After my fabulous run in Purbeck at the end of last month healthunlocked.com/couchto5... I started to work on plans for where I wanted my running to take me over the next couple of months, leading up to my radiotherapy. Incidentally, that Purbeck run remains the number one run of the year……..the Lake District was just too damp and grey to compete with a sunny August bank holiday weekend.
I enjoy these longer runs and decided that it would be a good idea to make 10 miles (16k) a more regular feature in my running, perhaps making it a fortnightly or monthly event. To that end, last Sunday, I worked out a 14k intermediate route, keeping within the 10% rule. I was quite excited about this route as it ties up several sections that I have run before, but introduces both a quiet lane and a footpath that I have not previously run. It involves quite a lot of hill work, varied surfaces and some stunning views across my Mid Devon home patch, so all was planned for this weekend’s debut run.
Now, going back to last Saturday, on my 12k hill route, I was aware of a vague twinge in my left knee. To protect it I made sure that I did not stride out on the downhills and kept the pace gentle and all was fine. On Monday morning’s misty 5k I was again aware of a slight niggle, but felt it was okay to continue. About 1.5k in, I heard shrieking giggles coming out of the gloom and saw two familiar lady dog walkers paying little heed to their canine charges. To give them their due they normally do restrain the dogs, but this morning the hefty Lab and wobbly Beagle came to greet me with eager excitement like something out of a comical version of the Hound of the Baskervilles. Owners called but neither animal was interested in anything but playing with me. The Lab circled me twice, smiling like a very happy dog, then veered playfully into my left leg, jarring my knee sideways. I only prevented myself from going down by grabbing the collar of the errant Lab.The dog walkers apologised, took control of dogs and we parted after I assured them I was okay. I hobbled for a couple of steps then everything seemed alright and I continued on my run, without any pain. All seemed fine.
Roll on Wednesday. Brisk warm up walk, fine. First running footstrike of my left leg and my knee felt very unstable. Give it a hundred yards I thought and almost miraculously it all settled again. However, heading down the six rough steps, to the first of the ****ing gates, it became clear that my left knee did not want to support my full weight, so, run aborted after 700 metres. Walking home was no problem and no pain.
Unstable knees are something I am experienced with. Some ten or more years ago I went to my GP when I had to give up walking with my family because of knee pain and instability. My GP offered no sympathy or advice and amazingly said come back when you can’t walk……..which for a self employed joiner, would mean when I could no longer work. Doing my own research, I discovered glucosamine with chondroitin, which I duly started to take daily. The result was that within a year my knees were back to normal and without pain.
However, in my mid fifties, when I was looking for some way to improve my stamina, I initially dismissed running because of the history of my knees. I abhorred the very idea of a gym and soon relented, with the reasoning that if I only ran on grass, the impact would be minimal. I bought some shorts and shoes and headed off on a run/walk, which was ultimately frustrating since I had no idea how to progress……...then I discovered C25k……….
So, here I am,after four years of running feats and knee strengthening behind me, with a dodgy knee that is going to stop me from running for a week or so. Am I on the Injury Couch? No I am not! Having consulted my tame physio, Al, who gives me free advice, and having painted the ceiling on the landing (weekend chore) I am off to the garage to sort my bike out. Apparently, according to Al, cycling is going to be the perfect means of keeping the joint mobile in one plane without any load bearing. I might even head down that lane…..
It is difficult, while I was out this morning I saw a runner and I don’t remember ever having such a sudden pang of envy………...the bike is temporary only. I will return.
The cause of this knee problem can not be laid on the hefty bounding hound alone. The week before I was carrying some very large and heavy lengths of sweet chestnut timber into my workshop. The step up is a double height step, so at some point this exercise becomes a one legged weight lifting challenge. I vaguely remember thinking on one occasion that something did not feel quite right, but had no idea this occupational hazard would turn into a tale of unremitting woe. We are so often victims of our own actions, but I have learned that even my ageing body will bounce back, slowly, by looking after it and giving it appropriate exercise.
Does anybody know whether there is a Health Unlocked Cycling forum? I might just migrate over there and hand my mentor’s badge back to RFC………….
Keep doing whatever it is you do, keep smiling
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The curse of a partner with 3 or 4 bikes in the way! ) Yes i agree get a cycle helmet though!! And no you certainly cannot leave you post of mentor! We all love you here! 
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