BOOOO to runner's knee

I'm the type of person who is addicted to working out. My physical therapist told me today I have to cut down to 4-5 times a week only if I want my knee to heal.

I'm used to working out twice a day on some days. This is gonna be tough.

I keep telling myself it could be worse....but I love the gym.

I also realized May 1 is rapidly approaching (Long Island Half) and I havent ran since January 1. Part of me really wants to run it...but part of me is worried I won't be able to meet my time goal and I'll dissapoint myself.

Stupid knee

Re: BOOOO to runner's knee

I work out 5 days a week but I run distance only on Saturdays and my other 2-3 days of running are short distances and I spin 2x - Honestly Colleen you overtrain which is probably why you got injured. If I was you I would totally cut back and this way you will be able to do the LI Half. You may not be able to reach your PR but you will be able to do it and complete it. JMO

Message edited 2/17/2011 9:47:48 AM.

Re: BOOOO to runner's knee

the only way for your body to heal is for you to listen to the doctor. You are probably overworking your body at this point and you can do more harm than good if you ignore the pain and instructions of your doc.

You only need 12 weeks to train for half marathon and you can run easily 5-6 miles anyway, which means that you can still run it with less training. When you are injured the goal becomes finishing the race, not finishing with a certain speed.

If you reduce your running to 1 short run during the week and a long run on weekends you will still finish half with a good time and your body will thank you.

Message edited 2/17/2011 9:49:02 AM.

Re: BOOOO to runner's knee

Runner's knee stinks, I am sorry Colleen! But, I agree with the pp, I know you don't want to but definitely cut back atleast until after the LI half. A friend of mine had runner's knee and continued to work out at the same level and she was out of commission for almost 6 months. It's just not worth it. You're in fantastic shape so cutting back will still be okay, you can definitely maintain with only going 4-5 times a week. Just keep reminding yourself that this is short term

Re: BOOOO to runner's knee

Thanks

I forgot to mention, right now I'm not running AT ALL. At the gym I'm only doing the elliptical and weights. I also have boot camp class which is total body and personal training.

I'm working out so much because I'm worried I'm going to lose fitness from not running. I'm already afraid that I won't be able to run as fast as I used to.

Re: BOOOO to runner's knee

I definitely recommend taking it easy. Have you tried the bike? That might put less strain on your knee than even the ellipitical. I would also say make sure you are doing any rehab exercises that the pt gave you religiously. They are professionals - they know what they are talking about.

My DH is a hardcore runner (ie he got a full trip paid for by JP Morgan Chase to compete in an international race in South Africa last year) Being a runner is how he identifies himself. In the middle of December, his achilles was killing him -so much so that he could not run for more than 5 minutes. He had to rest...he had no choice. He has now been going to pt and it is finally getting better (7 weeks later). He has been riding the bike for 5-6 days a week since December and continues to lift weights, but had not run in almost two months. Two days ago he ran an easy 20 and yesterday, he ran for 30 minutes. His cardio endurasnce is still there, so it is not as though he is starting at zero. If he had trained through it, I am sure he would have done more harm than good.

Also in college, I know a girl who trained through an injury and now her running career is over. She wound up doing so much damage to her ankle, she will never be able to run again. Sometimes, even walking, aggravates it.

Re: BOOOO to runner's knee

Re: BOOOO to runner's knee

Listen to the PT!!! I have a long history of knee problems and I am now 34 and basically have NO cartilage left in my left knee. I was so stubborn that I can no longer run more then 0.5-1 mile without pain. I love running! You can still maintain your body on 4-5 days a week in the gym. I started doing pilates which has helped me strenghten the muscles supporting my knee and it is a great workout. Sorry you are dealing with this. I know it is tough but listen to the PT.

Re: BOOOO to runner's knee

I rarely run more than 4 times per week, and I always take 1-2 days off per week from exercise overall. Your body needs the rest so the muscles do not get too overtired. I have had many aches from running and I know when I take a day or two off per week, it only helps. If you can get back to running and do the LI Half, just tell yourself to not set high expectations....and you never know, you might surprise yourself and PR. Or, you can consider doing a 10k and going for a fall half.

I know it's frustrating...you are in great shape, you will bounce back.

Re: BOOOO to runner's knee

you've gotten great advice here already-i just wanted to add that the LI half is not the only 1/2 thats out there for you to set a PR. make it a goal to just finish that one and then as you get better choose another half marathon to PR in. you want your running "career" to be long and healthy and that means taking care of yourself when you have to! good luck and feel better-take it easy!

Re: BOOOO to runner's knee

there are sooo many half's you can participate in once your knee is back to normal. dont push it, you will ony make it worse!!!!!!!!!!!

Re: BOOOO to runner's knee

Thanks for all the support! Its so hard going so long without running. I'm hoping PT will help it out!

Re: BOOOO to runner's knee

First of all

I am going to be honest here. You are young, and you have lots of marathons and half marathons in your future. If you listen to your body now.

I would not do the half this May. You can do so many others - why set yourself back even more? It's bad enough you are recovering, and then to push yourself in such a short time to train for this, and then to push yourself for 13 miles....

It's not worth it for the longer lasting damage of not letting yourself heal!

In the meantime, you shoud read Chi Running - it's DH's favorite book! It talks all about running form and injury....

Re: BOOOO to runner's knee

When will you be able to start training again? If you have the background, you should be able to get started again. If you have the experience of running a half, I think your body will just go right back into the routine. So maybe your time will be slower then the last time, but I think you can do it. I would just start training when you can, and sign up at the last minute.

Last year, I ran the LI half and it was amazing! This year, I'm not going to, but I'll be back the year following!

Re: BOOOO to runner's knee

Posted by lipglossjunky73

First of all

I am going to be honest here. You are young, and you have lots of marathons and half marathons in your future. If you listen to your body now.

I would not do the half this May. You can do so many others - why set yourself back even more? It's bad enough you are recovering, and then to push yourself in such a short time to train for this, and then to push yourself for 13 miles....

It's not worth it for the longer lasting damage of not letting yourself heal!

In the meantime, you shoud read Chi Running - it's DH's favorite book! It talks all about running form and injury....