was wrong.

I can’t even last 3 miles without being in pain!  At least I was at a 7:52 min/mile pace.

This is where I got worried.  I really need to figure out what to do because no matter what, I will run that marathon.

So, we will see what happens, and there’s still something to learn.  I can do this.

Runaway Girl

Recoup

Today was the day I run another long run.  My goal was at least 16 miles, and honestly I craved more (even 20 miles).  I went to the store beforehand to buy a knee brace just in case.

I ran my 6 mile route first, and then I would add on my 10 mile route, with a little extra depending on how I felt.  

Well I didn't feel too good.  My knee was fine for the first six miles, and even a little bit after that.  But I knew I was going to have to re-route my run.  I walked for small stretch and then ran until I knew it was way too bad.  I logged 13 miles and had to put my pride aside.  I walked the rest of the way home (around 2 isn miles I think).  

I don't like to end a run early, but I do like to learn lessons.  Today I learned a lot.  First off, maybe this was a way to humble myself.  I also learned more about the word 'heal'.  In this case, I need to take it easy and not run too much.  I also don't have to just sit around.  I need to go to the gym and work on strength training.  That's the cool things about healing.....you don't have to stop, you just have to change.

And by focusing on healing, I'll be even stronger when my marathon comes around.  I'd rather not run now, then not be able to run the marathon at all.

So today wasn't ideal.  But I refuse to be mad about it.  There's something good in every situation.  I found the good and I'll keep moving forward.

I'm running to stay positive and for strength.

Runaway Girl

Knee Test

Today I decided to go for a short run to see if my knee could handle it.  I hadn't run since Saturday because I was worried.  I did play tennis yesterday and I was fine.  

Three miles.

I was going a pretty good pace and nothing was in pain.  At one point I was scared and could feel my knee slightly, but I tried not to think about it.

In the end, I survived.  And so did my knee.

I don't know if I could handle a long run just yet.  I want to ease into it.  I also should probably get something for my knee when I do decided to run a longer distance.

Anyway.....today's run was needed.  

I ended up running 3 miles with a 7:41min/mile pace.

That to me is a success.  Now I just have to make sure I continue to keep up my fitness level and be careful on my knee.  

It's going to be a good year for running.

Runaway Girl

Uh Oh.....

So on Saturday I wanted to make sure I went for a long run before the break was over.

My original plan was to run at least two laps around Sugarhouse park.  I only ran one lap and then headed towards home.  It might sound like I gave up, but in the end, it was the right idea.

My knee was killing me.  And the more I ran, the more my knee hurt.  It started in the front and eventually my whole knee was in pain.  And not the usual pain I would feel on a run, but I swear my knee was going to blow out.

Being the stubborn person that I often am, I decided to keep running.  I really wanted to get my miles in, and maybe the pain would go away.

It didn't.

I stretched a little at one of the stoplights and when the light changed I started running and felt fine.  Not too long after that though, the pain came back.  

I had maybe two more miles to go and really didn't want to walk.  I had to though.  I put my pride aside and walked.  Honestly, it wasn't easy on me mentally, but I really didn't want to injure myself.  All I could think about was my marathon.  GAH!

I had to run.  

I ran the rest of the way home.  I was in pain the rest of the way home.  I told myself I need to enjoy the run.  I told myself to eff it. I made it home.

Anyway, I'm pretty sure it's my IT band.  I knew I'd have to take it easy for awhile.  I went walking on Sunday and I could still feel the pain.  Dang it.

So basically I have to be careful.  I can't be stubborn.  I have to be smart.

Let's hope I don't get too far behind in my training.

I'll have to look at this as a way to humble me.  For something.

Runaway Girl

Hello 2015

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  

This is the year I run a marathon. Weird.

Yesterday (January 1st), I woke up and knew that I was going to go for a run.  It's the best way for me to welcome a new year.  I decided to run up Virginia street (yay huge hill!), run along eleventh ave, go around the horseshoe, and then end up at Memory Grove.  

I walked the snowy path up to my favorite spot and I was SO happy.  As usual. I love this place and it always brings peace to my life.  I was freezing at this point, but it was so worth it.

I walked back down and then ran back home the rest of the way.

When I got home I noticed on my Strava App that I had 6.9 miles, so I ran up and down my street until I got 7 miles.  I had to.  Haha.

It wasn't my fastest run, but it was definitely a really good run.  Even with the ice and snow, I had fun.  It gives an element of challenge to my run.  And luckily I wore the right attire that I didn't freeze while I was running.

2015 is going to be a good year. I've had my challenges, and I'm ready for new challenges.  

Life is so good.  

Run It.

Runaway Girl