The knee pain has been increasing, but I'm quite sure I'm now able to identify exactly what the problem is. It's been getting worse, to the point that my runs have been getting shorter and shorter by necessity. Specifically, a point-source pain on the outside of my right knee that shows up around 6Km. Initially, my thoughts were to run through the pain and push myself re: endurance. Turns out that isn't going to happen.
After doing some research, it's looks as though I'm suffering from what almost every runner deals with throughout their training. It's called ITBS, and has to do with a sort-of tissue band that runs from the hip all the way down to just below the knee-joint. I'm not entirely sure on the role of the IT Band... as always, internet information is sketchy and greatly varied. Suffice to say it plays a role in the tracking of my knee joint and the general maintenance of a straight running gait.
It seems that, if other muscles aren't doing their job, or are lacking in performance, this IT Band tightens up and inflames due to over-stress as a result of the increased workload. Namely, in my case, my chicken-legs have come back to bite me. Where my gluts (ass-muscle) and my quads, etc. are failing to pull their weight, this IT Band is taking the brunt of the load, rubbing where it isn't supposed to, etc.
Solution: Crappy. I'm taking a whole week, or maybe even a bit more, off. No running, and minimal walking. Throughout this week, I'll be following a pretty aggressive stretching and strengthening routine to get some of those leg muscles up to snuff. I started this weekend, and immediately came to the realization that my legs are week. Everything feels glad of the extra stretching and work.
It's tough to tell exactly how well this program will work. All I can say is that, thus far, everything I'm stretching and working out seems to be directly related to the problem. I can just feel it. I'm hoping that, with some rest, followed by a slow start and ramp back into action, I should see improvement.
Everywhere I'm reading, the general consensus seems to be that these things flame up often with new runners as a direct result of too much, too soon. It seems obvious to me now that the quick ramp into long distances, in addition to the crappy shoes I ran in for the first month, would have been hard for my body to deal with. Call it a lesson in my lack of invincibility.
Question: will this affect the half-marathon goal? Thus far... no. I think I'm in great shape right now. As I've said, the cardio has been feeling fantastic. I think this will definitely be a setback, but nothing that will put me out completely. Here's hoping right? The hardest thing is laying off when, intellectually, I very much want to get out there... especially given the fact that my knees don't hurt until I've pounded out about 6 Km.
So that's it for now. I really hope things improve. I'd hate to be sidelined long-term before even getting started... Here's hoping.
And for a final little tidbit of incredible news.........
Steve Bartel, loving husband, fledgling father, master crafstman, and not least, my dear brother, has joined the team and will be running this half-marathon alongside me. Well... a few minutes behind... but alongside in heart, no doubt! (hehehe... it begins...)
Dear Steve... it is now official. To back out now would be a blow to a great many people. There's pride on the line, my friend. See you at the finish line. Don't worry, I'll wait.
Dear readers... if you happen to be driving through Leamington on an early weekday morning, and you spot the young man galloping down the sidewalk, honk for solidarity.
Dear knees... don't let me down.
JB
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