High-Octane

About a week. But even if it's more than a week, it comes back pretty fast. Don't worry about it.

Thanks Burt...hopefully it's not going to be that long. I woke up this morning and I think all of the swelling has gone away and it feels about 90%. I'm thinking about the treadmill tomorrow... :)

I'm sure this was what Joe said "runners knee". I went and read up on it and I'm pretty sure that's it. I think it started when I did my hard tempo work last Tuesday.

Yeah, your conditioning won't just disappear, so definitely take it easy coming back. Making it to the starting line in one piece is half the battle. Good luck.

Even if it is extended (looks like it won't be, thank goodness), there are things you can do to maintain your fitness, mainly cycling according to an article I read recently.

Here's what Jack Daniels, Phd. says in his book Daniel's Running Formula:

Go for an easy run and ask the following:

1.) Does the pain decrease the further you go?

2.) Does the pain stay the same as you progress in the run?

3.) Does the pain increase the farther you go?

He continues: If you answer yes to the 3rd question, terminate the run and seek medical advice or take some days off before trying again. If you answer yes to Q1 or Q2 then continue trying easy runs every day. Compare the daily responses to the questions each day, staying the same or getting worse. If it's getting worse seek medical attention. When an injury is showing little signs of clearing up after several days don't mess with it - get professional advice. A few days off might save you many days of frustration if you continue to aggravate and injury that needs rest. [End paraphrasing]

It's the swelling part that bothers me. Just take it very easy.

I read a well supported article that stated the best cross training for running in descending order is:

(as Flat stated) cycling (indoor)

eliptical machine

deep water running

stair stepping

Cycling might aggravate your knee more - you would have to try it. I think the eliptical might work best for you. Keep your heart rate up there to keep training your aerobic system. You do not want to take too much complete rest from any exercise, as Burt says, you start losing your fitness after a week, two weeks max. In fact, if you are able to do some slow easy runs you may still want to supplement with some higher aerobic cross training until you are able to run faster again.

Here's what Jack Daniels, Phd. says in his book Daniel's Running Formula:

Go for an easy run and ask the following:

1.) Does the pain decrease the further you go?

2.) Does the pain stay the same as you progress in the run?

3.) Does the pain increase the farther you go?

He continues: If you answer yes to the 3rd question, terminate the run and seek medical advice or take some days off before trying again. If you answer yes to Q1 or Q2 then continue trying easy runs every day. Compare the daily responses to the questions each day, staying the same or getting worse. If it's getting worse seek medical attention. When an injury is showing little signs of clearing up after several days don't mess with it - get professional advice. A few days off might save you many days of frustration if you continue to aggravate an injury that needs rest. [End paraphrasing]

It's the swelling part that bothers me. Just take it very easy.

I read a well supported article that stated the best cross training for running in descending order is:

(as Flat stated) cycling (indoor)

eliptical machine

deep water running

stair stepping

Cycling might aggravate your knee more - you would have to try it. I think the eliptical might work best for you. Keep your heart rate up there to keep training your aerobic system. You do not want to take too much complete rest from any exercise, as Burt says, you start losing your fitness after a week, two weeks max. In fact, if you are able to do some slow easy runs you may still want to supplement with some higher aerobic cross training until you are able to run faster again.

Der Hammer,

This is great information. I'll use those guidlines when I get started again. I was planning to the gym this morning and run the treadmill but had a little setback (sickness) last night. I guess somebody was trying to tell me I need one more day of rest :) Hopefully tomorrow I can go in. I believe the swelling has gone away and the pain is very minor now. I did a little physical activity yesterday and it didn't seem to bother it and it didn't really hurt. I really think I'm going to be back to 100% within a few days.