12 Miles I Shouldn't Have Run
My Longest Run Ever
Today was our 12-mile group run. This is the longest run I've done to date. I was wrong when I said in my last blog that we were going to run past Torrey Pines Golf Course. We actually went the opposite direction and headed north along the 101.
In spite of the trouble I had been having with my knee, the run started out great! The tide was low so we were able to run along the beach (the sand was compact) for about a mile. This felt wonderful on my joints!
For the whole run, I was able to run:walk 10 miles before I really started to feel the pain in my knee flare up to a whole new level. The eleventh mile was painful but I could still keep up with the running intervals.
It's All Downhill From Here
At about the twelfth mile, it was downhill for the rest of the run. I'm sure you know that downhill running is really hard on the knees. I was in so much pain by then, I pretty much limped my way back to my car. I stretched, iced, and drank my chocolate milk before heading home.
Ouch!!
Since I've been home, the pain isn't any better. In fact, it's worse. What started out as knee pain a couple weeks ago, is now radiating from my knee and midway up my thigh. I thought it was "runners' knee" but now I'm worried that it might have something to do with my IT band... or worse, a stress fracture.
I'm very disappointed. I'm already anticipating being out of running commission for the next week, including my long run next Saturday. I know I need to give my knee/leg a chance to get better. I'm sure most of you can relate when I say that this frustrates me.
My plan for this week is to keep icing, stretching, and strengthening.
Pictures
I took my camera with me on my run today. It was overcast all morning but it was still a beautiful place to run.
Looking north... almost to the 6-mile (halfway) point.
Looking south... close to the end of the run.
This is part of the downhill mile (or so).
Anyone want to buy me this house for my birthday?!
Today was our 12-mile group run. This is the longest run I've done to date. I was wrong when I said in my last blog that we were going to run past Torrey Pines Golf Course. We actually went the opposite direction and headed north along the 101.
In spite of the trouble I had been having with my knee, the run started out great! The tide was low so we were able to run along the beach (the sand was compact) for about a mile. This felt wonderful on my joints!
For the whole run, I was able to run:walk 10 miles before I really started to feel the pain in my knee flare up to a whole new level. The eleventh mile was painful but I could still keep up with the running intervals.
It's All Downhill From Here
At about the twelfth mile, it was downhill for the rest of the run. I'm sure you know that downhill running is really hard on the knees. I was in so much pain by then, I pretty much limped my way back to my car. I stretched, iced, and drank my chocolate milk before heading home.
Ouch!!
Since I've been home, the pain isn't any better. In fact, it's worse. What started out as knee pain a couple weeks ago, is now radiating from my knee and midway up my thigh. I thought it was "runners' knee" but now I'm worried that it might have something to do with my IT band... or worse, a stress fracture.
I'm very disappointed. I'm already anticipating being out of running commission for the next week, including my long run next Saturday. I know I need to give my knee/leg a chance to get better. I'm sure most of you can relate when I say that this frustrates me.
My plan for this week is to keep icing, stretching, and strengthening.
Pictures
I took my camera with me on my run today. It was overcast all morning but it was still a beautiful place to run.
Looking north... almost to the 6-mile (halfway) point.
Looking south... close to the end of the run. This is part of the downhill mile (or so).
Anyone want to buy me this house for my birthday?!
Comments
Pictures are beautiful. I was thinking about getting you the house, but didn't want to see you on the news when mudslide season starts!
Mark
sorry about the knee pain...definitely smart to rest up for at least a week, if not more...I heard a stat that you only lose like 4-6% of your conditioning by taking a week off...2 weeks goes to like 8-10% or something...your don't lose as much conditioning as you think you might, and your body will be better off for the break...
hugs
I'm in love with that house myself :)
Agreeing with what everyone else has said, taking a week or so off to let your knee heal is much better than being forced to take the season. We all get frusterated when we are unable to accomplish our running plans, however, taking a day here and there for health will only make us stronger and better in the end.
I am jealous of your beautiful run!
Definitely get the knee looked at and take a break for a while! Hope it's something that heals quickly!