Jenny On the Spot

Ok, maybe it’s the 12th hour. Tomorrow is our planned 12 mile training run. As each Saturday brings an added mile to our distance, “Reasonable Jenny” asks, “WHY am I doing this?”
I am feeling a little concerned this week, as opposed to a general sense of dread. I struggle to manage knee pain I’ve been dealing with since my last half - with a good amount of success. Actions I have taken to care for this “bum” knee range from physical therapy, taping my knee so that the kneecap sits closer to God’s intended kneecap path, and custom orthotics. Moderate success until Tuesday.

Tuesday’s 5 mile run changed things. By the end of mile 4, a different area of my knee began to hurt. It got to the point of such pain, I decided to walk. Erg. Katie even stayed with me. My other knee pain has not brought me to that end. We probably walked about a quarter mile, and I was glad to have been able to run the remaining distance.

I was planning on getting in at least 2 more runs this week before Saturday, but the plan changed. I took a spin class on Wednesday and swam on Thursday. I hoped that a couple days of cross-training would help. I hopped on the treadmill at the gym this morning. It was a perfect morning to run outside, but I decided the flatter and softer surface and would be kinder. I took it easy and steady. I made it to 2.7 miles, and the slightest hint of that other pain returned. I stopped immediately.

I dunno what to expect. I don’t want to expect the pain tomorrow (to will it into happening), but I don’t want to be unprepared. I definitely don’t want this thing to foil 8 weeks of purposeful training. Maybe I should call my PT… maybe I want to pretend it’s not a big deal… maybe I want my knee to work as long as my ticker does… “WHY am I doing this?