I never thought I’d say this but I have a sports-related injury.
Seriously.
I have patellar tendinitis from, get this, RUNNING TOO MUCH.
Today was the beginning of week three of my 5k training (did I tell you I was doing that?). The first two weeks were awesome; I was overcoming challenges and not giving up when I felt tired like I used to do. The lazy and complacent old Lauren? That bitch is gone, y’all. The new Lauren LOVES to run. On Saturday I ran for three minutes without stopping just to see if I could handle the three-minute running intervals for this week’s training. Nailed it. Then on Sunday I decided to see just how long I could run without stopping. After five and a half minutes running at 5.5 MPH I decided to stop but I bet that I could have kept going.
Unfortunately, training six days a week has left my stupid almost twenty-eight year old knees sore and pissed off. My body isn’t used to this kind of physical activity and I guess I’m hitting it pretty hard and fast. Also, I don’t feel like the treadmill absorbs much of the impact from my weight.
All I know is that when I started the first three-minute run tonight I wasn’t sure if I would be able to finish it. The pain was only in my knees but it was awful. I kept running until I heard the ‘ding’ on my training app and then I slowed the fuck down. After running at five MPH slowing down to three felt like I was barely moving but even at that speed it still hurt.
I wanted to cry.
I didn’t finish today’s training routine but I did walk for the remaining twenty minutes at a steady 3.5 MPH. I felt defeated. My legs wobbled as I walked home and I was cold since I didn’t work up a sweat at the gym to keep me warm once I stepped outside.
After consulting with Dr. Google and self-diagnosing I popped some ibuprofen and relaxed on the sofa. So what if I have to take it easy for a few days? I’ll keep walking until I can run without pain. I’m not giving up this time.
So nice try, body. You may have slowed me down but you won’t hold me back.
i'd get a good knee brace and put a heat pack on it a couple times a day alternating with cold.
thats what I remember the nurse telling people in hs when I was her aide.
get better quick Lauren's knee!
It sounds stupid – but make sure you have good shoes, I really notice when my shoes start to flop… time to go spend another $85, ugh.
But it's worth it, you can do it, Lauren!
I hope it heals soon and that you're able to continue on your quest! I've been following your progress and letting it inspire me for after I get this baby out! I've been wanting to do C25K for ages, and I'm totally counting on you to do it so I have a personal hero to look up to.
No pressure, though.
Girl Claire said exactly what I was going to say. As someone who did a number on my knees that is the key and Good Shoes.
Unsolicited advice here…ice it up and ibuprofen…have your shoes checked at a good running shop (where they do a gait analysis, etc.)…Also, I swear by the cross-training. When I don't do good cross-training (little cycling plus lots of quad and hamstring strength exercises), I fall apart really fast. But, when I do those, I don't seem to have any problems.
That is frustrating. I'm saying this to everyone, everywhere, it seems, but you might consider barefoot running. Obviously not on a treadmill, but outside (and you could get Vibrams or other minimal foot coverings for inside). My BIL has been doing it for two years now with no pain. He was in PT for knee pain after running a half-marathon and switching to barefoot and adjusting his stride took care of it. Lots of information out there about it. I still wear shoes, but I sometimes wonder if I'm just being stubborn. In the meantime, take it easy and keep walking (even though I know it is dreadfully dull).
I recommend doing a bunch of stretching pre and post. My knees always really bother me when I start running again after not for a while. Also, look up some knee strengthening exercises to do–I got some from PT but you can find them on line easily. Don't know if a pool's available/easy but that's my favorite no stress workout.
I started running last January, and starting from scratch (I had never run before). The key when you start training is to go slow! 6 runs a week is too much. 3-4 is plenty enough. On other days, consider doing some cross training (yoga, biking, swimming). Last May, I ran/walked (5:1 minute intervals) a half-marathon! You can do it!
Also, make sure you have good shoes. VERY important. Go to a specialty store and have someone check out your current shoes for wear patterns.