Meniscal Tear – Two Words a Runner Doesn’t Want to Hear

February 26, 2010 By 1 Comment

I’ve been putting off going to the doctor about my knee issue for a while.

I’d been training to run Disney again this year when one morning I realized my knee hurt. Just like that, bam – no notice, nothing.

It hurt pretty badly for a week or so. I laid off training, cut back a day, shed 15 miles from my weekly runs . . . and it got a little better.

So I decided to try for a half instead.

As soon as I increased mileage, my knee began again. Stiffness, soreness, but no swelling and i could still run. It was after the run, in particular the next day, when it really hurt.

So, I did what every runner does at the first sign of injury – I ran, and while i ran, I tried to self diagnose.

First mistake.

So many things ‘sound like’ other things. Runners knee sounds like some type of patellar syndrome, or maybe it is.

Tendoitis may be bursitis may be a ligament strain. Or a Baker’s Cyst.

I did the RICE thing. Cuz that’s what they all say to do.

I did some foam rolling; the next day when I touched my calf muscle I thought I might faint.

I prepped for the half marathon, and i ran it, with limited pain during – just at the start – but a few noxious calf cramps during. I had to stop and stretch my leg out because it felt as though my leg may not stretch, may not hit the ground, mid stride. It wasn’t a knee locking, but a definite leg pain or cramp.

Some other issues:

calf cramps

hamstring tight

stiffness down the inner portion of my knee, nearest the left knee, when I attempt to extend leg and stretch

pain when pressing on the joint line

Then I called the doctor.

He did a few quick tests, schedule an MRI, said the Xray showed nothing, and then, the dreaded words: It might be a meniscal tear or strain.

Argh.

Not what I wanted.

I’m 40 now. I’m not getting younger, and surgery, while not too bad for this type of thing (in most cases) is sometimes more difficult to recover, so I’ve read, when you get older.

I don’t want to stop running.

I spent yesterday curled in a ball crying hysterically.

Today I had the MRI and Monday I get the results.

In the meantime, no tear, no tear, no tear.

Oh, and by the way, the Susan Komen half marathon in Jax is great. If you want to run a half or full, do it there. (Although the full I’m not sure about – not much shade and it got pretty warm toward the end).

THe only complaint- soup at the finish line. Come on now, who runs half a marathon or a full and asks for a bowl of soup at the end?

Otherwise, a great, great run. I did it in 2:14, including the walking for my cramping and a potty break. I was happy witih that. I don’t care about speed these days, I just want to be able to run.

Period.

No tear. Please, please, please no tear.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , ,

Gearing Up for My Race – and Taking my Daughter to the Expo!

February 17, 2010 By 4 Comments

This Friday starts the expo for the half marathon that I’m running on Sunday.

I’m excited about the expo. I love expos! I love getting my race packet, and I love going through all the great bins and choosing a new bumper sticker or T-shirt to add to my running memorabilia collection.

This time around, I’m excited about taking my youngest daugher along to the expo.

My daughters, almost 6 and 3, know I run. They watch me run. They cheer me on. They make signs. They come to races.

They know that protein should be eaten a few minutes after a run, or at least before a half hour passes. They know that proteins and carbs should be mixed. They know that if their urine is yellow they need to drink more. Yep, I’ve taught them all these health-related things that make running a healthy sport :0)

On Friday, my youngest gets to be a part of the expo excitement, the madness before the madness, the pre-race HOOPLA!

I’m so excited I could pee my pants.

I can’t wait to show her the different stations, the shoes and shirts. I can’t wait until she feels the excitement in the air as I pick up my packet and explain what we are doing and why. She’s been a part of every other part of the race – the finish line, the post-race fun. Never the pre-race prep though. I think she’ll love it.

I did 10 miles around Orlando on Sunday. It went well, my legs are ready, and I can’t wait to get to that race, even if I do have to leave quite a few hours early to catch that darn shuttle on time!

I did 5 today, will do 5 on Thursday and 3 on Friday. Then, Sunday, it’s off to the races! I’m taking a disposable camera for some photo ops. Guess 2.5 miles is actually on the hard packed sand. At least, it had better be hard packed!

In the meantime, I’m trying to get back into a stretching/yoga routine. I need to do it for my legs, and for my head.

Until next time, runners, I hope all your miles are fun ones!

Filed Under: February 2010, half marathons Tagged With: , ,

Crossing the Finish Line Makes all the Hassles Worth it!

February 11, 2010 By 2 Comments

I’ve been on the edge of running or not running a half marathon next weekend.

Prior to distance running this choice would have been made long before now. Now that i do at least 10 on the weekends, it’s not as difficult. I know I can do the distance, but what has happened? I almost feel like ‘what’s the point of running a race?’

For one thing, I have to battle traffic. I have to go down a day early to pick up my packet, which means shuffling the kids an hour each way and walking around a large, overcrowded convention center where I would like to pick up things and shop but where, likely, I’ll be battling two toddlers in tow.

The race means getting up super-early on Sunday morning prior, as i would have to drive an hour and get a shuttle by 6 to get to the starting line, where I would likely end up standing around for at least an hour wondering why I couldn’t have just found a closer parking space to begin with.

Of course the race also means money. $95 to register, gas down and back twice, and the items I want to purchase at the convention, which will be a T-shirt and possibly some new socks. Oh, and a bumper sticker; i have my 26.2 one, so I need to balance it out with a 13.1 one.

The payoff? Freedom of running with others who love to run. Excitement and energy and people calling my name. That doesn’t happen when I do 13 miles around my neighborhood. I’m lucky to pass anyone that early in the morning! I enjoy the crowds that come to watch, and knowing that other people are watching me thinking they would like to do that one day. You can’t beat a great race.

Which is why I will battle parking, my wallet,the kids at the convention, and a slew of other obstacles to cross the finish line in Jacksonville next Sunday.

I’m going to sign up now, before I change my mind!

Filed Under: February 2010, Long Distance Running, Racing, Reflections on Running