Thursday, September 26, 2013

Small steps have turned in to small hobbles

I thought you all deserved an update on the couch to 5k program I started a couple of weeks ago.  My participation in the class with Mr. Mom (who got new insoles for his shoes and feels to much better and more confident) and Runner Girl (who regularly runs with her father for a couple of miles BEFORE she comes to class) has come to a temporary halt.  I have somehow managed to injure myself.  I don't recall any sharp pains and no, Jeri, I did not fall down but my knee is killing me and has been for over a week now.  It's not my kneecap but rather that fatty muscle on the inside of my right knee.  I have a suspicion that the blood cannot push its way through the fat at the point but Strength Coach Son tells me that is not possible.  I haven't asked Athletic Trainer Son for his advice because I am sure that he would claim  it to be tendonitis.
I pushed through the pain and actually ran for four minutes (not consecutive....but hey, it was four minutes!) on Sunday.  That may not have been the best idea but it isn't any worse so I probably did not do any additional harm.
If I take Tylenol the pain diminishes but Strength Coach Son says that will just prolong the injury and that the body can heal itself quicker if I just live with the discomfort.  Skinny Trainer Girl says to keep walking and ice it 3 or 4 times a day.  Strength Coach Son says that ice is not the way to go and if I am going to ice it, I should just take the Tylenol and know that it will hurt longer.  He recommends heat.
Thinking that possibly my favored choice of footwear might be to blame, I actually laced up my good, supportive walking shoes today instead of slipping on my hot pink flip flops.  That was an emotional hurdle for me!  But apparently it is not the fault of my "ship shops" because it still hurts.
John and I are signed up to do a 5k on Saturday sponsored by our favorite brewery, Rahr and Sons.  We've been signed up for months now and did several of the social, warm-up walks in preparation.  I really wanted to do this event...not running of course...well maybe just a little...but that looks doubtful now.
Friends think I should give in and go to the doctor.  I like my doctor (sort of....my chart claims that I am "chronically non-complient") but I know that she will just order tests which will show nothing but a pulled muscle.  And she will order anti-inflammatory meds which Strength Coach Son will point out to only prolong the problem. 
So here I sit...or limp.  Getting into the car from the driver's side is a challenge but I cannot drive from the passenger seat.  Crawling around on the floor working on the borders of quilt is painful.  I don't sit still very well with no handwork to keep me occupied and curling up in my chair (just cannot sit like a grownup) results in more discomfort.
What is my plan....at the moment, I intend to work through the pain to get the borders on the Hard Rock quilt and then cut the fabric that I will need for my sew day project for tomorrow.  I'll break out the heating pad again tonight and see what tomorrow brings.  If I really want to do the Rahr run, I will defy Strength Coach Son and start on the tylenol tomorrow afternoon and see what Saturday brings. 
And if it still hurts on Monday, I will break down and call the doctor....there...are you happy, Leslye?
Is my couch to 5k class over?  No, just derailed slightly.  This injury cannot last forever and since I have mastered the couch part of the couch to 5k, I am determined to at least make an effort at the running part.  My goal was never to run an entire 5k....I will just need to find another charity run later in the fall and see if I can actually run a portion of it.  Small steps....hobbles....small steps.

1 comment:

  1. Why is it that when you are only trying to better yourself, something always happens? Your body needs to get with the program! UGH :(

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