Good luck to you in your recovery. I know it can be slow and some
what pain full at times. The option of not running is just a none
option to a runner.


John




--- In CoachMadDogBytes@yahoogroups.com, "Kent" <ksizer@...> wrote:
>
>
> This is a very late note explaining my lack of entries, until today, in
> the database since our last e-mail exchange in February. I decided to
> post a message with details as there might be some lessons learned
> others may be interested in.
>
> A few days after telling you my goal of 2:55 for the April 5 Yakima
> Canyon marathon, and a day after completing a 37:12 10K (Feb 23), I
> injured my knee doing yardwork. More specifically, I was kneeling and
> reached to the left to get a rake causing a severe sharp pain in left
> knee. My first thought was "this is the end of my running!" My
> son was nearby, and helped me to the front steps where I was able to sit
> and begin to move it. Two running partners recently had knee surgery, so
> Monday morning I made first appointment available with orthopedic
> specialist, which was Wednesday. I started taking 1 Ibuprofen 2 times a
> dya, so by Wednesday the pain and stiffness had improved significantly.
> Nothing showed up on X-rays, except what he suggested were older looking
> knees than my age and that I should give up running. A few more days
> passed and I was almost back to normal, but then the pain returned with
> a vengeance Monday morning. Luckily my running partner physical
> therapist had an opening that afternoon. The therapy session helped, but
> his advice was even more valuable. He zeroed in on the 1 Ibuprofen, and
> said it was a child's dose, and I could take up to 3 tablets 3 or 4
> times the first day and then back off as needed. The 2nd part of the
> lesson was that I had run out of Advil on Saturday and took aspirin
> instead. The pain didn't return Saturday or Sunday, so I didn't
> make the connection. He explained how Ibuprofen builds in the body, so
> it continues to reduce inflammation for a day or two, and it is this
> reduced inflammation that allows the healing to take place. He also
> commented the suggestion to give up running was irresponsible, given my
> enjoyment of running. He believes lack of use can be more detrimental
> than overuse, within limits. He also practices what he says, with about
> 12 marathons last year. So, after increasing ibuprofen to a minimum, but
> effective 2 tablets twice a day, and another visit with him Friday, he
> suggested I run an easy 2 miles Saturday. I was more cautious and walked
> 2 miles, waited a few days, then ran 2 the next Wednesday, then 4 on
> Friday and 8 with a group on Saturday March 15. The following week was
> back to "normal" with 47 miles, including winning my age group
> in the Fort Steilacoom series 20 mile race. However, due to over 2 weeks
> off and less than 2 back, it took more time than usual for me to recover
> from the 20 miler, and still have some knee discomfort, so I have
> decided not to run the Yakima marathon.
>