Why My Knee is Stupid

Okay, I'm being overdramatic here about my knee being stupid -- and my knee has done some pretty amazing things...like tolerate Insanity's power jumps more times than I can count.  However, right now I am limping along because my left knee is giving me some grief.  Was the grief warranted?  Maybe...

On Friday, I ran during my lunch hour for about 2 miles.  My knee felt a little weird so I cut my run short (was hoping for 3 miles).  I got my first burst of pain as I tried to climb the staircase to the showers, and hobbled around awkwardly for the rest of the day.

Thoroughly P.O.'ed that my knee wasn't any better on Saturday, I went to running group anyway....(yes, yes, I should've known better).  Luckily, we played a game that didn't involve hardcore running.  Still, no improvement on the knee.

Sunday morning, the knee felt a little better, so I went to running group.  Again, I should've known better.  Seven miles later, my knee was a wreck.  I spent the evening with the leg propped up and wrapped in a heating pad.

Today, no improvement on the knee, although it's not any worse (luckily).  My stride does feature a charming limp today, though.  So I'm doing what the personal trainer in me said I should've done on Saturday...taking the day off from running.  I did some upper body strength training this morning (nothing wrong with my arms, after all), so at least today's not a total loss.  But I hate that nagging feeling that I'm not doing what I need to do to prepare for the marathon.

However, I have to remind myself that the reason I gave myself so much time to train was to account for times like these, when I might have to take the training down a notch due to illness or injury.

To you runners out there, think of me when you go for your runs.  I'll be thinking of you as I sit biting my fingernails, wishing I could join you.  Hopefully my knee will feel better in a couple of days.  I have to be grateful that, in about three-and-a-half years of training, this is my first real "injury".