So as I mentioned during my post about the Marathon last month halfway through my knee started hurting me. It didn't hinder my performance that much, I did slow up some and had to take some walk breaks towards the end, but still finished around the time I was expecting. After the marathon I took a few days off and then went out for just a 2 mile run about 3 or 4 days later. My knee had been fine the day after the marathon. But during that 2 mile run it started hurting again. I thought huh this is strange. It was sore that day but then the next day was back to normal. The following week I completed my usual workouts and with each one my knee acted up again. So I gave in and took a few days off. After about 4 days I went back out for anther 2 mile run, and again it acted up. So I took a week off started doing some research and it sounded like I had developed runners knee (aka patellofemoral pain syndrome). This can usually result from weak muscles in the quads, hips, hamstrings... So in addition to icing I started some strengthening, stretching and rolling exercises that I had read about. I also looked into getting it checked out. Found a local Chiropractor and made an appointment. After 10+ years of running injury free this has been really tough forcing myself to take some time off. I am also beating myself up for not doing any leg strengthening exercises! Stupid me thought, I'm working those muscles when I run, so I focused on abs and arms during my cross training.... boy do I regret that now!
So the Dr is pretty sure it is runners knee, but sent me for an xray today just to rule out anything more serious. I am so bummed that I am having to take this break and praying to the exercise/running gods that it isn't anything more serious! He had given me permission to participate in the 5k I had already signed up for this past Saturday. I ran this after a week off of running. My knee was feeling not too bad during the week but as soon as I got out there running on it the pain came right back.
So here I am really struggling to stay positive. I have several races that I wanted to participate in over the next few months before the awful Florida summer heat hits again. Hoping I will see some improvement after these 3 sessions this week!
