I finally know what's wrong with my knee

After about 5 weeks, including 3 trips to the orthopedic, 1 MRI, and 12 sessions of physical therapy, I finally know what is wrong with my knee.

Just to bring everyone up to speed, I started having pain in my knee about 5-6 weeks ago. I didn't think much of it at first, but it gradually got to the point where it was difficult to walk, so I decided to go to the doctor. I got an MRI which showed a few minor things, but nothing that was causing the pain I was feeling, so he sent me off to physical therapy. PT seemed to help, but I was still having some pain. I went pack to the doctor today, and now know that my pain is caused from some roughness on the back of my patella. The doctor told me I should keep doing my physical therapy exercises on my own and that I could return to all of my normal activities. I asked him if that included running, and he said, "if that's what you really want to do." He said that if I did start running, he'd most likely see me back in his office with knee pain again in a couple of months. The next step if the knee pain gets too bad is to have the rough part scraped off the back of my patella, which unfortunately involves surgery. Bottom line . . . I have to keep my knee happy, otherwise I'll have to have surgery, which will mean no Ironman this year.

Yesterday's workout was about 50 minutues on the bike (20 minute warm-up, 10X1 minute power intervals, and 10 minute cool-down).

Today's workout was 2100 yards in the pool. Mostly 25s, which I think is rather strange for someone training for the Ironman distance, but I'm sticking to the plan for the most part.

My first WALKING half-marathon

Today was the Go! St. Louis Marathon and Half-Marathon. I walked the half-marathon with my husband, Aron. If you've been following my blog, you probably know that I was planning on running the full marathon, but was not able to due to a knee injury.

First of all the weather in STL was horrible today. It rained for a good part of the race and there were lots of puddles on the course. Congratulations to everyone who completed the race in less than ideal weather!

Being at the race today was a little hard for me. It was tough to see all of the runners, knowing that I couldn't run. However, I'm glad I still participated, and Aron and I had a good time. We finished in 3:05:17. Yes, somehow, both of us managed to get the exact same time.

I saw a few of my clients at the race. I yelled for you, but no one looked my way. I know some of you had headphones on during the race, but I won't name any names.

In addition to walking 13.1 miles today, I also road for 2 hours on my indoor bike trainer. I was hoping to get out on the road today, but the weather kept me inside.

Here are my totals for my first week of Ironman training: Swimming: 3300 yards, Biking: 4 hours, Walking/Elliptical: 4 hours, Strength Training: 2 sessions

One week down, 19 more to go!

Missed today's workout

I was suppose to do a 2 hour bike today. Didn't get it in for various reasons. I'm planning on doing it tomorrow instead. It's bedtime. I'll be getting up at 5 AM tomorrow to head down to Go! St. Louis. Good luck to everyone participating!

One of my few rest days

Today was a rest day. There aren't too many in the program I'm following, but it was nice to have a day off.

Went to the Chaifetz Arena today to pick up my packet for the Go! St. Louis half-marathon. Since I hurt my knee and won't be able to run the full marathon, I decided to give walking the half-marathon a try. I don't think I've ever walked more then 5-6 miles at one time. The race is Sunday, I'll let you know how it goes!

First 2 workout day

Today was my first 2 workout day. I did a 2000 yard swim (30X50 and a 500 cool-down). My second workout was suppose to be a 30 minute run, but I did 30 minutes on the elliptical instead, as I'm still not suppose to run. My knee is a little sore, but I won't say it is painful. I go back to the doctor next week. I hope I get the okay to start running again soon.

Mental Focus

Yesterday, I did 1300 yards in the pool. A very short workout, but I know I will come to appreciate these types of workouts over the next few months.

Today, I was back on my trainer for another hour of spinning. My mental focus was much better then it was on Monday, which made the hour pass quickly. I use to struggle to maintain my concentration on the bike. Last year, I finally feel like I had a breakthrough and was much more focused on the bike. I hope I continue with last year's trend and improve my ability to tune out outside distractions even more.

Although the ability to tune out distractions isn't going to lead to a successful race on it's own, a lack of focus on the task at hand can definitely result in disaster on the race course. I've found that practicing my concentration during my training sessions results in improved concentration on race day and more effective workouts.

Ironman Louisville Training Begins

It's been awhile since my last blog. I hope to get everyone caught up on what I've been up to over the last few weeks during my next few blogs. However, as it's getting late tonight and sleep is an important part of training, my blog today will be short.

Today was the official start of my 20 week Ironman Louisville training plan. I did a one hour bike on my trainer. I felt great physically, but had some trouble maintaining my mental concentration.

One day down, a lot more to come!