Tuesday, October 28, 2008

PT and Other Stuff

Had my first PT appt this afternoon. I have two friends that are PTs, one is a runner, the other is a triathlete. As luck would have it, I got scheduled with the triathlete friend PT without even knowing it. Oh, happy day! Somebody who understands!!

First off, she confirmed that my left knee is tracking incorrectly. That was reassuring - a second opinion of the diagnosis. Then, she did some diagnostics to identify muscle imbalances that are causing it. That means we know what to work on to fix it. Yay!

I go back 2x per week starting next week. Between now and then, I have some stretches to do 4x per day and strengthening 2x per day. That should keep me busy.

And another milestone today - I went back to the gym for the first time in several weeks. Oh boy, I'm going to be sore tomorrow! One thing that struck me is how far back my push-ups regressed. I could only do 8, 8, then 5. Eeek!

A few of you kind souls have commented on my arms (bless you!). Since that's really the only part of my body that I'm happy with, I'm highly motivated to getting back to three sets of ~15-20 push-ups three times a week. I'll work that in with my knee exercises and make it a priority over the next month.

Talked to Run Coach today for the first time since Duke City. He was very encouraging. We talked a little about goals for next year, and he thinks it's good to start with 5K/10K and hold off to see how my knee does before going too far down the path of another half-marathon.

That's it for now. Hope everyone is doing well!!

20 comments:

  1. you get those tracking issues taken care of and the knee will be just fine...good luck

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  2. That is a lot of stretching and strengthening a day! I would have a hard time being diligent about it, but then again, pain is a pretty good motivator so maybe not. Hope it goes well!

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  3. Oh GOOD, keep following the regimin. You sound very motivated, which is a great place to be when starting your off season.

    I know I do much better if I know what a problem is and how to fix it. I think you will have a half marathon in you by next season -- hand in there and stay positive! Get those push up numbers back up! :-)

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  4. That is exciting news. It sounds like you have a plan and I bet if you follow it you will be running pain-free in no time. Good luck!

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  5. Yay! Excellent news. I know you will kick butt with those stretches and strengthening exercises. Dialing down to a 5k or 10k when you are up to running again sounds like good advice.

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  6. Glad PT is productive so far, and it's always good to work with a PT who is a fellow athlete.

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  7. Glad to hear PT went well. I really hope it helps you. It made worlds of difference for me this summer.

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  8. What a positive post! I can see you smiling while I read it!

    Glad to hear the PT session went well and you know what you need to get better/stronger! I know for sure that I have tracking issues with my knees, my right one more so than my left, and I have noticed that if I land on my feet the right way it makes it better... plus adding exercises/weights to strengthen my quads have really made a difference!

    Don't worry, that arm strength will come back eventually! Just give it some time!

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  9. Glad to hear you have some stuff to work out the knee issues. Can't wait to hear that you are running pain free again!

    MCM Mama

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  10. That's GREAT you have a PT who understands what's going on. I'd like to see one, but don't want to just pick a name out of the phonebook.

    Good luck with that!

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  11. Happy to hear that second opinion is the same as the first and there are some definite things you can work on to get better. Sounds like you may be even busier than before!

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  12. I'm glad you've identified the problem. Time to fix it.

    I guess you have a little more encouragement to get those workouts in every day...if you really are on board with 35 days of sticking to the grind stone. :-)

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  13. Sounds like a great plan. I had tons of trouble doing the exercises when I was in PT. I just couldn't get motivated with them but I tried. :>)

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  14. Oh, don't remind me of my first gym session back ... or better the five days after! Good that you are doing push ups again. I'm still working on my Push-Up Challenge, too. I'm supposed to be week five by now but it's so hard and I can't see me doing 100 in only 10 days. I guess the main thing is to keep working on it. My PT had me doing Push Up Holds lately. Ouch!

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  15. Most people would wonder what the hell a muscle imbalance has to do with their knee. You recognizing that, accepting it, and working to correct it is HUGE!!

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  16. You've far back on your pushups and you're arms still look that good? ;-)

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  17. Great Lisa! Okay, now I'm in offseason mode and ready to tackle those push-ups. Can you remind me again the plan your trainer had you do with the push-up challenge?? I know it was a bit different than the online one. thanks :)

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  18. The time will go by before you know it with the PT. At least having something positive to do to (hopefully) fix the knee will keep you motivated. I am giving my hip problem one more chance with the massage therapist and then I'll decide what to do.

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  19. I hate push ups, but they do make me feel strong!

    Glad that everything will be okay!

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  20. Great news! You will be your running self soon! I am so happy for you.

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