Defn: a human male displaying evidence of devolution - exhibits distinctive "caveman-like" tendencies. This man often dribbles in public places; cannot drink a beverage without spilling it on himself, the floor or someone else; may also run into objects like lampposts & bushes; has a definite "sloopish & short legged" running style that is slow and low to the ground, often resulting in the dragging of knuckles.

These throwback neanderthals, along with their questionable diet, should clearly be avoided.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Knee Deep

Been over 24 hrs since it was determined surgery was needed on the knee.  Not got any better in my mind.  Several thoughts have been rattling around since.

1) My knee doesn't feel right, but I really feel as though I could get out and run right now.  I won't.  But I want to.  I might.  But probably shouldn't.  If I run carefully, it can't get much worse.
2) Along that line - knowing surgery is coming, option of running between now & then is tempting, surgery will fix what's broke, so if I feel okay - why not run?
3) I am smart enough (barely) to know when to back off, I will never win anything, nothing between now & surgery is a goal race - but I have paid for some races, so want to at least finish them, even if it takes me longer than it should if healthier.
4) For example, family trip to TN in 1 1/2 weeks to meet my Sister's new baby, 10K the day after I get there, on flat land.  My kid and I already signed up a few weeks ago.  If I wake up that morning feeling okay, I might just try it.
5) Summer Roundup 12K is a couple of days before surgery.  Not an easy, nor flat course.  Again, it is paid for, kid is doing it.  It is part of the Triple Crown series (GOG and the Ascent are the other 2).  Even if I finish last, still eligible for the Triple Crown.
6) Speaking of the Ascent - it's 5 1/2 weeks after surgery.  "Typical" recovery time is 4 to 6 weeks.  Again, it is not an easy course, nor flat.  Cut off time to complete is 6 1/2 hrs.  Maybe possible?  Unlikely - but I'll never know unless I try.
7) The other line of thought has been when did the thing tear?  Doc doesn't know, I don't know.  It may have been torn months or even years ago - and somewhat recently tore some more.  Training for the marathon 6 weeks ago I trained hard (for me), but knees ached at times before training, during and after - not really any noticeable or predictable time when one run hurt more than another.
8) GOG 10 miler - 2 weeks ago - my knee barely hurt at all, I ran quite hard.  Didn't hurt for the days that followed.  But then I woke up Friday last week, after not having run in 5 days and it was swollen like a watermelon.
9) Apparently the meniscus, when torn - can inflame anytime, but sometimes there is no inflammation or pain anytime at all.  Of course running, especially pounding downhill, is not going to help it at all.  The option to just rest it for an indefinite amount of time is not going to heal it, surgery is necessary
10) Getting old sucks, missing out on doing things with my kids is really not fun at all - especially running with my son.  He and I are really bummed about not being able to do the BTMR together.  Sure there is next year.  But we wanted to do it together this year.  He will still do it, will (hopefully) probably do okay, but to miss out on the effort of seeing him try, w/ a potentially good result - that is not a feeling I am looking forward to.
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4 comments:

  1. GZJune 26, 2011 at 1:10 AM

    umm ... so are you absolutely sure you need this surgery?

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  2. CraigJune 26, 2011 at 1:56 PM

    Simple answer is yes. Saw the scans w/ the tear. Like any (old) car - you can put off an oil change for quite some time, but things get worse, some days it works and (knee) feels fine. Eventually the thing will stop working altogether and cause more damage.

    Yesterday, I felt like I could run (I didn't) - had thoughts of trying to run today - woke up and it's swollen and gotten more uncomfortable and problematic as day has progressed.

    I ran with the pain / discomfort / swelling for the Marathon and training - so my stubborn mind says it's okay to still run with it now, but I need to get it taken care of (Surgically).

    Bottom line - running is a real desire, but realistically - not a wise choice. Best choice is not run, go under the knife and then see where the chips fall. Doc expects full recovery.

    ReplyDelete
  3. HappyTrailsJune 26, 2011 at 4:55 PM

    I would lean toward the not run and give the doc a much better chance to fix it up real pretty. Of course, that is a not so very fun option when it is summer and running is what you enjoy. Bummer dude!

    ReplyDelete
  4. CraigJune 27, 2011 at 10:16 AM

    Agreed HT's, common sense has prevailed, that and I had my family hide my running shoes and shorts - that will make it a little more difficult, and embarrassing, even if I did want to run.

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