My season is over

[HillSlugger]

I first notice left knee pain back on July 4 while doing my first mtb ride. It continued, but only bothered me when riding and when I bend my knee past 90 degrees and then straighten it out under load. I kept it to myself because I didn't want to be told that I couldn't do my first triathlon. Right after, I went to see a knee doctor. He diagnosed it as tedonitis and told me I needed to rest. I told him I would, but not until after Iron Girl. I went back to see him today.

My season is over He still thinks it's tendonitis as there's no evidence of tears, roughness, etc, but if it's going to get better I basically have to stop training. No running for now. Swimming should be OK, and riding as tolerated. Since riding is when I feel the discomfort, I probably won't be doing any of that now either. He found I have a lot of flexibility in my knees and over extend easily. He's prescribing PT to strengthen the knee. If/as the knee improves I can start back in on easy riding and I can try using an elliptical machine. If/as things continue to improve I can increase the riding and try some easy running. So, no more tri's this season. No 5k's. I probably won't be able to ride the Seagull Century (metric) in October. I'm majorly bummed. I guess I'll swim tomorrow just because it's something I can do. Since swimming is my weakest event I guess I should try to look on the bright side and see it as a chance to concentrate on improving...

I'll get a comprehensive bike fitting ASAP.

I hope I'll be able to tri next season...

Damn!

[Tuckervill]

What a disappointment! But, it must be better to get it fixed up rather than have long-term issues with your knee.

Maybe a bike fit session will clear it up.

My sympathies.

Karen

[Starfish]

O MDHillSlug!! I'm so sorry.

Even though it has been almost 20 years, I will never forget bursting into tears in the doc's office when he told me I couldn't run anymore.

At least you are much wiser than I was, and you are going to take steps to let yourself heal. I didn't, and only went to the doc when I was hobbling around, not even able to walk at all.

Being wise now will mean you will heal up and live to fight another day.

But, perhaps that is no consolation. What a bitter disappointment.

Your comment, though, about improving your swimming will probably be accurate. I'll bet next year you'll ROCK your tri's, having turned your weakness into your strength!!

I'm rooting for you!

[Zen]

I can't imagine not being able to ride

At least it's kind of late in the season, and yes you can concentrate on swimming. and core strengthening. And studying quantum physics or neurosurgery

[Velobambina]

I'm very sorry to hear about your knee problem (had the same diagnosis myself when I was training for a half-marathon back in the early 90s). The good news is that it will go away, with some rest and rehab.

Try to focus on the long term gain from the short term sacrifice. I agree w/Zen & Starfish---concentrate on your swimming and other activities. Can you row? I've found that adding rowing back into my training has done wonders with strengthening my core.

Sending you lots of good vibes for a quick recovery!!

[rocknrollgirl]

Sorry about the diagnosis, but as the reigning Queen of Tendonitis ( i kid you not), I can tell you that I usually come back stronger after the recovery period.

You will bounce back. In my case it is usually a case of overuse ( go figure ) and muscle imbalance.

Do what they say, and ICE, ICE, ICE !!!!!

[Tri Girl]

Oh no! I'm sorry your season is over. Looking on the bright side is the right attitude, but it's still a big disappointment (and it's OK to be completely bummed).
Hopefully with some time off it'll heal well. I injured my knee 3 weeks before a marathon 2 years ago (wound up walking it instead of running), and when I took about 5 months off, it healed up and now I can run again (very slowly, but run nonetheless).

Take care of yourself- and hopefully that bike fit will have everything feeling good and back to normal.

[KSH]

Awe, I'm sorry to hear that. I know you were wondering what the outcome would be from the Dr.

But, better to heal up and to come back strong next season. At least it's at the end of the year.... right?

Yea, when I first started riding I had some accute knee pain from the bike. A fit, new pedal that allow float (my foot can move while still clipped in- Speedplays) and focusing on a cadence of 90-100 fixed my knee pain.

