Carole & Other runners..........

banslug

banslug

Cathlete
Ok, ladies. Carole, you're always full of excellent answers for us running folks, so here's another.

This is about knee pain. I know you're not a doctor, but I wanted advice from experienced runners.

I'm training for my first-ever marathon in Disney, January 2006. Last week's long run on Sunday morning (7:30am) was 14 miles. I felt GREAT! I went in with the mindset that I was going to STARE at my HRM and keep my HR at a steady 80-85%. Success! I felt really good during and after the run, during the stretch, and even when I got home after the 25 minute car ride home. The usual stiffness and cramping from the car ride, but overall I felt very good.

HOWEVER, by Monday night, around 4pm, my right knee was hurting. It felt like a bruise, actually, on the inside of my knee cap. Today, it's pretty much the same, and has been all week. I've been icing, resting, elevating, etc. It's strange, see if I can explain it.

When standing straight up, I bend my right knee straight behind me and I feel a tugging or pulling of something, again toward the inside of my kneecap. I can squat all the way to the floor without excrustiating pain, but I still feel that tugging. It's WORST when walking down steps or walking normally on the ground, road, etc. When jogging (tried it just a few time very easily this week), I can feel the tug, but it's more annoying than it is painful.

Any ideas? I will reserve the comments made by my coach/trainer until after I hear what others here have to say.

I am scheduled for 7 miles tomorrow, and I'm gonna give it a try, but I'm nervous. I KNOW I didn't hurt anything by a fall or stumble or anything like that. As I said, I was fine till about 36 hours after my run.

SORRY FOR THIS LONG POST...looking for advice from experienced runners.

TIA

Gayle
 
It kinda sounds like Runner's knee to me. I have not had it so I can't give you any advice...:(...I have had pain there on occasion but only when I step so when I back off it goes away. But it never hurts me when I run. You are so far doing the right thing. Does it hurt when you run?...also how old are your shoes? I know www.runnersworld.com does have info about Runner's knee...let us know how things go...:)...Carole
 
WOW! Carole, that was FAST! LOL. My coach is taking a look at my shoes tomorrow morning. That's HIS first reaction as well. When I'm running, it tugs, but it's more annoying than anything. I don't know how it will feel during 7 miles tomorrow. Guess I'll have to wait and see.

I haven't heard the term 'runner's knee', so I'm going to check it out right now.

I'll keep you posted.

Gayle
 
Alot of times knee issues are associated with worn out shoes...:)...so I am hoping that is the problem. Besides, getting new shoes is quite fun...:D ...Carole
 
Yeah, I'd rather pay $100+ for a new pair of excellent running shoes than a $2500 deductible for therapy and an MRI!

Gayle
 
>Yeah, I'd rather pay $100+ for a new pair of excellent
>running shoes than a $2500 deductible for therapy and an MRI!
>

LOL! Gayle, I hope that it's the shoes too. I always can tell when it's time for new running shoes because my knees will start aching. Once I get new shoes that "nagging" feeling goes away.

Good luck!

Dallas
 
Hi Gayle,

I had something very similar happen to me when I ran a marathon a few years back. I did not seek medical advice and I wish I would have, b/c I never found out exactly what it was and, although I was able to run the marathon and complete it, the knee hurt.

I would listen to what the trainer says and, if you do not like his advice, then I would go see a doctor. My knees are fine now (although I don't run more than 10 miles at a pop now)--I just know they will always be my "weak spot." I might have had "runner's knee"--Carole is probably right, but without a correct diagnosis, I never really properly treated it.

By the way, the Disney Marathon sounds AMAZING! Are you in training with the Leukemia Foundation? I had toyed with the idea of doig it.

Good luck to you and don't despair--I truly beleive that once you are in good shape (which you are!), running a marathon is about 80% mental, 20% physical!

Melissa :)
 
Thanks, everybody for all the advice, input and well wishes.

I had my long run this morning. Fortunately, it was only 7 miles (LOL...NEVER thought I'd ever say ONLY 7 MILE! LOL). Frankly, it hurt like HELL! I hadn't run all week, just icing and resting, hoping the pain would subside. Coach ran behind me for the majority of the time and when we met in the lot after the run, he said I am GROSSLY overpronating on my right side, which is the knee that hurts. Twidce throughout the 7 miles, I nearly stopped in agony, and probably should have walked instead, but the competetive (and stupid) side of me would not let me walk! LOL

Long story short, I am going for a NEW pair of sneaks tomorrow, and keeping my Ortho appt for this coming Friday. I am PRAYING that they don't send me for an MRI or anything, finances are HORRIBLE right now and insurance isn't so good. I do not currently wear insoles or orthotics, but I should feel like I could use a pair.

