Forced to take a break

Posted on 14/03/2013 under Running

I am currently having a few days off from running after suffering from knee pain during my 25.5km run at the weekend. I was worried this might happen but i’m not surprised – I knew that my training schedule was pretty intense and that some part of my body might not be able to keep up. “Runners knee” is not uncommon and I think this is a result of classic overuse. I think that my run two weeks ago along the rugged coastline was what really did it, after which I experienced some soreness in my knees which passed after a couple of days. In order to get into shape to do the JDF run before I leave the island I knew I had a lot of hard work ahead of me. I always knew it was going to be tough. 20130314-132733.jpg A quick snap during a run last week. There are lots of trails on Saltspring, literally out of the back door. Lots of hills too though! So right now I am resting my knee by not running on it for a few days and while there is no pain it definitely does not feel 100%. Not being able to run is always frustrating and in the back of my mind I know this could delay the run which in turn could mean I am unable to do it. I need to leave Canada by the 20th of July and with the road trip I am planning I have alot I want to do so I can’t hang around here for very long. My long run this weekend is obviously off the cards and I will have to wait and see how long it takes me to get back out there to determine how it will affect training for the big run. I obviously don’t want to do myself a serious injury, especially with all of the fun activities I have planned for the next six months so I am going to play it safe. That means that if I can’t do the run in May I can’t do it – there are always more runs. I haven’t given up on my goal just yet though. The annoying thing is that aside from my knee pain during the 25.5km run I felt fit and strong and my legs weren’t even sore afterwards! I was a little tired in the evening and the day after but I have been very happy with how my body is both improving and recovering. It’s an amazing feeling to be in the best shape of my life – this was the first half of one of my goals for 2013. The other half was to “stay there”. The silver lining is that I get to rest for a few days which I am actually enjoying. Running big distances every day has been surprisingly enjoyable but it has been making me very tired. Also my bedtimes have been getting pretty early as lots of sleep has been key to getting my body in shape. The family I am staying with have a couple of kids and I have been going to bed before them! I know that running injuries are common and I have already had my fair share, but I am not being deterred. I have no doubt in my mind that I want running to be part of my life and I am determined to get past this teething problems and continue doing something that I love.

3 thoughts on "Forced to take a break"

  1. MOG says:
    March 15, 2013 at 4:42 pm

    Sounds like you’re doing the sensible thing – a minor set back I’m sure.
    Enjoy the break!

  2. Jessica A. Hawes says:
    March 15, 2013 at 1:16 pm

    Sorry you have had a lttle set-back to your plans but I thnink you have already achieved an enormous amount. Have a good rest. love, Grandma’

  3. Simon Pritchard says:
    March 14, 2013 at 2:31 pm

    You’d fit right in back with us – early bedtimes all round! Hope you’re feeling better soon!?