As I type this, I am in total and complete meltdown mode. I know I tend to be an over-exhaggerator/drama queen, but I mean it. I am seriously freaking out.
Last night my knee felt fine and when I woke up this morning it wasn't bothering me at all - not even a twinge when I got out of bed when it "should" have been stiff. I was delighted. And all morning I felt good. We are having a veritable heat wave here and I was staring out at the bright sunlight all morning, excited to get out and run at noon.
Well, I ran. And less then 1/2 mile in, the knee started killing me. I know it's IT band syndrome, because I can feel is run right up from the knee to the outside of my hip. I kept running and about 2 miles in it startedd to loosen up, so I thought - "Great! It just needs to loosen up." By 4 miles in it really was killing me and I barely made it my 6 miles.
I am SO, SO, SO upset. I can't believe this came on so suddenly. What the hell am I going to do? I can't stand the thought of not burning the calories I am used to. Not only can I not run, but squats are a no-no, which leaves out some of my strength training and other cardio DVD's I have.
I am not doing well here guys - this is not how I wanted to end the year!
I can only imagine how you must feel. But, these things do happens. It probably won't be your last and best to figure out how to deal with it!!! :) R.I.C.E...rest, ice compression, elevation. Anti-inflamatory meds and reduced exercise. I think that if you continue to push yourself you are going to pay for it in the long run. You could try walking your miles instead of running. One site quoted a difference of 50 calories per mile between running and walking. That really isn't so bad.
ReplyDeleteYou have got this!! No need to panic. Just rest up and feel better !
Thanks, Chris! I know that I have to rest it to give a chance to heal, but it is so difficult. I will be doing other forms of exercise that don't aggravate it!
DeleteHi Jen,
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I check your blog daily. You are such an inspiration! I also relate to so much that you have to say. ...I have not lost nearly as much as you have, however, I have been maintaining a 75lb loss for just over 2 years now. I'm also your height, however, I'm sitting anywhere between 125 and 130 most days (I'd KILL to weigh what you do, maybe someday?). I run a ton, I lift heavy, I practice (hot) yoga, and do a lot of spinning (at least 8 hours of exercise per week). I eat clean too (80% of the time when I'm not eating chocolate!!).
When it comes to IT Bands, I've done a lot of research/reading regarding running injuries and avoidance. About 1 1/2 years ago I had a mild IT band flare up. The best thing I could find was to do rest (yes I know!! crazy!). Try not to run for about a week and maybe hit up a stationary/spin bike at a local gym if available or go swimming instead to get your calorie burn in.
Coupled with rest, try a foam roller and also google 'strengthen IT band'. There's tons of resources that speak about how important it is to strengthen the band as opposed to stretching it. With any luck, you'll be back up and running (pun intended) in no time! ...Knock on wood, I have YET to have any serious injuries and I have run just under 1,000 miles since the beginning of May. I believe the biggest reason for this is because I do a lot of lifting and yoga.
Keep us posted...
ND
ND, First off, a big congrats on your loss and maintaining!
DeleteAlso, thanks for the advice on the IT issue. The frustrating part is that I looked up how to strengthen the band, and I already do a LOT of what is suggested!
Let's hope this is short-lived problem!
Jen
I'm not a runner, but wonder if you could switch to something like swimming or something non-impact while your knee heals?
ReplyDeleteYou're such an inspiration - have just barely started on my weight loss journey and am so glad to have found your blog.
Hope your knee heals quickly and you are back to running in no time!
Hi Michele!
DeleteI wish I had access to a pool, because I love swimming, but I don't!
Thanks for the well wishes and I wish you the best on your journey! As you can see from my blog, it's not always easy, but you can do this!
Jen