I was very excited for this past weekend. Golf on Saturday morning, little league in the afternoon, and Sunday with Mother's Day and a late night hockey game. I played great golf Saturday morning (73-one over par), and squatted (like a catcher) reading a number of "big" putts. Later that day, I warmed up my little league players (actually catching). The bummer is my knees didn't like it. Worse, the non-MT knee is giving me a lot of trouble that past 10 days. It's painful when I get up after sitting, and feels really stiff. It occasionally catches, and I wonder if the tear they trimmed last year started again. I was told no more "catcher's squats" for a year after my MT, and I think that really meant forever. I've been working with my son's pitching a lot the past 2 months, and I'm feeling it. I hung up the gear almost 15 years ago for the last time, and I think I need to leave it on the shelf. More limitations...not what I want right now.
On a positive note, I played hockey last night and had great game. We won, I scored twice, and it was just a blast. I iced when I got home (after midnight), and today I'm feeling pretty good. When I played ball I constantly iced my knees and shoulder after practices and games. I feel like icing kept me healthy. As I've gotten older, I've been lazy about icing, and I think it's causing me some pain. So, I'm digging out the ace-wraps again.
I'm feeling a bit down about my non-MT knee right now...not something I want to deal with.
Hope everyone is healing or healed, and out there doing it!
Monday, May 9, 2011
Monday, April 11, 2011
New Goals
My knees generally don't like to run anymore...it's just a fact that I have come to realize. But my feet are even worse. I couldn't shake the plantar fasciitis, so I stopped running for a few weeks. Sure enough the pain is almost entirely gone.
However, my knees and feet don't mind ice-skating, and after 3 months of practices, I'm playing games with my new team. I still wear my functional knee brace (and will forever), but I seem to have very little pain and no problems ice-skating. So, for now my goal is to make them...every game. I'm skating 2-3 times per week, and playing hockey is a great workout. I love it. I'm still considering an Olympic distance triathlon this year (I know...why), but right now my focus is on hockey, swimming, coaching my kids, and getting back on my road bike now that the weather is good. I don't know that I want, need, or should do any distance running anymore.
I've read a lot of studies that say the MT will last 10 years, and then you either get another one or do a PKR. I'm hoping that study is wrong since I'm having too much fun, but I would do this surgery again for 10 more years of this.
I'm still having a strange "popping out" sensation in my MT knee once and a while. It hadn't happened for months, and then it happened last weekend messing around. It only happens when my muscles are relaxed, and pops back in when I straighten my leg. It's pretty gross, but it doesn't hurt, and it goes back in and I'm pretty much good. Not sure what's causing it or what it even is (seems like my entire lower leg is out of place), but if it happens only 6 times a year I can live with it.
Hang in there...it gets better.
However, my knees and feet don't mind ice-skating, and after 3 months of practices, I'm playing games with my new team. I still wear my functional knee brace (and will forever), but I seem to have very little pain and no problems ice-skating. So, for now my goal is to make them...every game. I'm skating 2-3 times per week, and playing hockey is a great workout. I love it. I'm still considering an Olympic distance triathlon this year (I know...why), but right now my focus is on hockey, swimming, coaching my kids, and getting back on my road bike now that the weather is good. I don't know that I want, need, or should do any distance running anymore.
I've read a lot of studies that say the MT will last 10 years, and then you either get another one or do a PKR. I'm hoping that study is wrong since I'm having too much fun, but I would do this surgery again for 10 more years of this.
I'm still having a strange "popping out" sensation in my MT knee once and a while. It hadn't happened for months, and then it happened last weekend messing around. It only happens when my muscles are relaxed, and pops back in when I straighten my leg. It's pretty gross, but it doesn't hurt, and it goes back in and I'm pretty much good. Not sure what's causing it or what it even is (seems like my entire lower leg is out of place), but if it happens only 6 times a year I can live with it.
Hang in there...it gets better.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Plans, Adjustments, and Hockey?
