Joint Care, Gotta Do It

So the knee issue had me worried enough to go to TRIA and have it checked out. After a laboring 10 minute visit with some old guy, we figured out that the pain was caused by an inflamed IT band. Some posts back I talked about having a class with super trainer Johnny J who warned us about the IT band issues and we even bought a foam roller for the purpose of keeping the IT band healthy. It turns out I haven't been using it enough.

So after a full week of doing nothing but gaining weight (I seriously put 9lbs. back on) I decided to do the group run today, which was 16 miles. I still can't believe by not doing anything for a week I put that much weight back on. I know most people do not usually eat healthy when they travel, but I don't think I over did it. I was worried about the knee for the majority of the run, but I did my best to stop and stretch often. It started to flare up around mile 8, but toned down for the rest of the run and I have found some new dedication to taking care of my knees. I made sure to ice and take some ibuprofen following.

I plan on mixing in some bike and water work outs now to take some strain off the joints. I am also going to make a commitment to stretching out my IT band daily. I have come way to far to not be able to finish this thing. Five more weeks until the show. That is what we call it in the biz, the show.

A couple of notes -

1) Today's run started at the Mendota Bridge, we went through Fort Snelling and into Minneapolis along West River Road. We then crossed over the Franklin Bridge to Saint Paul and ran along East River Road to Highway 5. We finished by crossing over the Mendota Bridge one more time for a cool run of 16.25 miles. It was a nice morning to get out.

2) I finally found a fuel belt, thank God. I could have used it today. The running store had 2 left in my size....I feel like I finally found the holy grail. No more stealing Kelly's water during our runs, I am sure she will hate that.

3) TRIA is a money hungry organization. After confirming my injury, they wanted me to schedule an MRI before sending me to a physical therapist. If we know my knee issue will not require surgery, why do I need to give you my money for an MRI? I was told it was procedure. I should have told him it is procedure for people to pay me $100 to look at my legs in shorts. I just may have to send him a bill.