Spring Running Thread

[emily_in_nc]

Nice job, RnR, especially considering the conditions. Heat and humidity make for very tough running. Kudos to you!

[Skierchickie2]

Hi guys - I'm back after several years away from this forum. I started running this spring, after ski season ended. First time in maybe 10 years that I was able to run enough to get to the point where it feels fun (not just torture), and didn't just quit running and turn to other things. I've been really happy, worked my way up to 12.5 miles on the nearby single track. Enjoying running again, feeling like I could go forever. I've missed that feeling. I was even planning to sign up for a 25k trail race, and some other local events. Was even thinking of doing a marathon in the fall, if all went well.

It didn't. I'm home on the couch, icing my knee. I'm supposed to keep it elevated, but that seems to cause excruciating pain.

Here is what happened: Sunday morning Hubby and I went for a run with our dog on our favorite single track. It was our first really hot, humid run of the year, and he was having trouble, but I felt way better than I expected. I had planned to do 6-8 miles, as my long run a week ago had ended with some hip pain, so I thought I'd cut back. Anyway, after 5 miles he and the dog went home, and I continued on. It was going pretty good. When I got to 9.5, I figured I should cut directly back to my car, on the main ski trail/2-track, but I really wanted to stay on the trail. So I did. Big mistake. At 11 miles I caught my toe on a root or a rock, and pitched forward. Missed hitting the nearby tree with my head, so that was good. But I landed HARD, especially on my left knee. it was bad. When I was able to look, it was all bloody - I figured whacked and scraped. Then I saw the small missing chunk of flesh. Lots of blood. Had to walk 1-1/2 to 2 miles back to the car. Lots of whimpering and "ohmygodohmygod" going on.

Got home (car is a stick shift, so the clutch was torture). Took a shower and tried to clean it up, but there was a lot of dirt ground in. Hubby tried, then decided I needed stitches. Went to the ER, got X-rays, etc. Doctor said one view looked like something was in there. He spent a long time cleaning and hunting, cleaning and hunting, but couldn't find anything. It was excruciating, even after he numbed it. Because of the possibility of debris inside (he said it was a puncture, that went all the way through to the pocket, plus extreme bruising) he wasn't comfortable doing sutures, because of infection. So it has to be kept immobilized so it can heal. So I'm on crutches, in a lot of pain. The pain pills don't work long enough, but do okay for a while. I really think there is more going on, maybe under the kneecap. He said nothing was broken, at least. I see the regular doctor tomorrow, so hopefully will learn more. I just know that while it feels really bruised on top, the majority of the pain is inside. Not bruise-type pain. At first I hoped it was from the thorough poking and prodding, but that should have let up by now.

I've been off work so far - really should go in tomorrow, but not sure how I'll be able to arrange & support my leg at my desk. And driving is an issue (we do have a pickup with an automatic, but space is a problem, plus the pain), although hubby can cart me around tomorrow. Fortunately he is off work then, and can take me to the doctor

Just posting to whine, I guess. I know I'm jumping to conclusions about how bad this is, but I really thought it would be a little better by now.

I just bought new road shoes the day before this happened.

Thanks for listening

[OakLeaf]

Welcome back, skierchickie! So sorry about your knee. I'm not surprised that trauma like that hurts more the second day. Hope it's "just a flesh wound." Take it easy as much as you can, hope you can find some way to deal with it and stay reasonably comfortable at work. Hang in there and heal quick.


I'm building mileage back little by little, it just bums me out how sore I am all the time on so little mileage. Most of it's the new IMPROVING biomechanics I know, on top of soreness from the exercises themselves, but it's still frustrating. Especially since I'm obviously not going to be ready for the 5-miler I've done the past few years on the Fourth of July. It is what it is though, some symptoms are still basically unchanged but some things are definitely improving. Plus I can feel my nicer butt muscles in the shower. I should be ready for some of the later season 5Ks and a half in the fall no problem.

[rocknrollgirl]

Oh No. I am so sorry. You are in the thick of it now, right after the crash. Try not to panic. Because you have a wound and impact damage, it is going to take some time to heal. But don't freak out. Go to your doctor. Find out what he/she has to say. Maybe you need a scan or further imaging. Follow their instructions and know that you can come here to vent/whine/complain.

I had a hamstring issue this winter, mild tear. Thought for sure my season was over. Even said out loud, well my season is over.Spent 2 months in PT and hours and hours stretching and strengthening my glutes. Season not over. So try not to freak out ( too much). When you are ready, let me know and I will send you lots and lots of tiltles of inspirational trail running movies you can watch online. Got me through the winter

OK, I am going off to start a summer thread. So meet me over there.