Melissa-Everybody I talk to tells me Disney is THE marathon to do for the first time! I am really looking forward to it. The ONLY part of the marathon I am worried about is the fundraising. YES, it is for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training (DH passed away last September from Leukemia, so I feel this is my part in helping other families.).

Right now, my knee is incredible sore and although I am deathly afraid of this being an injury, all common sense tells me it's just overuse.

I promise to keep you all posted and THANKS AGAIN for the input!

Gayle
 
Gayle...I'd ice your knee aboout every 2 hours for about 15-20 min. Take tomorrow off! Ice some more. I'll tell you what I do for new shoes that is if you know the ones you like. I do a search thru Google and put in the exact name of the shoe. Then find a site that sells maybe last years models and no shipping. I have gotten some great Reeboks for about $50 that way.

Sounds like the Disney Marathon will be good for you for a 1st marathon. If you lived in Cal I'd say Napa...that was mine and thru the wine country it was fun.

Thanks for keeping us posted as I am excited for you and your 1st marathon..:)...Carole
 
Gayle, I hope that your khee soon feels better, I also ran for
Team in Training a long time ago. I ran Honalulu HI. It was a
wonderful experience. everyone was so supportive. I to had
a problem and when I went to a bigger sneaker and one that was
totally flat on the bottom no cut outs at the arch it went away.
The fund raising was tough but I got there. Have fun and enjoy
the ride! Good luck tomorrow.
Garilee
 
You guys are GREAT!

Garilee (cool name, by the way)-good for you for the TNT run as well. I have been told by TONS of folks who have done TNT runs that the team is awesome, and I really and experiencing that now. I was nervous, at first, taking my kids to Disney with me for an extended vacation, but I've been reassured that they'll be well-taken care of by teammembers while I run my little heart (and knee) out.

Chat soon!

Gayle
 
Gayle, The people of TNT were great I didn't take my little guy
with me so I don't know about that but I would think there would be people there to watch them. I have to tell you my time...
it was 5hours 59minutes 59seconds. Is that a wild time or what?
I know that if I would have been here in Pa I could have done better
but with the 13 hour plane ride two days before they told us to stay well hydrated well I think I drank to much. Every time I drank
something on the race I had to find somewhere to go to the bathroom!
That took up alot of time. But all I was worried about was finishing
and having fun which I did! I didn't hit the wall and I didn't walk.
Have fun Garilee!
 
Good Luck Gayle! Injuries are the pits! Sorry you are dealing with this when you want to do something sooo special! I hope the new shoes and orthos help alleviate your problem. I will be here cheering you on!
Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH (AKA "Den Mother Debbie")http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/wavey.gif[/img] If You Get The Choice To Sit It Out Or Dance...I Hope You DANCE!!!
 
Gayle,

Hope you don't mind me butting in here.....

It really won't impact your training too much if you take a week off and use that time to concentrate on non or low impact exercise. An eliptical is good for cross training during running.

You'll be better off in the end if you treat your injury now rather than trying to run through the pain.

If you're wearing the wrong shoes it's good to find out and get a proper pair, but simply switching out shoes probably won't fix your knee if you are injured.

While training for my first marathon I got an overuse injury and ended up taking 1 1/2 weeks off from training. I cross trained during that time and if I remember correctly, I was able to run 15 miles when I jumped back in.

My marathon time was slow but I made it to the starting line and finished it running. For a first marathon that's usually the goal anyway!:)

Good luck!
 
Elaine & Debbie-Thanks for the thoughts

Elaine-I have pretty much decided that I simply NEED to rest the knee this week again. I had NO problem this past Sunday with the 7 miles, cardiovascularly, at least...just the knee.

As for cross training, I simply can not bend my knee to a certain point without pain, so step, bike and even ellip are out of the question. I just cannot imagine putting my knee into rythmic pain just as if I were running on it again.

Today, I went to the specialty running store and got a good pair of sneaks, along with TONS of good advice from the guy there.

Taking it slowly. I just realized today that I NEED to take care of this injury NOW...taking care of my kids is WAY more important than running a marathon. I want to make sure I can do it in ONE PIECE!

NOTHING WILL STOP ME FROM DOING THIS MARATHON!

Gayle
 
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