Knee update

When I hurt my knee in a race, but was able to walk back to the start with some support, I figured my injury wasn't bad. I hoped I would be back running soon! The next day some signs were good: there was very little swelling, but it did still hurt quite a lot. I did make a point of moving around, but it was rather hesitant.

The day after I wanted to try my bike. I know that when you bike, you do bend and stretch your knee, which is exactly what you need to do if you've hurt it the way I had. But you don't make any unexpected movements. And you propel yourself without impact. I managed to do a 5k loop. It hurt a little bit, but I was glad I did it. It also meant I was mobile.

Bicycle path festooned with goats: the venue of my trial bike ride 

I also kept taking ibuprofen, as I figured it would help with the swelling. But after a few days of taking the stuff, I realised I was extremely tired, and had a clanging headache. Would that have something to do with the ibuprofen? I felt compelled to take an afternoon nap, and I only do that when I am ill. And I hadn't done anything that would merit a headache. I stopped taking the ibuprofen. I'm not sure if it was a coincidence, but the day after I felt a lot better.

The day after my first bike ride I chickened out. It was horrible weather! I figured walking up and down the stairs was going to be enough exercise for my knee. But I did want to ramp things up, slowly but steadily, so the day after that I went for a slightly longer bike ride. And the day after that I biked to the base of Moel y Ci, and walked a loop from there, going over the top. That was okay as well! I was careful, of course.

At the bottom of Moel y Ci

At the summit

On the way down

I had hoped to do a little run, safely in a knee support, the day after, but my knee still felt a bit fragile and I decided against.

I have already missed one race: I had registered for the Fron Four race on the Saturday, but that was clearly not going to happen. I have no idea when I can start again. I suppose I am making clear progress, so one more week could make all the difference. I sincerely hope so! I had really hoped to do a lot of running over Easter, and that is clearly not happening. Bummer!