Good luck! Keep swimming and do what the Dr. says... and you will be good to go next year!

[cosc]

It is so rotten when the body and mind don't work together. You now know you can reach your goals and will again. The winter season will soon be here and it is the best time to heal, and build on what the body allows. This could be the time for interest that were on the back burner waiting for more time to indulge.
Here hoping for you a quick recovery.

[Deborajen]

I'm sorry to hear that. I've been nursing a knee problem the last few weeks, too - and might have to scrap the half marathon I was planning to do next month. I hear ya - it's frustrating.

But like several people have already said, better to take care of a problem knee now so you aren't permanently wiped out. Cross train however you can. I'm playing golf - didn't think I'd ever do that - it's very different, and I'm having fun! The recumbent exercise bike has been good, also the elliptical and the rowing machine (when I can bend that far).

Hang in there - Sending thoughts for a strong and long-term recovery.

Deb

[HillSlugger]

Thank you all for your words of encouragement. I've gotten more understanding from you than from my partner. I recognize that I'm going through a mourning process for my lost training and lost goals.

On the positive/moving forward side:

• I swam yesterday and it felt good; no knee issues there.
• I'm scheduled for a comprehensive bike fitting on Tuesday; I'm somewhat worried that he's going to tell me "Sorry, that bike just doesn't fit you". Kinda irrational, but...
• PT starts on Wednesday.

I feel like, at this point, I can't plan anything for next season. DP sees this as being pessimistic; I see it as recognizing that I have no idea how rehab will go or how long it may take to be able to get back to real training. How can I set goals at this point? I'm still dealing with the loss of this year's goals!

[KSH]

Thank you all for your words of encouragement. I've gotten more understanding from you than from my partner. I recognize that I'm going through a mourning process for my lost training and lost goals.

On the positive/moving forward side:

• I swam yesterday and it felt good; no knee issues there.
• I'm scheduled for a comprehensive bike fitting on Tuesday; I'm somewhat worried that he's going to tell me "Sorry, that bike just doesn't fit you". Kinda irrational, but...
• PT starts on Wednesday.

I feel like, at this point, I can't plan anything for next season. DP sees this as being pessimistic; I see it as recognizing that I have no idea how rehab will go or how long it may take to be able to get back to real training. How can I set goals at this point? I'm still dealing with the loss of this year's goals!

Well, sometimes our partners don't get it like someone else might. But that's OK. If they don't train and race, they probably don't really understand... but that's why you have message boards like this one! (How did we all live sane lives before the internet?)

Hey you have a plan in place. Tell yourself that you WILL fix the problem and you WILL get better.

I know for me, last year having to sit out the whole tri season was a struggle. But I made sure to stay invovled in the community and to keep telling myself, "You WILL be able to run again". There were highs and lows and times I was so upset and depressed about not being able to run... but I kept my eye on the future and told myself I would be OK.

And here I am a year later... a full race season under my belt... and ready for a HIM!

Next season is months away. Focus on the here and now of getting healed up.

[Zen]

I'm scheduled for a comprehensive bike fitting on Tuesday; I'm somewhat worried that he's going to tell me "Sorry, that bike just doesn't fit you". Kinda irrational, but...[*]PT starts on Wednesday.

But that could be a good thing!
There's always a buyer out there and you could get a bike that does fit.

Who said rowing? That sounds good too.
I hope you get a good PT.

[HillSlugger]

But that could be a good thing!
There's always a buyer out there and you could get a bike that does fit.

Yeah, but I've got no budget now for replacement..

Who said rowing? That sounds good too.

I don't think rowing would work: I experience the most discomfort when I bend my knee beyond 90 degrees and then straighten it under load. I think this is exactly what rowing requires. Besides, I don't think I have access to a rowing machine.

I hope you get a good PT.

I'll let you know after Wednesday.

[Starfish]

Next season is months away. Focus on the here and now of getting healed up.

This is wise advice.