My Aching Knees

Oooh man, my knees are killing me. A few days ago, in Sonoma, I went for my daily run and my knees were on fire! It wasn't just the usual ache that happens as I warm up, but an intense dull ache in both knees. I managed 85% of the run but forced myself to remember the advice of my coach, Jack, to listen to my body. This is so difficult for me because I have been trained to work through pain. Any shooting pains or burning in gymnastics meant that I was pushing myself beyond my previous limits- a victory! Training for a marathon, I am continuing to learn, is much much different. Therefore, as the knee pain continued I forced myself to walk briskly for the rest of my run and resolved to take advantage of the injury clinic provided by TNT.

I was put through a series of tests, prodded and probed a bit at the clinic. My physical therapy doc said it was really obvious that I had been a gymnast- something to do with the over-flexibility of my joints. As he did one test he shook his head from side to side and said, "What you gymnasts put your bodies through! I bet you have trouble telling yourself when to stop don't you?" It's as though he was inside my head.

Basically he thinks that I need to build up the muscles around my knees and hips, However, he first wants me to see a specialist to rule out any major trouble before prescribing a specific treatment plan. So, until after my next appointment I am to walk my runs. Not to worry though, this will not affect my schedule as we are only in the pre-training stages until late April.

Ciao- ouch!