Thursday, April 15, 2010

Who knew?

That I would miss running as much as I do?

Three weeks ago today I injured my knee. It was a bizarre incident and I have no idea how it happened. It all started when I slept through my alarm, which meant I missed running with my friends. I NEVER sleep through my alarm! I must have been extremely exhausted or maybe everything happens for a reason. I decided that since it was super windy when I woke up and I didn't have anyone to watch the boys, that I'd head to the gym. Even though I absolutely hate to run on the treadmill, I planned on running 5 miles. That is a serious triumph for me, considering the fact that I have never pushed past 4 miles on the treadmill. The whole run felt great! I was in the mindset that I wasn't going to give up until I hit 5 miles. There was an interesting movie on in cardio cinema and I had my running tunes. It was going to be a piece a cake! And it was...that is until I got home. My knee started to ache a little bit which was not the norm. I didn't think much of it until it starting get worse and worse as the day went on. By 5pm, I knew something was definitely wrong.

I decided to call an Orthopedic Surgeon the following day (which was Friday) to schedule an appointment. They were able to fit me in on Monday, and my heart sank knowing that I wouldn't be able to run the 10 mile run I had planned that Saturday. I went to my appointment and didn't get the best of news. There wasn't anything seriously wrong, the doctor thought I just had inflammation under my knee cap. He recommended a cortisone shot (which I did), anti-inflammatories (which I take), and physical therapy (which I'm doing). During the first two weeks after seeing the doctor and before going to PT, there was no change. My knee was still in pain no matter what I did. The doctor had told me I could bike, swim, or anything low impact, but my knee still hurt.

Finally I made the appointment with the PT and boy am I SO glad I did! The PT restricted me to zero exercising except for upper body. That was extremely hard for me! I love to workout and to be told that I wasn't allowed to was almost crushing! The PT reassured me that if I followed his advice and stopped exercising, my knee would heal faster, and I would be back out running in a shorter amount of time. I listened and was amazed that after just a couple of days of resting and not aggravating my knee, it started to feel better. Some days I don't have any pain at all, and others there is minimal pain.

I am still not allowed to run or do any other form of exercising, but I think I'm finally ok with that for now. I was extremely depressed and bitter (which are both an understatement) when I first got injured. Mainly because I really wanted to run the Salt Lake Half Marathon with all of my running buddies. I was extremely crushed when the doctor told me in wasn't a possibility what so ever! I finally feel like I have found something I love and something that I can actually accomplish. I have never felt that way about anything in my entire life. I've also realized that running is a major stress reliever! I have been much more irritated, stressed out, and impatient the past few weeks than I have been in years! I definitely miss running and hope that within the next couple of weeks I will be able to run again and plan for my next big race.

Who knew...

That turning 27 would make me feel SO old!

Monday was my 27th birthday. Although I normally don't feel any older on my birthdays, this one was a little different. I am officially out of my 'mid 20s' and have hit my 'late 20s'! I don't know why I am having such a hard time it. 27 just feels old! I had an amazing birthday! It was the best day I've had in a LONG time! I spent most of the day with my bff Jess. We went out to lunch and then hit the mall for some shopping. The best part? Leaving the boys with my mom and my niece. It was such a quiet and peaceful day! I loved every second of it. I ended the day with my family at my favorite restaurant Robintino's. We ate a delicious dinner followed by my Mom's delicious eclairs!

Pictures from my bday:



Thank you to EVERYONE that made my birthday wonderful! I love you all and I am so grateful to have you in my life!

3 comments:

The Becks said...

That is how my knee feels at the end of every day. It sucks not being able to do what we want, when we want. I feel your pain.

dede said...

I hope that your knee heals quickly and that you are back doing what you love soon! I am glad your birthday was a fun getaway day!! (and your NOT old!!!)

Brittany said...

How frusterating to not be able to exercise when you want to! (It's usually the other way around for most people ;)

Be devoted to your PT exercises- they do amazing things to heal the body :)