Friday, August 7, 2009

Taking On New Challenges

I have made a "final" (which will obviously change because I am the most indecisive person ever) decision about my work outs in light of my knee injury. I am going to take a break from running. Several awesome people have shared with me that they too had to take 6 month, year long breaks from running because of knee pain. All of these people are running again pain free so I feel like it can happen! However, I'm not convinced it can happen without actually rest, so I am resorting to other work out plans.

My favorite things about running are the fact that 1. you can do it anywhere and 2. it does not take a lot of time to get a good work out- walk out the front door, run 30 minutes, come back and I'm done. Therefore, I will need to be more creative about fitting in other work outs. The bike is good, but it takes at least 45 minutes to get in a good work out on a bike AND that doesn't include filling up the tires and the prep that is involved in getting the bike ready. Swimming is also good, but that involves driving to the gym which is about 20-25 minutes round trip. Also, technically my membership ran out at the gym. When I get home I am going to have to deal with this haha.

While I am down the Cape time is less of an issue so I've been thinking about things I can do. I couldn't bring my bike down, but I did bring my tennis racket and rollerblades. If I really want to bike my parents have mountain bikes in the garage, but I think they are not filled up with air. So I think what I am going to try to do while I'm down here is swim 3-4 times (I can pay $5 to go to the Y that is 15 minutes away or if I get really crazy I can swim in the ocean), rollerblade once or twice, play tennis two or three times and in between do On Demand work outs like pilates, yoga and any other low impact cardio I can find (any recommendations?). For now this will work.

This morning I woke up and headed over the Y. I wanted to get the most of my $5 guest past so I started with the elliptical. I have found that my knee hurts if I had resistance (which is annoying because I think the interval plan keeps things more interesting). I could only manage that for about 15 minutes, especially once I realized the magazine I brought I had already read. After that I did the leg press because I was doing that at PT and that is a leg exercise I can't really keep up at home. I also did the hip lift where I have the big ball under my legs, which also cannot be done at home until I invest in the ball. I LOVE this exercise, it is so good for the back of your thighs! At the end I put on my bathing suit and hopped in the pool for my first swim since the triathlon. I found myself in the middle of a Masters swim team practice (the Cape Cod Y does not like to post things like this on their pool schedule), which was actually kind of good because I am seriously considering joining the Masters team at my Y. It did not look TOO intimidating and I didn't really see a coach anywhere (is there always a coach? or do they just follow a work out?). I did 24 laps today, which totals at 600 yards. I'd like to work up to 1500-2000 before I actually join a team, so I have a lot of work to do. I'm not sure exactly how many yards the typical Masters practice is but maybe one of you guys knows? I'll also have to work on my flip turns and other strokes besides freestyle.

I'm going to see swimming as my new challenge that running can no longer provide. It's much easier on my body (except my skin and hair) and maybe even better for my whole body overall (as far as using my arms and other muscles as well). When life hands you lemons, make lemonade...and then take a swim in it :)

14 comments:

  1. GREAT plan! Swimming is so relaxing, yet it's also a perfect workout when you have an injury that needs healed. You are making a smart decision, and who knows, you may start enjoying swimming as much as running!

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  2. Swimming will probably get you in better shape for when you are ready to start running again than anything else!

    I started swimming masters 3x a week last fall and it's what helped me get the lung capacity to become a runner. You should DEFINITELY join masters. There's usually a coach but they often will just give you a printed out workout and maybe some tips on form, then you follow the workout. Usually its anywhere from 1,800-3,000 metres in 60-90 minutes depending on the team. Seriously an AMAZING full-body workout!!

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  3. I love tennis and wish I could play it as often as I'd like to. Swimming is also a great workout and by the time you get your running form back, you'll be very much prepared for another tri! :D
    Loved the dress in your previous post! Good luck finding dresses and yay to having a new bike buddy! :D

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  4. Sounds like you have a great plan there! Swimming is such an awesome workout, positive you'll be just fine. :)

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  5. I'm so glad that you decided to take a break. Swimming is a perfect exercise that doesn't put stress on the knee. Enjoy those swims :)

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  6. Hey girl. Sorry to hear about your nagging knee issue. Sounds like we have one thing in common. Keep up with your swimming and if you can add more core exercises into your routing and you will see a tremendous difference.

    But, I don't think you need to take a full year off of running, unless you were ordered by a doctor. Maybe it's more serious than I know. Just take a break for a while and see how it goes down the road!

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  7. well crap, first comment lost.
    When I had my knee issue, the first thing I did was join a masters team, swimming 3-4 times a week for 90 minutes. We did workouts from 3200-3400 yds, and I was usually able to complete most of the workout (save butterfly drills...yick). If it's any more incentive for you, I lost 8 pounds in a few short months. Swimming is as good of a workout as running, but I find getting into the pool to be a big hurdle. Just stay positive, and I'm sure I'll catch you on the roads soon.

    and regarding your earlier question, I wasn't always sure it was "okay" to start running again. I had twinges in my knee for months after starting back, but I always made sure to ice and back off if it felt really bad. Mostly it was just weird, and it took some time to get used to it. The biking made my quads strong enough to support the kneecap finally, and I haven't "relapsed."

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  8. That sounds like a really good plan. You wouldn't want to wreck your knees trying to run through the pain! It's great that you can think of swimming as your new running--it's a great workout.

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  9. I stink at swimming. Swimmers are hardcore strong! Sounds like a great low (no) impact workout challenge! You should check to see if they ever offer water running classes. Haaaaaard.

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  10. What a great attitude you have! Swimming is SO awesome, and it doesn't strain your knees or anything. Accident free! I hope you get some great work out! Show off those guns! lol.

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  11. Swimming and biking get you in awesome shape and give those running knees a perfect break. Over my 17 year of running (jeesh!) I have often taken 4, 6, or even 12 months off to pursue other exercise and ended up all the better because of it!

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  12. i think it'll be good for your knee to try and stay off it running-wise. tennis doesn't bother it? (jw)

    swimming is SUCH a good workout but it does involve a lot more time/effort. it gives me a nice totally-exhausted feeling afterward though - i love it. you're gonna get those arms/shoulders sculpted for wedding day!

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  13. Sounds like a great plan! I'm on a "running ban" too and have been for a few months now. It's good to hear that there have been people who can get back to running after a long hiatus.

    Swimming is a fantastic alternative! I swam last week for the first time in a while, and it felt really easy on the joints (although the chlorine stings a bit). I need to get a better swimming technique first though :)

    p.s. thanks for the tip on my blog :D

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  14. Great way to take care of yourself! And even better - you found an acceptable alternative. That'll make it easier to keep from running.

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