Woman Down! (but not out)

Last week I did a 6 mile run, slowly, on a bad knee, and although the pain started, I thought it was minimal. At mile 4 it was obvious, as the pain became excruciating that this was no little ache. Despite the obvious signs to stop, I powered trough and finally broke my 5.5 mile reaching my goal of 6. I should have known then and rested, but the next day was my 3 mile easy run, so I started. A mile in the running became excruciating, as my knee was caving in, i was putting too much pressure on my ankle and my run came to screeching halt. The Pain, did not hurt nearly as much as the realization that my training for the coming days would come to a screeching halt, all that I've worked for hangs in the balance. I felt utterly defeated. Taking a step back, driving on my way home, I decided it might slow my training, but it would not de-rail me. I took the week off from running, walking allowed, and lots of cross training, focusing on core and upper body. I have ITBS (Iliotibial band Syndrome) so the tendon that connects the calf below the knee hip, becomes tightened and is rubbing on the outside of my knee, and throwing my form out of balance and causing knee pain. I've been doing trainer recommended stretching and foam rolling to release fascia and tightness in my ITB. So far the issue is not resolved, but improving some. I walked/ran a few miles today building up to faster paces and doing some sprints to test where I am, I'm probably about 50%. one more week and I'll be up to my old self!

WHEN YOU CAN VOLUNTEER! Today, I was not up for running 9.3 mile with my running group, so I volunteered! Volunteers make so many races every year possible, our running community would not exist if we did not help each other out. Give back, give up one PR so that you and your fellow runners can continue to run. Whether manning the time clock, registering racers, or passing out water every bit helps, I'm setting a personal goal to volunteer every 5 races. And you get to see things from a new perspective as a volunteer, look at those colorful ants in the distance!