The bad news

So I just got back from the doctor. The xray showed some arthritis and nothing really else. So for now.........no running at all. And an MRI. I'm really sad about the no running. I'm a running junkie. But for now, it looks as if I need to focus on some other activities. Riding my bike and swimming. These aren't activities that I normally look forward to but I really have no option right now. Maybe if I find some a goal or a race to look forward to..some bike event maybe that will help.

Doc appt....keep your fingers crossed

I have a doctor appt tomorrow with an orthopedic surgeon...here's hoping that he figures out whats going on with my knee. Keep your fingers crossed please! I'll let you guys know as soon as I know.

Staying busy

So my knee has been swollen for a couple of days. I started back with yoga. I joined the studio Oceanfront yoga. They are literally 10 feet from my apartment. And today will be day 2 of no running. I'm lucky that I have a road bike and a trainer that I can set up in my living room and get a workout in at any time..........but I'm a runner not a cyclist so it's driving me a little crazy. I enjoy cycling but I hate that I have to depend on it for a workout. It doesn't feel as good as running does. I'm trying to stay strong and dedicated to my resolve of taking a couple of days off to get my knee better.
I think the knee thing is my own stupid fault. I think doing some hill repeats really bummed my knee. Actually, if you are familiar with muscles in the legs........the peronous muscles on my left leg were really tight and hurtful. I think I just hurt my leg b/c of that.
Anyway, I came up with a creative way to work out. I did 3 sets of 30 minutes on the bike and then I lifted weights and did abs in between each set.
I then baked for like 4 hours to keep myself entertained. So, I'm staying busy.

My knee

Okay so my knee has been swollen for a couple of days. Well, since last Thursday so it's been a week now. I've seen my doctor....Dr. Don. I've been icing like crazy. I've been able to run but only about 8 or so miles and I have to run at an easy pace. When I'm done, I immediately have to ice again. This morning I spent 90 mins on my trainer and I lifted weights. I want to run this evening. I know I can run easy and ice and I can deal with the pain. But there's a part of me that says I should not run. What should I do?

Words into Actions

Today was a day all about action...putting my words into action.
I've always loved Yoga but I have a hard time going. Sometimes it's b/c I lose interest in an hour class or I don't want to drive but I've found an amazing place. Actually I've lived beside it for a year but I just started there recently. Oceanfront Yoga. It was wonderful. The room wasn't overcrowded with too many people. The instructor Emily was amazing. The view from the room was the best ever. It's an unobstructed view of the ocean. Truly beautiful...I loved doing yoga with a view of the ocean.

Also, today I had lunch with the owner of Norfolk's Fitness Together. There will be some interesting plans developing later. I will keep you posted

Taking Care of Myself

So I'm someone who hates stretching. I'm inconsistent at best and I only stretch about 2-3 times a week for about 15 minutes. I really do believe I need to stretch everyday b/c this would make me a better runner..... not to mention just someone who overall is just in better shape period. But how in the world do I make myself do this.............
I need a stretching buddy! Just like I have people who run with me, I need someone who stretches with me. Who at least someone who calls me and says "Hey Renee, um did you stretch today?" I know lots of people say they stretch while they watch television. Well, I don't watch that much tv but I guess I could do that.
1. Must stretch when television is on!
When I do get on the floor to stretch my puppies believe it is play time. I guess when I'm on the floor I'm in their territory now. It's a free for all anytime I get down on the floor to stretch. I try to pretend it's puppy play time and that they are trying to help me. Although it can be hard to stretch when you have a puppy on your back.
2. Stretch after every run.
I've done this in the past. Even cutting runs short so I can stretch if I'm running out of time. This works best if it's the Tuesday/Thursday/or even Saturday run.

So what do you guys do?