Thanks, Not running was a depressing thought. Very busy at work
lately, so, looking at the bright side it was a timely break, and
helped me appreciate the time I can run, even in the cold rain. Not
to mention all the support from running friends. Many reminded me
the two with recent knee surgeries were also the result of non-
running activites. Another funny thing is the orthopedist suggested
biking as alternative, and 2 weeks ago a biking friend had to go in
for surgery for injury while trail riding.

--- In CoachMadDogBytes@yahoogroups.com, "John" <ohnoohno1@...>
wrote:
>
> 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.
> >
>