So I’m not sure what’s exactly wrong with my knee. I so know it is not IT Band Syndrome, as I have had that before….bad. My first marathon, I picked it up pretty early in my training. It was awful. I couldn’t bare to run most days, but did find that it didn’t really bother me on the elliptical machine. So I’d do three hour sessions on that thang to get my miles in. Only thing that kept me sane was the Saved By The Bell marathons that were usually on at the gym Saturday mornings.
The problem was that on an elliptical, you don’t get the pounding on your feet that you get on the streets. So when I showed up for the marathon, not only was my IT Band killing me, but my feet got all bloody from blisters, and chafing, etc. Here’s what my shoes and socks looked like after the race…
But hey, I still finished, right? Haha. After that experience I got smarter. I edumacated myself on how to do these distances safely. And I’ve been pretty diligent about trying to do all the right things, because I never want to go through that again!
That’s why this injury is so frustrating. I thought I was being smart. Cross training, yogaing, foam rolling, proper eating, stretching and a bunch of other thingings.
I don’t think this is Runners Knee, as I consider that a gradual injury you get, and this one happened all of the sudden. One day I ran and felt great, the very next day I ran and it hurt. I want to say I over exerted it landing too hard going down hill, but I can’t say for sure. I must admit though, that after looking up the symptoms, I seem to have some of them – it gets stiff after sitting too long, hurts to walk down stairs, etc.
As for now, I’m hoping it’s still just an overexertion that needs a short time off to heal. Of course I’m going to RICE, and do other good things like up my dosage of fish oil. And so I’m going to rest some more, and if I still have issues, I will go see a professional.
In the meantime, I have to make a choice. I can wallow in a tub of french onion dip, or I can stay positive and send good energy to my parts that need it. I think I’ll choose the latter.
So here’s something positive. My 4 year old asked me to make Mickey Mouse waffles. Here he is enjoying the original thang in Disney World…
And here’s the “healthy” homemade version I made for him. I used whole wheat flour, local unfiltered honey, coconut oil, cinnamon, organic milk, free range chicken eggs.
More of a pancake than a waffle, but whatevs.
So as much as I wish I was running right this moment, I’m not going to complain about it. I’m going to look at the positives and hopefully be back sooner because of it!
What about you? How do you stay positive? Ever recreated a favorite dish from someplace at home? Which Saved By The Bell character would you be, and why?
Piratebobcat 
I had runner’s knee last winter and let’s just say I DIDN’T stay positive. Nope, I was pretty rough, and it was only four weeks. But I’m taking notes here, friend.
And your shoes are gross. That is insane. Did you not walk for weeks after that?
The rest of that day was miserable, I could not walk. Literally.
Surprisingly, the next day I felt fine.
Keep it cheery, CCRM!
I can’t even imagine — I would just bathe my feet in Neosporin for days. And cry. Yup definitely cry a little.
Haha, there may have been some tears. Def a learning experience.
WHAT??? Are you serious with the bloody socks/shoes?? OMG that’s horrible! I have no idea how you didn’t quit running…and OMG those pancake-waffles are amazing!
Oh yes, it was awful. Starting at mile 14 both feet felt like they were on fire. I knew if I stopped at a first aid tent they would make me drop out, so I just kept going. The socks/shoes were def the hit of my sisters post race party that evening!
Man…what a beast…or a masochist?
Haha, maybe both!
You should warn people more before posting nasty shit like that. Seriously. I thought we were friends.
Sorry, I thought a bitch could handle that. 😉
This bitch has a delicate temperament!
Think positive to stay positive. Humor helps too and you are a natural with that. No “edumacation” needed. 🙂
Haha, thanks! I’m glad someone picked up on my intentional misspells!
Dear lord, those socks and sneakers!
I kept them for a long time. Thought about framing them as a symbol of determination, but then came to the conclusion that it might be gross and tossed em.
You can always frame the photograph. I don’t know whether to be impressed or call you a dummy.
Haha, probably both!
Oh, my! What a pic! 😮
Love the waffles. Definitely a good alternative to running, for now!
I’ll consider it carbo loading for my big comeback!
That must have been so painful! I can’t believe you kept running. Crazy man! I told you in your previous post to take it easy, you didn’t listen! (Am I being a mama? haha). At least you made it up to us by posting a picture of your handsome son and this incredible waffle!
Haha, sorry mom!
Glad you liked the other pics! And yes, he is handsome…I did my best!
First – WAY TO STAY POSITIVE yet be realistic. Too many of us “crazy runners” think that pushing through will somehow make it better and find out later we’re REALLY injured. Second- running injuries are just as finicky as we are with our running routines. Feeling out the injury and looking into the possibilities is smart and the only way to try to prevent further damage if you can source the issue. After MCM last year I went on a few runs and my knee hurt too…Pinching feeling, like the knee cap was moving. Turns out mine was connected to my tendinitis issues. Lastly – Many of my runner friends have had luck with the tiny band that wraps around the bottom of the knee cap (looks like this http://www.betterbraces.com/donjoy-cross-strap). Hope some foamrolling/icing/and time off is the cure. Get better 🙂
Thank yo so much! I still plan on doing the Dopey Challenge, so I’m taking it easy now so hopefully I can be fixed. I’m tempted to push through, but like you said, that would just make it worse!
Sorry to hear about your tendinitis! Hopefully you have that under control!
I’ll look into the brace. And thanks for the good vibes, I’ll keep ya posted!
I’m all healed now for the most part! Knee problems are a runners worst nightmare I hope it’s getting better for you. That dopey challenge is really crazy but I think no matter what you can do it just maybe take it easy on the paces. Hope your having a good day with the knee.
Glad to hear!
And thank you! I’m hoping the rest I’m giving it will be all it needs. I’m also taking this time to really kick my booty in the gym. I’m so sore right now. I’m hoping doing some strength work will make my legs stronger and better able to stay healthy on the runs!
Sending you positive vibes that this knee issue clears up soon. How cute is your son?! And I wouldn’t mind a Mickey waffle either!
Those socks and shoes are bad. It must have been an extremely painful finish!
Thank you!!! And yes, he is pretty cute – I did the best I could, haha!
Mickey Mouse waffles just taste better for some reason.
The pain in my IT band in that marathon started at mile 5. The feet pain started at mile 14. I remember it very clearly – I took a step and my foot felt like it was on fire. Then my next step my other foot felt like it was on fire. I pulled off to the side and looked in my shoes and saw all the blood. I decided not to stop at a medical tent because they would’ve made me stop the race. All around it was a painful day!