Training Log Archive: boyle

Morgan Arboretum, Montreal, QC
Ramblers Orienteering Club
57.0%
8/12 & 1 dsq

Concerning the course, it was a great day for lots of running in the woods. It was sunny and hot enough that I should have used BodyGlide, ouch. I knew I would be out that long. A number of controls were not at features but in the middle of nowhere accompanied by some Halloween related material. Those legs were a good challenge. The course had been set when all marshes were dry. We had fun at two controls which were set in the centre of ponds surrounded by water.

Concerning the knee, swimming the day before was probably not a good idea. In the O event, I only had a brief pain-free window around the one-hour mark. The constant pain may be a psychosomatic plant from the doctor on Friday.

Long advanced - Splits

The swim was tough on the knee in any kick. Sadly, this won't be the new cardio-activity replacement: new Speedo suit and goggles.

According to the retired surgeon at my orthopedic consult, my running days have finished!!! In about two months time I will meet with a surgeon who will then put me on a waiting list. The whole surgery process should take about five months.

If I go for surgery, the torn portion of the meniscus would be removed. Other than some improved range of motion, I don't yet understand the benefit from or the justification for the surgery. The osteoarthritis will not be repaired. The removed meniscus cartilage will not be replaced. I will still be unable to run.

I'm already doing the appropriate physiotherapy. However, the doctor did help me with my important stretches.

A brace would be of no use because the cartilage is gone and there is nothing for the brace to hold together.

The doctor says I should just take up brisk walking. Ya right!

I will see my real doctor ASAP.

On another note: the weight gain has begun.

As expected, I quit when I failed to limp-run at aerobic speed (10:31/mile) as calculated from my 10k race finale in August (48:03). As I prepared previously for my MRI, I intend to go to the hospital tomorrow with a knee that is not fresh and healthy. It's real beat up now.

The knee is so sore that the final squats hurt.

In the early laps of the track, I leaned forward slumping my shoulders but I still kicked the dirt with my left forefoot too often. In the final ks, I lifted my left knee over inivisible large rocks, the same trick I used for the right knee to complete the '07 Eastern Marathon.

Torture: from the start and with every stride, I struggled to kick left foot forward of center. When I actually landed on my left heel, my lower shin was strained. Before I lose the ability to run at all, I may have to learn new posture, new carriage and new stride.