The running was going fine up until I started hitting 6-7 miles. I started getting lateral side joint-line pain. Not sure what caused it, but I took a week off from running and it's gone. I've been doing shorter runs, and it doesn't seem to be happening again. I don't think it has anything to do with my MT since that was medial, but I told myself that if I started getting knee pain, an adjustment had to be made to the plan for the Half Ironman. So, after some deliberation, the HIM is off and the Olympic distance is on (1 mile swim, 40 mile bike, 6.2 mile run). The knee was a big issue for me, but my schedule was going to be nuts anyway. Life just got more simple. The swimming is going great, and I think this will be something I do for the rest of my life. I love that it's no impact, and there is an aspect of inner-thought that accompanies an hour of white noise.
Since I have a chance for a little more training time, I've decided to join a beginner adult hockey league. I can't play hoops anymore, but the non-impact of ice skating feels great on my knee. I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to continue keeping score in something. This is going to be fun.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
6 Mile Run, Check -- PF again, check
My first run in three years was 22 minutes around my neighborhood. One loop...2.2 miles. My legs, not my knees, were sore within a few hours and walking was interesting the rest of the week. I rode the bike the next day, and ran again the day after just to keep it going. Through all my years of sports I've learned you have to get through the soreness by more exercise.
I quickly bailed on the outdoor running, and hit the treadmill to protect my knees. The treadmill, or "dreadmill," can be boring, but it's winter anyway, so the workouts have gone really well. The key is a good Ipod playlist. I used the 10% rule to go from that first 22 minute run to weekly long runs of one hour. I'm running at an easy pace 6.3 mph (9:30 miles), but time is the key right now not speed. The running is coming along nicely, and my change from heel-to-toe running to more of a forefoot running style is going very well. Still a bit nervous at times when I feel any soreness or strange feelings in my knee, but so far so good, and my knee is pain free.
The problem I have is the same one I experienced when training before my last tri (3.5 years ago). I have Plantar Fasciitis again. I actually started noticing it before my running program walking the golf course this summer, but it's worsened or at least become more noticeable since I started running again. The problem with PF is there is no real cure except stopping exercise. So, I'm using all of the stuff I tried before (night splint, stretching, rolling my foot on a golf ball, etc.), and it seems to have quieted down after a week of "treating" it. It's a small hiccup that's not unexpected, and I hope it can continue to be managed without interrupting my routine.
Swimming is coming along great. I'm up to 3,000 yard workouts, and my plan on slow and steady seems to be working very well in the pool. I feel like I could do the 1.2 mile swim right now. I'm not over-confident about the swim as I want to feel great getting out of the water which means you can swim far more than the distance on race day.
There is plenty of time still before the July event, and right now training is limited to creating a solid base for the real training starting in March. Plenty of time to get the workouts, a few days of skiing, and a weekly round of golf in now. It will get nuts come baseball season and managing a new squad.
I quickly bailed on the outdoor running, and hit the treadmill to protect my knees. The treadmill, or "dreadmill," can be boring, but it's winter anyway, so the workouts have gone really well. The key is a good Ipod playlist. I used the 10% rule to go from that first 22 minute run to weekly long runs of one hour. I'm running at an easy pace 6.3 mph (9:30 miles), but time is the key right now not speed. The running is coming along nicely, and my change from heel-to-toe running to more of a forefoot running style is going very well. Still a bit nervous at times when I feel any soreness or strange feelings in my knee, but so far so good, and my knee is pain free.
The problem I have is the same one I experienced when training before my last tri (3.5 years ago). I have Plantar Fasciitis again. I actually started noticing it before my running program walking the golf course this summer, but it's worsened or at least become more noticeable since I started running again. The problem with PF is there is no real cure except stopping exercise. So, I'm using all of the stuff I tried before (night splint, stretching, rolling my foot on a golf ball, etc.), and it seems to have quieted down after a week of "treating" it. It's a small hiccup that's not unexpected, and I hope it can continue to be managed without interrupting my routine.
