Training Log Archive: possum

Not as fast a pace today, but 50% longer and I really worked up a sweat. Probably need to stay at 3 miles for a few days.

It's good to put in training instead of just a not. I improved my pace (I'm doing this by time, not distance) and kept up with the pacer today who has average power of 70.

The doctor called this morning to let me know that I have a partially torn ACL in my left knee (that makes a matched pair) and I see the orthopedist Tuesday to discuss the options. Since I now know the diagnosis, I put on my really heavy duty ACL knee brace to bicycle this morning. Now I'm sitting here with an ice pack.

Last night I wore the heavy duty to Elray's training session. Bob did the running, although I did some walking to get her over the elevated plank and up and down ramps--then iced when I got home. No pain, but when I take off the knee brace, I definitely feel instability.

I'm looking forward to Tuesday. I can't really plan on what I'm doing this summer until I find out the prognosis.

C • Knee 4

I am going totally stir-crazy for lack of physical activity. I have to find something I can do besides my PT exercises. Walking is still very difficult.

Today I had my MRI at Liberty Hospital. After filling out tons of paper work, changing my clothes, and answering questions about metal three times, the technician got me ready for the MRI by placing my left leg in this container, placing foam rubber pads around it so I would not be moving it for 20 minutes and placing the top on. After getting me a nice warm blanket, I got put into the noisy machine for a 20-min. test. She gave me headphones to help with the noise, and they were tuned into a lame radio station (too much inane talk, not enough good tunes).

About half way through the procedure, she called to me through the headphones, asking if I was sure the left knee was correct, and I said yes. We then continued another 10 minutes or so, and she pulled me out. Then she said, "Are you sure the left knee is correct? Your orders say the right knee." And I said, "I'm so glad I didn't come here for an amputation!". And laughed. But that is a scary thought.

I see the orthopedist and get the MRI results next Tuesday.

Finally got the internet back up after two days. The week before it was down for three days. One of the joys of country living is having to depend on a monopoly internet service.

Went back to the doctor Monday and had my x-ray. I have an MRI scheduled for tomorrow morning, and a date with the orthopedist next Tuesday. Not being able to do anything really has me bummed.

Knee is still very sore. I read last night in Runner's World that with knee injuries, you should ice 5 times a day. I have been icing once or twice, because I don't like it. But I will do it now 5x a day.

Riding the bicycle didn't seem to cause any more pain, so I'll try to do that, along with my PT exercises, at least twice a day.

There is a thread on Attackpoint right now about orienteering nightmares. I had one last night and it seemed so real. In my dream (I think it was), my right leg was hurting in almost the same place as the left, and I can remember running my hand up and down. Then I was in a quandary about which leg gets the knee brace, ice, etc., and I was starting to think that my orienteering days were completely over. I woke up, couldn't go back to sleep (about 4 AM) and came upstairs. I was glad to find out my right knee was ok.