Running Coach - Update - Week 19

[divingbiker]

I've got to say, KSH, that I am so impressed and inspired by your dedication to running despite the pain you suffer. If it were me, I think--no, I KNOW--I'd give it up and focus on the biking and swimming. I mean, 19 weeks? And it still hurts and doesn't seem to be getting a whole lot better? More power to you. I hope that soon you can run like a gazelle, because you deserve it.

[KSH]

I've got to say, KSH, that I am so impressed and inspired by your dedication to running despite the pain you suffer. If it were me, I think--no, I KNOW--I'd give it up and focus on the biking and swimming. I mean, 19 weeks? And it still hurts and doesn't seem to be getting a whole lot better? More power to you. I hope that soon you can run like a gazelle, because you deserve it.

Well thanks for the compliments! Very kind of you to be so nice to me.

Honestly, in the past... I would have given up long ago... and I can't say I'm completely "sold" on the fact that I will run again... these days.

But, I also know that if I can't run... I can't do triathlons... and I'm not ready to give up on my dreams of competing in tri's... just yet.

And, the pain is a small area. I just feel like with the right tweeking... it will be fixed.

I just think my body is so use to low impact sports (cycling and competitive swimming growing up).... and it's going to take TIME for it to be OK with running. In the whole scope of life... 5 months isn't that much. I have many years of not running... to fix!

[lawyergirl]

Yes knees are tricky - I went to a doctor a couple years ago and apparently I have a condition where the cartilage in my is almost gone and so my knee cap rubs and there is not much of a cushion. His response to what I could do for it was, "Don't do things that hurt it." I know running isn't the best thing for it, but like you I know that w/o running that means no triathlons. I'm trying to start slow and do intervals of running and walking to see if the knee can handle it. Maybe I just need a better doctor!

[KSH]

Yes knees are tricky - I went to a doctor a couple years ago and apparently I have a condition where the cartilage in my is almost gone and so my knee cap rubs and there is not much of a cushion. His response to what I could do for it was, "Don't do things that hurt it." I know running isn't the best thing for it, but like you I know that w/o running that means no triathlons. I'm trying to start slow and do intervals of running and walking to see if the knee can handle it. Maybe I just need a better doctor!

OUCH!!!!

Well, you have a very specific problem with your knees. I think ice usually helps to eliviate swelling... so icing may not help in your instance.

You may want to look around and see if you can find a Dr. that specializes in knees and sports. Continuing to run may do you more harm than good.

Good luck.

[colby]

Yes knees are tricky - I went to a doctor a couple years ago and apparently I have a condition where the cartilage in my is almost gone and so my knee cap rubs and there is not much of a cushion. His response to what I could do for it was, "Don't do things that hurt it." I know running isn't the best thing for it, but like you I know that w/o running that means no triathlons. I'm trying to start slow and do intervals of running and walking to see if the knee can handle it. Maybe I just need a better doctor!

If you build up those knee-supporting muscles, especially with biking, you will really improve your ability to run. My dad has arthritis in his knees and similar "no cartilage" problems and he was never able to do much of anything until we started biking (and skiing) regularly. Now he is SO much more mobile, just by building up all the muscles that support his knee. He noticed a difference not just in his day to day work, but in activities as well. That's not to say there aren't still things that tweak his knees, but it's so much better than it was. He still doesn't like running, but he'll do some running, hiking, and walking, and with a lot less discomfort than the past.

You might also try trail running, running on a track, and running in the pool, all of which are less impact than road running (especially pool running). Save your road running for when you need it, your knees will be happier!

[lawyergirl]

If you build up those knee-supporting muscles, especially with biking, you will really improve your ability to run. My dad has arthritis in his knees and similar "no cartilage" problems and he was never able to do much of anything until we started biking (and skiing) regularly. Now he is SO much more mobile, just by building up all the muscles that support his knee. He noticed a difference not just in his day to day work, but in activities as well. That's not to say there aren't still things that tweak his knees, but it's so much better than it was. He still doesn't like running, but he'll do some running, hiking, and walking, and with a lot less discomfort than the past.

You might also try trail running, running on a track, and running in the pool, all of which are less impact than road running (especially pool running). Save your road running for when you need it, your knees will be happier!

Thanks for the advice. I know my leg muscles are not in top shape right now, so I figure I'm going to have some discomfort in my knee until I get those strengthened and in top shape. I always slack on weights, but now I am committed with the triathlon training. I'm going to give it a month and see if it feels better at all, and if not then I'm going to find a good doctor to help me with it. But I think you are right that the more I can strengthen the other muscles the less my knee will hurt.