7 weeks later - all is not well
This weekend was my 7 week date with running. I headed to New Orleans EXTREMELY nervous that I wouldn’t be healed.
Turns out my anxiety was well founded this time. I started feeling something on the outside of my knee about a mile in and it started hurting before I got to mile 3. I spent several miles debating whether or not to finish; the route went right past my hotel at mile 8. However, I decided to just get it done. My strategy was basically to force myself to walk 2 blocks every time I saw a mile marker or a band, and to walk through the aid stations. I was not tired, but it eased the pain and tightness in my IT band.
I finished and was very sore Sunday evening and Monday. It’s still a bit sore today, but not as bad.
I’m very disappointed that all that time off did absolutely nothing to improve my situation. I also have developed a theory that the orthotics are contributing to the problem at this point. My left IT band has never given me problems and it was fine during the race, but it was a bit sore when I got home. If I have had no problems and rested for 7 weeks, it seems VERY unlikely that this would just crop up from compensating alone. I’m sure that contributes, but if it didn’t hurt after the marathon, it shouldn’t hurt after a half.
I went into my sports medicine doctor today and chatted briefly with the podiatrist about this. He said they could be causing the problem and offered to take a look. Unfortunately, I’d forgotten them at home so I will probably go back in next week to have them checked out. However, I’ve lost my trust in them for now.
The PA was quite baffled by the situation. I’m going back in for another MRI on Thursday and then seeing the doctor next Tuesday afternoon. This will let us see if the bone contusion has healed and to reassess. Surgery is looking more likely, but at this point I am so frustrated that I am ready to do what needs to be done. I basically can’t run more than 2 mile without some kind of discomfort, the rest and stretching and cortisone are not helping in the slightest. I feel like I’m running out of options.
ETA: I did get a very cool medal:
