Woe is knee...

Happy post Super Bowl Monday. Yea Saints. I'm sorta surprised there wasn't some sort of celebratory rioting in New Orleans, or at least a couple of car fires, although I'm sure the mass partying will continue right through Mardi Gras.

Running update: My knee is still driving me nuts. The pain is most intense after I run, so I can at least get in a run before things start really going south. I've now been on four or so medications, am going to massage therapy once a week (IT band focus), use my foam roller all of the time and got one of those stick things too, all to no avail. So, I'm heading to a new doctor next week. Just get me through April...

The past couple of Saturday's, I have had some decent runs with the Knuckleheads. By "decent runs" I mean one was really good, one not so much, so they average out to "decent." Two weeks ago I ran a comfortably fast 8 miles, mostly with Ms. Ironwoman Cassie, and it was alot of fun, though very cold. She, however, kicked it into gear at the end and left me behind in her dust. At that point I was running around an 8:45 pace, so way to go Cassie!! I was also very happy to see Jamoosh out there again!

This past Saturday was a 10 miler for me. I started the run mostly concerned about my knee, but I was not prepared for the calf cramps that plagued me. Alot of stopping to stretch, but I finished the run and that was a victory for me. There was no running with Cassie, or Jamoosh, or anyone...I couldn't even keep up. Thanks to a fellow runner Roger who kept me in his sights because he believes no female should run alone. He was great and supportive and motivating, even as I whined and moaned about cramps and my knee, and I am very thankful and appreciative that he adjusted his pace and stopped every now and then to make sure I wasn't collapsed in pain in the road, or kidnapped. I hope to pay that forward soon. Until then, its time for some bananas.

Motivation, shmotivation. So how does one actually get motivated and enjoy a run if the fear of pain invades your mind before you even start? I used to never give running a second thought...it was something I did, something that was fun, and something that relaxed me. Now when I get ready to run, I feel like I'm already behind the eight ball because I'm worried about what my knee is going to do at any given point. Its frustrating, but I don't see any alternative until April 20. The cramping I can deal with...potassium, bananas, enduroytes, someone even mentioned tonic...but the knee really has me skittish right now because it has been going on and on and on...

BUT, I'm going to do what I can to keep in running shape and try not to get to frustrated. I know that soon I will be able to rest my knee and come back stronger and wiser. Its no longer about time for me, its about finishing, whether it be a 3 miler or Boston, I am finally understanding the satisfaction in and victory of just finishing. How's that for some Monday morning positiveness??