Well, that's what today is feeling like. After three days of no running, plus RICE of course, I tried my luck out there today. I am pleased to report that I actually ran 2 miles and had minimal pain!!!! Wore my new Under Armour Cold Block compression tights (thanks for the gift, Mom!) I think it wasn't cold enough for those, but wanted to "break them in" anyway. And they were comfy!
The last time I attempted to run, I was aiming for about a 4 mile run, and was forced to stop and walk about halfway through because I was in so much pain. I felt so defeated.
However, today was different. I had 4 miles in mind again, but I did a couple of things differently. First of all, I stayed away from sidewalks, and pretty much concrete/uneven surfaces in general. I opted for the Towpath. Secondly, I did a walking warm-up (something I must say I don't do as often as I should). Thirdly, I walked all of the steep hills. Finally, I decided that I was going to be "ahead" of any pain by gaguing how I felt throughout and stop early if I was worried it might become worse. (Kind of like the mindset of when coaches say to keep easy days easy, even if you feel like you could do more, and "save it" for the next workout, where you'll really be able to do a great job - I didn't want to blow it on my first time out.)
When I started, I had sort of a dull ache in the arch, but it still felt so good to run. I was glad the rest of my body didn't feel fatigued at all. The pain was about a 3 on a scale from 1-10. Throughout, it fluctuated from about a 2 to a 4. When I felt the 4, I decided that I was going to turn around and come back after 1 mile instead of going out to 2 miles. I felt that it wasn't worth it to have to stop again because I was hurting, especially after the progress I made resting/icing, etc.
That left me with a strong finish at the end of 2 miles, and then maybe another quarter mile of a slow jog/walk cool down. The great news is that it doesn't hurt more now than before I started! The even better news is that I got to run again, which I'm coming to realize my brain and head needs just as much as my body does.
Tomorrow I will do yoga (preferably hot), and then try for 3-4 miles again on Thursday.
So happy about this!
I'm glad your knee is starting to get better! Getting through a couple of miles without an increase in pain is great. Enjoy the yoga tomorrow. Maybe it'll do the trick and Thursday's run will go off without a hitch.
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