Thursday 23 April 2009

29 to 1.609344

My last run was over three weeks ago. It was very cold, very rainy and very windy. My S.I. joint locked up which in turn caused my knee to lock.

Well that run was 29K, yesterday I was able to walk 1.609344K on the treadmill and it took me over 20 minutes. The good news is I only hurt until I stopped.

Back in my Flight Attendant days, I would not think twice about wearing a pair of heels like those in the photo, but right now I cringe just thinking about having to put something other than my flats or running shoes on. Physio started this week and between acupuncture and ultrasound, doing my exercises and seeing the doctor in mid May, the marathon has been definitely ruled out and if things don't improve greatly, it is now looking as though I may have to forgo the Rideau Lakes Bike tour as well.

I had well ensconced myself in a full blown pity party, eating Girl Guide cookies and washing them down with red wine all the while thinking that if I pull my arms over my head that counts as stretching, oh and the obligatory touching of toes, that would be enough.

Luckily that party was short lived and I'm getting on with being me (without running).

Sunday was a gorgeous day outside and I couldn't stand being cooped up one more moment. Since I am leery about walking outside on my own and not being able to get back to the house, I figured a spin on Ruby was in order. I had just got her back from servicing on Saturday and really wanted to get out and ride. Off we went and it was sweet! I headed out of the Bay and up the road towards Crown Point. It was freedom! The birds were singing, the sun was shining and I even heard some bullfrogs in the swamps on either side of the road, wow! As I cycled along I thought, this is a piece of cake, I can go for miles. Then reality hit, no matter how far I ride I have to get back home.


I hate when I'm sensible, but I did turn around and headed back the way I came. All in all I cycled over 15K.

It wasn't until I got off the bike I realised just how sore and swollen my knee was. Damn! Even with the topical painkiller Pennsaid my knee is very uncomfortable.

Yesterday I hit the gym and walked on the treadmill for 1 mile, rode the stationary bike for 1 mile and then worked with weights. Today, I'll try some of the other resistance gym equipment and try the rowing machine. Until I can stabilise the knee this is all I can do. It's better than nothing!!

Life's fun if you don't weaken,

Lily

20 comments:

Travels with my Mule said...

Lily,
Dont rule out the healing power of red wine especially if they are taken with Girl Guide Cookies. I swear by them.
I do feel for you....
Cycling on flat roads in lowest gear, with no pressure on knee is possibly the only exercise you should consider until it gets better.

Anonymous said...

Lily,

This has been such a bummer. It sounds like you are keeping your spirits up. I could visualize you out there on Ruby enjoying your ride. Feel better soon.

Jo Lynn said...

You're sensible, even down to your shoes. ;)
I'm the same way. Even trying on high heels "for the heck of it" with my daughter, while shopping kills my feet.
Keep your chin up. ;)

Carolina John said...

nice brick yesterday! treadmill, bike, weights, that sounds like a great workout.

Anonymous said...

what every one else says...
especially the red wine cookie thing...

Take it easy... you want those bones to last to a good old age - painfree I might add.
SI joint pain takes a long time to completely heal, and even now - I occaisionally get the SI twinge and know to get back to core and strength stuff the phsyio gave me to do.
Patience is a virtue they say...

hang in..
HUGS
Ter

maybe I'll bring my scrapbooking stuff over for an afternoon and we can make birthday cards or something....
ducking....
and running....

Vickie said...

Oh, I know how you feel! And of course coming into the best part of the year too! Hang in there. It will seem an eternity, but the time will pass and you will heal.

Marlene said...

It's okay to have a pita party now and then, but glad to hear you snapped out of it. Good job getting some exercise. Hang in there, Laurel. We are ALL rooting for you!

Unknown said...

I wouldn't wear anything other than flats and running shoes anyway. I never understood why women like high heels in the first place. It certainly isn't for the benefit of men I hope. Our gaze doesn't usually make it down that far anyway. ;-)

Just keep the faith and soon you will be out there running again.

Kim said...

Good Job Sweet Pea-Keep on at it...that knee is going to have to heal sometime!

Unknown said...

How come everyone is eating Girl Guide cookies except ME!!! I'm thinking I should cop a resentment ... You think that someone would figure out that a fat-boy like me is good for four or five boxes but NOoooo!

C said...

Keep staying positive, L! You'll heal up soon and get back out there in no time. :)

Sarah said...

Awesome post! You have the most amazing and uplifting attitude. I needed to hear that today.

One day at a time. Great job being smart and taking it that way! :)

Mel-2nd Chances said...

You're the best Lily. Hang in there, enjoy the wine... and keep us posted. :)

Jes said...

I can't tell you how much I want cookies and red wine now!! Guess I'll have to wait...it's only 6 a.m. over here.

Sounds like you're getting in good workouts. Hopefully we'll be reading about your triumphant comeback in no time!!

Runner Leana said...

Ah yes, that is the truth about biking. You have to leave enough in the tank to make it home. Hopefully your knee cooperates on future rides! I'm keeping my fingers crossed for speedy healing for you Laurel.

Jess said...

Sorry to hear that the knee is causing you so much pain! Hopefully, all the PT stuff will help!

TNTcoach Ken said...

I remember when I could walk in heels like that also, oh the good old days!

Judi said...

hey, you got to ride! outside too! so just enjoy those moments and like i said before SWIM! WEIGHTS! you can be fit and happy w/o running. really.

bluecolnago said...

girl scout cookies (thin mints) and buffalo trace bourbon here. mmmmmmmmm..... good stuff!

keep smiling! :)

Wes said...

Eating cookies and washing them down with red wine is a pity party? Holy crap I've been feeling sorry for myself twenty-three years ;-)

You are going to beat this!!