Swimming is coming along great. I'm up to 3,000 yard workouts, and my plan on slow and steady seems to be working very well in the pool. I feel like I could do the 1.2 mile swim right now. I'm not over-confident about the swim as I want to feel great getting out of the water which means you can swim far more than the distance on race day.
There is plenty of time still before the July event, and right now training is limited to creating a solid base for the real training starting in March. Plenty of time to get the workouts, a few days of skiing, and a weekly round of golf in now. It will get nuts come baseball season and managing a new squad.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
A few turns, and a Runner's High
It had been years since I had skied, and with Dr. Stone's okay, I strapped on the boards (actually a nice rented set of shaped skis), and hit the slopes for a few days last year. The new equipment is awesome, and I felt very little pressure on my MT knee. I wear a Breg Fusion knee brace, and it makes a big difference for me. I had so much fun last year, I bought a pass for Squaw Valley in April for the 2010 season. On Sunday, I spent 2/3 of a day on the slopes having a blast. This is the view from way up high at Squaw.
Also, last week I experienced a runner's high on the treadmill. It was a bizarre feeling like I wasn't even running and that I could go forever. It was the first time for me, and it was awesome. I could have gone forever, but I followed my plan and got off at 45 mins. It was a great run. I hope it happens again during my training.
Swimming and biking are going well, but I'm a long way from being ready for the formal training. I'll continue my base building until February.
If I can only stay away from the holiday baskets!!! Merry Christmas.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Here We Go!!! On to 70.3
So, while sitting in bed a few months ago, I decided I was going to do it...my second attempt at a Half-Ironman. When my wife jokingly/mockingly asked if I was interested in going for it next year, I replied "sure." She was shocked to say the least, and with one word my mission for a 70.3 was on (A Half-Ironman is a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, and 13.1 run = 70.3)
After a lot of consideration, I decided to go back to my goal of racing a Half. Two years ago, I had the Deathride, and it was a brutal 129 mile sufferfest like nothing I have ever experienced before with an incredible reward for finishing. Last year I played a lot of golf, boxed, trained Muay Thai, and ultimately gave up basketball due to a knee injury I had in my "good" knee. However, I had nothing big to look forward to, and my boredom led to complacency. After a few months of just lifting and boxing, I also started having problems in by MT knee. I decided to get on the bike, do my rehab again, and start swimming a few laps just to tighten up the ol'knee. I rode and swam, and my old nemesis, the swim, was coming along swimmingly (couldn't resist). The thoughts of the feeling I would have crossing the finish line at a Half started to take over my swims. I had watched an hour's worth of finishers during the summer waiting for my wife (who kicked butt) at a Half last year, and I was inspired to say the least.
So here I am, almost two months into training, and feeling great so far. I hadn't run in almost 3 years (since my surgery on 12/17/08), and I no longer even owned a pair of running shoes. I picked up a very good pair of shoes at my local shop and started with a 20 minute jog. While my 38 year old body creaks a little bit more than it used to, I'm up to 40 minutes of "running" and so far I'm pretty much pain free. I'm running mostly on the treadmill to minimize the impact, and that's my plan for most of my training. Only my knees will stop me, and if they start to get painful the trip will come to a quick end.
This adventure will be interesting, and I'm just hoping I don't get any knee hiccups to screw it up. Three years ago I was on a 8 mile training run preparing for a half when I stepped in a hole and tore the last bit of my medial meniscus which resulted in the MT. After a 3 year hiatus, I'm back on track, with a new knee and drive like never before. I have literally hundreds of training hours ahead of me, but this should be a great trip. I'll keep you in the loop!
