[canalrunner]

<b><i>Don't it always seem to go That you dont know what you've got Till its gone</i></b><br><br>
Maybe I am still channelling Joni Mitchell, but after not being able to run for 6 weeks due to a knee injury (patellar tendinopathy), I finally went out for two 5k runs on the weekend and it was marvellous. Not that knee wasn't stiff--it was. And I even got a side stitch--something I haven't had for several years. But just the sense of being able to run again was marvellous. Since I returned to running in 2004 I have been blessed with few injuries(and none that put me on the shelf for so long) so the lay-off was hard but it made me appreciate both the good health that I have had and the good mental and physical health that running has provided me.<br><br>
In many ways, it was good I was injuried at the end of my running year after running 4 marathons and not as I was training for one. It was also good it was over the Christmas Holiday and New Year as I became more reflective and more thankful for what I have in terms of family, friends, fitness and life. I know what I have, and I am glad that it is not gone.<br><br>
Now that I have be able to resume my training I look forward to 2008.

 

[Econo]

Ah, this is a good post to read! What a wonderful feeling!

 

[dromedary]

Hey Canalrunner, great post. You are so right, running is a gift.

 

[Johnny]

Ain't it the truth............. good to hear you're back <img alt="icon_salut.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/icon_salut.gif">...........<span style="font-size:xx-small;">now if I could only say the same for myself <img alt="sad.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/sad.gif"></span>

 

[lioness1]

Very positive post, and glad you're back running again! Wish you continued healing and good running!

 

[millbot]

Welcome back, canalrunner. Nice perspective. <img alt="smile.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/smile.gif">

 

[Pie Jones]

Glad you're back in the saddle.

 

[CassadAAmius]

This post is a delight to read. Congratulations and enjoy the road back.<br><br>
(Five months and counting, still waiting for the green light here... I know exactly what you're talking about.)

 

[breger1]

Great attitude Dave. The runners in Michigan are nervous now ...<br><br>
Bill<br><br>
PS: No, your VRAA Team is definitely <b>NOT</b> Superior to mine. (grin)

 

[Sans Souci]

<span style="font-size:xx-small;">There's that Bill Bonger. Since pinching seems to be a common theme this week and you're so close ... <img alt="biggrin.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/biggrin.gif"><br></span><br>
Hey, CanalRRRR, how 'bout fleshing out the deets a bit? Did you get PT, were you given specific rehab exercises, or what?<br><br>
I'm about two weeks back from waaaaay too long on the sideline, so I do know what you're talking about.<br><br><i>Give me spots on my apples<br>
But leave me the birds and the bees<br>
Please!<br></i>

 

[tomwhite]

......congratulations//.........just remember how it felt,<br><br>
and Don't Run Hurt......<br><br>
========<br>
A Public Service Message<br>
From The Chicken Consorteum

 

[Elaine3112]

Amen, what a great post. Welcome back and here's to a great running year to you!

 

[Hemerocallus]

That's great news, CanalRunner!! <img alt="banana.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/banana.gif"><br>
I know just how that feels after loosing 2 six-month stretches of running to hip problems.<br><br>
I was thinking about you last Thursday morning when I did about five slow miles along the Rideau before we started our meetings. Watch for ice patches on the north end, east side! We'd hate to see you re-injure yourself!!

 

[canalrunner]

Sans Souci--always one for the painful details. Went to PT and am still going. They treated both patellar tenditinis and patellar tendonopathy. Ultrasound treatments + stretches + muscle stimulation machines. Loved those zaps. Interestingly to treat a catching pain just below the knee cap a lot of the work was to stretch muscles in the quads. Not sure what the one stretch was called (Miller-Thomson or perhaps that's just the name of a law firm) but they had me lie on the bed with my left leg (bad knee) dangling and then I grab my right knee and brought it up to my chest. They then took my left leg which was dangling, moved it to different angles, and ask me to kick towards to counts of ten. It pulled and opened up my quad muscles till tears were in my eyes. What pain <img alt="cussing.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/cussing.gif">but in a strangely good way. (Don't try this stretch at home, kids. It is for trained professionals...or try a version without the aid of person....it is still a great stretch)<br><br>
Am still feeling the pain a little when I walk downstairs but there seemed to be no major problems with running, at least a nice easy paced 5 k. My plan is to stay with the nice pace and up to 10 k mileage for awhile and then ramp up to do a half marathon in April and then pace bunny at the National Capital at the end of May. SS--since you are not doing Boston, you could always come to Ottawa and pace bunny. They are always looking for new recruits.<br><br>
Thanks for everyone for your comments. I feel fortunate to be able run. I am feeling especially fortunate when I read about the killings and chaos that is displacing thousands in Kenya: one of the places I always think about when I think of running. When we run, we take a lot for granted.

 

[rochrunner]

Great to hear that you're back at it! That long layoff must have been torture. Now if we could only get Quintus back to his former speedy self...

 

[JJJessee]

Thanks for typing that out loud CanalRR.<br>
Hope 2008 is good to you.<br>
jjj

 

[RunsTheBitterroot]

Great post canalrunner! Larry