Frustrated Runner...Beware.

I believe it was September 22nd...I went for my first run with the group on base vs with just Sam. I was nervous I would not be able to keep up with everyone and I really wanted to make sure I did. I was really tired and really struggling. My knee was sore but I kept going.

Why?

• Didn't want to miss out.
• Didn't want to let Sam down - she doesn't let you stop.
• Needed the mileage or training in order to be ready for up coming 1/2 marathon.

And I'm sure I had a few other reasons. I was aiming for 6 miles vs the 9 the other ladies were doing. Sam & I have been a bit behind on the training. I'm going to remedy that for the next one (and yes, there will be a next one).

Anyway, the knee really got to bothering me and I knew I was slowing Sam down, plus she needed a bathroom break, so I told her to go ahead. I forced myself to run until my RunKeeper said 5 miles. I was not stopping. At 5, I really didn't have much of a choice. My knee really hurt.

Once back to the starting point, in front of the gym, Sam & I were stretching and chatting and all the sudden my knee popped really loud. Sam even heard it. After that it felt so much better. Sadly, later that evening it did not feel well at all!

Every since then I've been taking extra care with this knee. I do not want to not be able to run the 1/2 marathon on the 28th! I also do not want to have to walk it...because I refuse to give up on this. I will go & I will finish...but I would really like to run the whole thing and reach my goal.

The following week, September 30, was the Ely run and I really wanted to do it. I expected it to be a beautiful run. I didn't know if I was ready for 10 miles, but I was going to give it my best. I was very excited about it and looking forward to it, crazy as it sounds. Once we got going I realized real fast I would not be running...I didn't even make it a mile. I was so frustrated!!! I walked around a while and even that was sore.

Back to the Ice and Motrin...

The runs that Sam and I have been able to get in since have been hit and miss, schedules, injuries, you name it. The last run Sam and I did together was 3 miles and yes my knee was hurting but not to the point that I couldn't push through and make the 3 miles. Anything after that would have been an issue.

After running - ice/Motrin...again and again.

Sunday - the Newmarket 11 mile run...not sure I can do 11 but going in for whatever I could manage. First mile in, I knew it was going to hurt. Some where around mile 2 I told Sam and them to keep going and I would go as far as I could and not to worry I knew my way home. However, I was determined not to quit! I wanted to do it so bad. Physically, I felt fine - great even - but that stupid knee. Some where along mile 3 my inhaler (that is held for comfort and very rarely used) felt out of my pocket and I had to back track for about a quarter of a mile until I found it. I suppose I should get a spare for such occasions.

I made it to mile 4 and I knew it was going to be a long way home - by this time I was pissed off! This knee was giving me serious grief, I couldn't run and because I couldn't run I was getting cold and it was just one thing after another. So you ever seen how a mad person power walks? Well, that was me for another 4 miles and something. My end mileage 8.36 - 1/2 of it ran and the other 1/2 pissed off power walk. Took me 2 hours - not bad, not what I want - but not bad. Just about 3 1/2 minutes over my goal pace, yet faster than a year ago. A year ago it took me 3:24:56 to do 13 miles.

Today, I didn't go to HIIT because my knee really freaking hurts. So I have iced, Motrin, used my foam roller and kept it elevated. Tomorrow I will do the same, but I will make it to training. I'll just have to request we take it easy on the knee. Then I will come home and ice it some more. I figure if I be really nice and gentle to the knee maybe, just maybe it will amaze me on Oct. 28th and give me a smashing new personal record.

I've tried to remain positive, as it is my first knee injury - but I won't lie this injury is frustrating me to no end! I really don't have the time for it. I need it to get better FAST before my determination makes it worse! :)

I've a feeling my foam roller & I are going to be inseparable for a few weeks. How bout you? Do injuries get in your way and does your determination make matters worse? How do you handle it? I always say 'Dig deep' and let me tell you I didn't have to do that Sunday, I was far to angry and that fueled me all the way home. So here's today's piece of wisdom...if you are struggling to dig deep...then just get mad, I bet you will plow through it then! :)

Well...it's off to bed for me. So remember dig deep or get mad, but either way get it done! :)