After a lot of consideration, I decided to go back to my goal of racing a Half. Two years ago, I had the Deathride, and it was a brutal 129 mile sufferfest like nothing I have ever experienced before with an incredible reward for finishing. Last year I played a lot of golf, boxed, trained Muay Thai, and ultimately gave up basketball due to a knee injury I had in my "good" knee. However, I had nothing big to look forward to, and my boredom led to complacency. After a few months of just lifting and boxing, I also started having problems in by MT knee. I decided to get on the bike, do my rehab again, and start swimming a few laps just to tighten up the ol'knee. I rode and swam, and my old nemesis, the swim, was coming along swimmingly (couldn't resist). The thoughts of the feeling I would have crossing the finish line at a Half started to take over my swims. I had watched an hour's worth of finishers during the summer waiting for my wife (who kicked butt) at a Half last year, and I was inspired to say the least.
So here I am, almost two months into training, and feeling great so far. I hadn't run in almost 3 years (since my surgery on 12/17/08), and I no longer even owned a pair of running shoes. I picked up a very good pair of shoes at my local shop and started with a 20 minute jog. While my 38 year old body creaks a little bit more than it used to, I'm up to 40 minutes of "running" and so far I'm pretty much pain free. I'm running mostly on the treadmill to minimize the impact, and that's my plan for most of my training. Only my knees will stop me, and if they start to get painful the trip will come to a quick end.
This adventure will be interesting, and I'm just hoping I don't get any knee hiccups to screw it up. Three years ago I was on a 8 mile training run preparing for a half when I stepped in a hole and tore the last bit of my medial meniscus which resulted in the MT. After a 3 year hiatus, I'm back on track, with a new knee and drive like never before. I have literally hundreds of training hours ahead of me, but this should be a great trip. I'll keep you in the loop!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Time to Retire
Well, at 38 I've decided to hang up my basketball shoes for good. This past year hasn't been kind on my knees, and due to an injury to my non-transplant knee and a strange development in my MT knee, I've formally announced my retirement from basketball. I love the game, but it has caused some new issues in both knees, and that is the end of that.
My MT knee is still really good, but I've been having a strange locking sensation. Never a good thing when you have existing meniscus problems, but it's there nonetheless. I've been neglecting my cycling and dropped my formal rehab, and I hope that's the problem. I've had three great years with my MT knee, and I'm hoping for at least 5 more before we touch that knee again. I still have athletic plans I'm not ready to give up, and I've started training for a triathlon next year. No jogging yet (and I haven't done that since my MT), but we'll just see how it goes. My knee hasn't locked (its actually a dislocating feeling--yeah I know how bad that sounds) in a few weeks, but it's happened numerous times. I must admit I'm nervous. I've been putting it off, but I think I need a trip to the OS. I'm hopeful the problem has nothing to do with my meniscus.
My other knee had a bad tear in my medial meniscus in late 09', and while the meniscectomy resolved the severe pain, it's left me with a lousy knee. My MT knee is far better, so for what its worth, I'm still way ahead of the game.
So for now, I'm in the gym, pool, and on the course. Just like a good retired hoopster should.
My MT knee is still really good, but I've been having a strange locking sensation. Never a good thing when you have existing meniscus problems, but it's there nonetheless. I've been neglecting my cycling and dropped my formal rehab, and I hope that's the problem. I've had three great years with my MT knee, and I'm hoping for at least 5 more before we touch that knee again. I still have athletic plans I'm not ready to give up, and I've started training for a triathlon next year. No jogging yet (and I haven't done that since my MT), but we'll just see how it goes. My knee hasn't locked (its actually a dislocating feeling--yeah I know how bad that sounds) in a few weeks, but it's happened numerous times. I must admit I'm nervous. I've been putting it off, but I think I need a trip to the OS. I'm hopeful the problem has nothing to do with my meniscus.
My other knee had a bad tear in my medial meniscus in late 09', and while the meniscectomy resolved the severe pain, it's left me with a lousy knee. My MT knee is far better, so for what its worth, I'm still way ahead of the game.
So for now, I'm in the gym, pool, and on the course. Just like a good retired hoopster should.
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