I had a race to run yesterday. The Jack Frost 10K.
I registered for the small, local run one month ago.
I was excited to cross “run one race” off my Fall Bucket List.
I was excited about my short ‘n’ sweet training schedule.
I was excited about crossing the finish line.
The problem: I think I was a little too excited.
Not even a full two weeks into my training,
I encountered unfamiliar pain in my right knee.
A simultaneous head cold and joint discomfort lead me to believe I was experiencing a case of overtraining.
The following week, I scaled back on my training and had daily dates with the ice pack as I found my holiday spirit in the Christmas classics on TV.
…but, apparently, that wasn’t enough.
I picked up my race bib Saturday morning.
I knew then, however, I wouldn’t be running the next morning.
I could have masked the inflammation with Ibuprofen, smothered my knee in an Ace bandage, and let the endorphins take care of the rest…
but why!?
As hard as it is for me to not follow through with something, especially a goal I had set (and paid for),
the price I would have paid would not have been worth it after those short 6.2 miles were said and done.
I chose to R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, elevation) than to race.
I didn’t want to chance doing more damage to what has already been done.
I want to run twenty six point two someday. I do not want to be a young woman with worn down knees.
And you know what… a leisurely breakfast with a girlfriend is much better than running a race in the cold, cold rain anyway.
Lemon blueberry cornmeal pancakes for the win.
This isn’t an official diagnosis, but of high likeliness. Inflammation is evident through my very “squeaky” knee cap and most of the pain lies inside (anterior) my knee.
Despite my “this is the end of the world” attitude regarding my minor injury, life does go on and can be somewhat enjoyable at that. I am considering taking a true break from the box until my knee is 100% (positive thinking!), but that didn’t mean the CrossFit Christmas Party was out of the question.
The price I paid for my ugly Christmas sweater was certainly redeemed as I took home a prize ($25 Lulu gift card — yippee!!) for the cookie contest. Peanut butter and dark chocolate never fail.
From my cozy couch to yours,
Hill on the run
Give me hope…
How did you get through an injury — mentally and physically?
Have you had success with kinesiotaping?
Favorite holiday cookie?
Tuesday Tidbits | 6.11.13
Today’s Victory
Tuesday Tidbits | 4.16.13
Tuesday Tidbits | 3.19.13
Thursday Things
Favorite holiday cookie – Biscotti or Apricot Crescents: http://eatingonanapkin.com/2012/02/15/apricot-crescents/
I’m glad your adorable {ugly} sweater at least paid off!
Girl we are going through the exact same injury. Does the pain kind of run up your vastus medialis as well? All I keep doing is the ‘butterfly stretch’ and icing and yoga. I think in the last 4 weeks I have run a total of 6 miles – it’s torture :( I just keep telling myself it is my body saying I need to rest and try alternate, milder, forms of physical exercise. It sounds like you made the right decision for the race. Ironically I tried to run last Saturday, came home after 1 mile and made ‘the world really doesn’t hate you right now’ pancakes as well. Great minds :) Hope you heal soon!
I’ve done the taping before and it definitely did make a big difference. I was actually able to swim with in on after awhile. So know that there is hope! Congrats on the Lulu gift card – I’m jealous!
Oh my goodness, those cookies are calling my name!
That must have sucked to have to pass up the race, but in the long run, probably made the right choice to RICE!, and eat cookies!
Wow, your pancakes look absolutely amazing!
I am going through the same issue with my knee. I usually run around 5 miles 3 times a week. However, two weeks ago, I experienced pain around my knee, and like you, I thought that it was due to overtraining. I have been doing my all-time-favorite machine: the stair master. I did try running yesterday, but within the first minute the pain started again. I am not sure what it is since it is only when I run. Next week, I should find out! Mentally, sanity comes with my daily workouts and doing low-impact cardio. What keeps me going is knowing that I’d rather take care of this now, than miss a lifetime of daily runs due to an injury that could’ve been taken care of. Favorite cookie = Biscoff chocolate chip or Oreo pudding cookies! :) I absolutely love your blog!
Hope your knee heals soon, too! Thanks for reading :)
Get well soon! I’ve not used kinesio tape much, but I know a lot of people that swear by it. I’m going to be taking a continuing education course on it in March and can’t wait to learn more about it!
Get Well Soon! I hope if your knee gets worse you will get to the doctor! Congrats on winning the gift card, and those cookies look delicious!
I’ve had to take the last 2 weeks off running and any heavy lifting because of a foot injury, and it is so hard! I just keep telling myself I’m making it so I can run until I’m 80 instead of until I’m 30. Hope you heal quickly!
We had an ugly sweater christmas party too and THOSE COOKIES WERE THE BOMB!!! I ate like three. I’m not even lying. I’m not quite sure what was eaten that night, but it was a lot.
Hope you get better soon!! Take care of dem legs!
Smart decision, even though it was a tough one. I’m sorry about the injury, hang in there and get well soon!
Good for you Hillary for taking a break AND feeling good about it!!! You should post a recipe for those cookies they look amazing :)