To Mini or Not to Mini?

That is the question, as it's been two weeks since my last run due to intermittent pain in my knees that will not go away, even with medication.

The problems started last month sometime after my weekend mileage went beyond the seven-mile mark. While soreness in my knees and ankles isn't uncommon for me after a long run, it usually resides after two or three days and I can continue with training as scheduled. But at one point it just...stopped going away. Not frequent enough or severe enough to interfere with my day to day, but even after a self-imposed running break, the occasional ibuprofen, and applying ice packs to both knees every night before bed for almost a week, the alternating feelings of pressure, tightness, and discomfort still persisted, so last Friday I finally caved and paid a visit to my primary care physician. She diagnosed the problem as fluid in my knees/inflammation due to overuse and recommended naproxen along with a continued break from running for seven to ten days to get me back on my feet. Well, it's been 17 days since my last run, and today is my tenth day on the naproxen, and nothing has improved; if anything, the pain is more noticeable than ever (though still not continuous). I've already scheduled a follow-up with my doctor to discuss next steps, which will most likely involve a referral to a physical therapist for a more thorough work-up.

All of this non-running just four weeks before the Mini Marathon begs the question: have I totally screwed my chances of participating in this race? Because even if I'm cleared to run in the next few days, I'm not sure that the training I do from here on out can make up for such a lengthy hiatus. Then again, maybe it's just a matter of readjusting my goals. As in, maybe running all thirteen miles is no longer realistic, but with frequent walking breaks, I could still complete the race without further injury.

Running this half-marathon has meant so much to me recently that I feel like I should be more disappointed about potentially missing it, but honestly, it's not the crushing blow I once imagined it to be. Competition or not, the time I spent training brought me back to my pre-pregnancy weight and provided a more structured approach to exercise and fitness. Plus, I want to be a runner for the long haul, not just for this race, and there are a bazillion other halfs I can do once my body is fully ready. No need to mope over this one.

In fact, in hindsight, I wonder if I had any business attempting this race at all, being such a new runner. Most of what I've read has suggested logging 20 to 25 miles a week before committing to such an ambitious undertaking as a half, and at the time I registered, I was barely in the double digits (if that). Not to mention that finding the time to train has been hard, really hard, which is partly the reason I got injured in the first place--constantly falling off-schedule, then scrambling to make up for it by sacrificing my rest days. Not the smartest way to cultivate a life-long habit or preserve any level of motivation.

So, I will see the doctor again, and I will follow her orders, and I will do what I can to get myself completely healed and back on track. But I will also gaze longingly at the runners I spot on the trail as the weather climbs into the seventies. This is my time. This is my sport. And I will get back to it.

Comments

[Becky]

Just out of curiousity - how new are your running shoes? Whenever my shoes start to get old, my knees hurt. Maybe it's time for a new (professionally fitted) pair.

Otherwise, I would say it's probably a good idea to skip this race if you are still having problems and aren't trained enough. You could end up hurting yourself even more... be proud of your accomplisments and pick another race to have as a goal! :)

[Frema]

Becky: I actually purchased a new pair of shoes in early February, ones with a little more cushion for my arches. I mentioned it to my PCP, but it didn't seem to be a factor for her.

[Jen L.]

Oh,chickadee, I"m so sorry to hear of your pains. Wow, you're a hard-core athlete now, with injuries and everything! I hope this doesn't impede your running too much--it's so good that you have that to do for yourself! Keep us posted.

[Dawn]

You're exactly right- you'll be able to finish it, but more slowly and with more walking than you would have had you not had the break in training. Also? It probably won't feel all that hot towards the end, in full honesty.

It's 100% up to you if you want to try it or not. It sounds like you've made peace with missing it, which is a good thing. There will always be another race. That said, if you decide it is absolutely necessary that you complete THIS race? Go for it. Listen to your body, don't push it too hard, and just aim for getting your butt from A to B, which you'll totally be able to do.

Good luck! I hope the knee starts to feel better soon for you. Being injured sucks.

[eva]

Definitely go for physio - they always have great recommendations for stretches that are very specific to your issues, and although it's not always a pain-free experience, I always find physio valuable. Even though honestly if I did ALL the stretches and stuff that they recommend, that's all I'd do every day!

If you don't do the half, then find another 10K or something that's a month later and set a realistic goal. Even if it's "ten and ones" (run ten minutes, walk one minute for the whole race), you'll feel way better than if you overdo it.

Doesn't having kids put things like this into perspective? As you said, there piles more races out there down the road. You don't fail adulthood for doing the next one or the one after that. There are way more important things in life:)

Get well soon!

[rkmama]

I so sympathize with you. I don't do races but I did start a running regimen about three weeks ago and my ankles and knees started to feel LEADEN during my runs last week and by the weekend my ankle swelled up and I could barely walk. I totally panicked, thinking I would have to give it all up but this post put it in perspective for me.
I can let my body heal and jump back in. I don't have to lose sight of my goals, and modification isn't a cop-out. Thanks for reminding me and I hope you recover and realize your goals, whatever shape/length they might take.

[Must Be Motherhood]

Isn't it funny how parenthood prepares you so well for how to react when best-laid plans go off the rails? Personally, I've found that to be a great gift. You try your best, the unexpected happens, you move on. What can you do?

In just a few years you've given birth twice and trained your body to run more than 7 miles. That's a lot of work! Sounds like it's asking for a little more recovery time. Now that I think of it, my joints were out of wack for over a year after each baby and I couldn't run more than 4 miles without aching.

[Katie]

Have you looked into barefoot running? Most 'barefoot' runners actually wear Vibram Five Fingers to run in. I was hooked on barefoot running as soon as I heard that the number one reason to do it was injury prevention. And then the first time I tried it, WOW! It was amazing.

[Bill Shannon]

Bree,
Even if you decide you can not run (which I hope you can), please keep writing. For us amateurs, you are an writing inspiration ...