Attitude is Everything!

Ran to the gym. The heat and humidity were awful. My AP was very slow-9:16 mm (texting and running don't work well together, although I enjoyed the walk breaks).

Had a soccer game.  I don't know what is going on but my team is not playing well.  It is really frustrating, although I am not contributing much.  My knee is not right-  it does not feel stable.  I think I am actually a hinderence to my team. 

MRI tomorrow. 

I got my MRI results back on Thursday and have been depressed ever since.  I now know why I have been struggling for the past year.  My right knee has a total ACL rupture and a meniscus tear.  My left knee also has a meniscus tear. 

I am not afraid of the ACL surgery, I have had two of them already but this time there are other issues that have to be considered and the uncertainty of how and when has me rather anxious.  Since I have already had an ACL repair done on this knee (20 years ago) they will have to remove the screws from that surgery and do bone grafts.  Recovery on this stage is about 6 months.  Then I will be ready to have the ACL reconstruction, which requires 6 months to a year for total recovery.  Since I just started a new job I do not want to miss any work, therefore, I don't know when to schedule the surgery.  When I had my left knee done 10 years ago I was able to do it the first day of the UEA break and I was back to work on Monday- no missed work.  I was on crutches for a while and had to rely on my students a bit to help me but things worked out.  Now that I'm 10 years older I'm not sure I'll be able to get back on my feet so fast.  I really don't won't to miss work. 

Today I decided to try and run since I've been running on it (sortof) for a year now.  I ran from my house down 114th south to the district and back.  I ran 3 miles (9:21, 9:22, 9:26) then I walked a mile (stopping in at Harmon's to get a bottle of water), then I ran 2 miles (9:21, 8:17) then I walked 1.5 miles.  I feel like the tin man running.  My knee is really stiff and likes to send shooting pains and give out every now and then. 

I am rather discouraged.  I was hoping to BQ again this year but it looks like running might  be on hold for a while.  I wish I knew...

I went into this race just wanting to finish and have a good run, since I likely won't be racing/running for a while.  I started out at a nice easy pace, running the first 2.5 miles with my husband.  I was feeling good and he could tell he was holding me back so we departed company.  Miles 3-9 I ran in the 7:40's.  Miles10-12 my pace slowed to the low 8's.  I found these miles a bit challenging.  My legs (& knee) felt good but the heat was torture and I wasn't expecting the rolling hills- if you can call them that.  I finished my last mile in 7:30.  

I was very pleased with my performance in this race.  I probably could have pushed harder but I wanted to enjoy the journey.  I think this is one of the only races I have run where my quads are not sore.  If it wasn't for my knee, which is huge and very sore, I would feel great.  I look forward to attempting this race again once I get my knee fixed (hopefully by then they will get the buses and start times figured out).

FYI- My husband and I got each others timing chips.  I'm pretty sure they messed it up with our packets because I know I put on the chip labeled 800 and his was 801.  I asked them at the race to fix our times but they did not.  So it shows me finishing at 1:55 and Jeff finishing at 1:43 (he wishes).  A little annoying but oh well, I know better.

Amazing run- It gives me the motivation to push through surgery/rehab. and hopefully come back stronger than ever.  If I can run 13.1 in 1:43 with very little training and a bad knee what will I be able to do when I am strong again?  I can't wait to find out. 

Wednesday I meet with the doc to discuss my options.