desperate2run

I am happy to say I am still continuing to improve. I have run some 5 milers and do a standard 4 miles three times per week. I still have not done that 10k I have been talking about because I have been caught up in training for a 100 mile bike ride that is in three weeks, so running has not been my priority. However, my eliptical is lonely as I have been running outside or on the treadmill whenever I am not biking. I still have a “stiff” knee after sitting long periods, but it is pretty much pain free. I’ll update either 1) after the century ride or 2) after my first organized running race.

Well, it’s August already! I can’t believe I am almost at the 2 1/2 year mark.  I am doing well.  My knee is still stiff a lot- especially going down stairs in heels – but not painful.  I run about 3 x per week.  3-4 miles per time.  I do most of my runs on the treadmill because it is soft.  I do run outside some, and it is getting easier.  I cycle or eliptical the rest of the time.  I am hopeful that I will continue to improve over the next year or more.  My doctor tells me it takes 5 years to fully mature the new cells (yikes!).  Cycling is pretty easy on it.  I intend to do another century ride this fall and can easily cycle 30 or 40 miles without any problems at all (no swelling or pain afterwards).  For example, I cycled 30 yesterday and the knee feels well enough that I may run 3 or 4 tonight.  Is it normal? No, but it sure is better than it was before surgery! I have a whole different perspective on things now and am so grateful that I have not been completely sidelined from sporting activities.  If you are at the beginning of this process – hang in there – it gets better!

It has been a few months since my last post – so I will update on my progress.  I do not have many problems running on the treadmill.  Ran 4 miles yesterday in about 39 minutes without pain.  I still struggle outside because of the quad muscle not being fully developed and the hills kill me.  But it is definitely improving. I continue to lift weights etc…. and I have noticed that it is getting easier and I can increase the weights.  The plan right now is to do a 10k in August.  I am trying to be smart about taking things gradually.  I am breaking up running by at least a day in between and therefore am only running about 3 times a week.  I cycle or elliptical on the other days.  This week I  ran 4miles each on three spread out days.  Next week I will probably do the same and then increase to 4.5 for a week or two – working my way to 6 for the 10k.  Slow but sure is my progress.  Still feeling pretty good about the situation!

Just a quick update on my progress. I have continued to work on my running- still no problems. I am a few weeks past the two year mark. My operated on leg is about 1 1/2 cm smaller than the other. The quad muscles are more defined- but not as big as before. My knee pretty much does not give out at all except rarely. Giving out means it gives a little and then I catch myself- I don’t collapse or anything. I run mostly on the treadmill – but have done as much as 4 miles outside. Outside is really hard because of the hills. On the treadmill I’m down to three miles in about 30.5 minutes- slow but better than 2 1/2 months ago when same distance took 41 minutes. I am continuing to cycle and elliptical on days I don’t run. My bad leg gets stiff when I’m on my feet all day- especially in heels. No swelling- but there is a patch on the side of my knee that has no feeling- making shaving a perpetually life threatening experience!:) all in all – I’m doing great!

I have continued to run on the treadmill about three times a week. I try to split up the running with the elliptical. Running does not feel “normal” but it is not painful. Mainly my legs just feel weak- but I’m essentially starting from scratch here so I guess it’s probably how anyone who is new to running would feel. Yesterday I ran outside for the first time and it was HARD. But I went three miles in 34 minutes so I’m getting a little faster. This morning I was stiff but no swelling or problems. I feel really lucky and am so happy to be working my way back. 🙂 life is good.

I am happy to report that I ran for the first time in over 2 years. My last run before surgery was a 22 miler in November of 2011. After that run I knew something was wrong and had an MRI that led to this 2 year odyssey. Today I went to pt and was going to come home and hop on the elliptical. The treadmill was staring at me. I felt pretty good so I thought I’d see if I could do 1/4 mile. I ended up running three miles. It was very slow- 41:05-and I took a lot of breaks- BUT no pain and no problems. I may be sore tomorrow- but right now I feel awesome!!! Now for my first race……

I have been attending PT for a month now, and doing home exercises every day. I am pretty religious about doing the work outs at home. I have to say the knee feels much better. Has not given out in several weeks, no problem walking even several miles and it feels better on the stairs. I am actually starting to think that I will be doing a little running at some point this spring. I finish PT in two weeks. I figure six weeks more of home exercises and I should be able to at least give it a try with some confidence. The exercises the PT person has me doing are very targeted to the half of my quad that was not really firing properly. I feel pretty optimistic. I will post as things progress. Can’t believe I am coming up on the two year mark. This has been a marathon in itself. If I actually can manage a 5k this spring it will be AWESOME.