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
Written by
IannodaTruffe
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I have so much admiration for you, for never giving up. You are a pragmatic soul, which is why you are such a great mentor. Your running story - from C25K and beyond, is a great one. I do hope your knee gets better soon; in the meantime the cycling sounds like a cracking idea. (But do you have to leave us?!) x
Er, no, sorry, you're not allowed to leave! When you try you'll find an army of us lot blocking the way! Your words of wisdom are sometimes the only thing to keep us going. You may not realise, but whether we are lurkers or posters, your experience and perspective stops us thinking we are bonkers, puts us straight and stops us from jacking it all in.
I hope your knee sorts itself out ASAP so you can get back out where you should be. In the meantime, we'll try and keep you occupied on here .
Ouch, it sounds like you are doing all the right things... I've been on the semi IC for months now and it is hard! I have to say I get so angry with dog owners who don't train their dogs not to jump up. I have a big fear of dogs and have been bitten by one ( in DEVON!!) . Enjoy the cycling, and it won't be long before you are back on your gorgeous DEVON trails....
It is annoying that it happened just when I had fresh plans, but I suppose good that I hadn't increased mileage, or I might have attributed it to that.
I'd be doing cycling if I could , I'm still persisting with running and it's getting more enjoyable . I have similar worries for my knees due to the trades I worked in over the years, but don't yet have anything but twinges. The roads where I am are too dangerous for cycling. just not worth it. If you go on the cycling journey you will see no doubt great views of the Devon countryside, that's something a lot of people would like to go cycling in.
That's a real nuisance - hope it doesn't last too long. Enjoy the cycling and good luck - please get a helmet, hated wearing one myself but will always remember someone coming into A&E absolutely fine but if the crack in his helmet had been his skull.....
That's been me. I was concussed but it could have been much worse. I always spend as much as I can on a well fitting helmet. You don't notice them after a while. It would be like driving without a safety belt.
Hope your knee is back in full working order asap Ian, cycling IS fun in the meantime(says me who has only used my bike once this year! but it is buried in a very full garage! 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!
Helmet and hi Vis jacket have now been purchased and first ride under my belt. Quite a good workout for legs and almost enjoyed it as much as running............but I prefer the simplicity of shoes on and head out the door.
That is most unfortunate IT. I hope you can enjoy cycling, it will provide a new challenge for you. Who knows, perhaps once the knee is better you could rig yourself a triathlon route.
If you saw me swimming you would politely withdraw the triathlon suggestion.
As you and I know, injuries knock us back but after my first ride this morning I feel my knee is stronger already and am confident that I will be back running fairly soon. The cycling may well become a permanent feature of my cross training if I now have to keep this knee in good nick.
I agree two legs is better than two wheels but needs must. On the bike you can tote more drink and eats and can sit or,stand, and enjoy the scenery on your travels. Take more photos 🙂
It's good because you are still getting out into your beloved landscapes, getting fresh air and exercise. It'll be great 👍🙂
I love the cut of your jib MissW..........always positive.
Once I have invested in the helmet, I am just going to have to cross train with the bike............I don't fancy wearing a helmet to run..........silver linings, you know...
You give the best advice so do take some of your own and you'll be on the mend soon. The advice that you and others on here gave me about my knees did the trick for me - so very grateful for that so please don't leave us!
Hi Ian. Firstly good luck with your treatment. Wishing you a full recovery. I am on a Facebook page called the Bike Bible but it isn't nearly as lovely as our super bunch of people. It all gets a bit laddish. Take care.
My son was a fairly competitive club cyclist who has had to ease back through an odd overuse injury........apparently he was putting way more power through one leg than the other, meaning he developed a muscular asymmetry. I can't see myself going that far, just keeping the legs in motion is my first aim.
So sorry to hear this! Please wear something fluorescent when you cycle as well as the helmet. Cycling has helped both my son & my hubbie improve or overcome knee problems. Apparently you've got to build up your thigh muscle. Really boring physio knee exercises make a big difference too. Good luck & keep us posted.
I sincerely thought I had built up my knees to be as good, if not better, than thirty years ago.........but nothing like starting again.
The danger of the roads is high in my consciousness and I shall take great care.
Oh no, please don't leave even if you want to cycle away quickly from marauding C25Kers...
Seriously though what a blow, but please get a helmet Mr JCR is a long distance cyclist now and in 3 years has fallen 3 times. Once not so bad, the other time was 3 months of shoulder pain and last month, a split face think Heath Ledger as the Joker. In each case a significant blow to the head, resulting in caved in helmets. Like we say about trainers, other than the bike, the helmet is the crucial bit of kit.
Btw the hilly bits, I think as you say to others on running, the hills will make you a better cyclist.
I do hope that cycling gives your knee some respite and that you are running those hills again soon.
Cycling through .....gates just doesn't have the same ring to it
Bike is fettled and oiled, helmet to be picked up later today and a nice level (my boring flat valley speed check running route) to familiarise my body with bicycle, all checked.
Layers of clothing...... knowing the apparent wind speed will be higher and I will probably not be glowing as much as when I run..........
Too much to think about, maybe I'll just go for a run...........oh, bugger............
It's officially true that the faff mouse roars for cyclists, it takes Mr JCR about 20 Minutes to get out the house. Us runners, about 5. But you are now to be a hybrid ryklist?
Enjoy the ride, and we all hope it's a short ride in time, so you return happily to the running fold.
The helmet is ok! You don't know it's on. I wouldn't hit the road as it's got too much scary traffic on it. Trails are safer ! there's bound to be loads near you
So sorry to hear about your knee IannodaTruffe and sympathise completely as I have had knee troubles - both knees and whilst they are currently behaving themselves thanks to squats and glucosamine & chondroiton, I am conscious that they may raise their objections at any time.
Good luck with your cycling but please continue to be a mentor on this forum
Bugger. Well, nothing for it but to get the helmet on and get out there, building up that knee until you can run again. You'll still be out there at least - I like your positivity No sitting moping on the IC for you - and no handing your mentor's badge back and leaving this forum, either, sorry - we need you and value you too much! Happy cycling.
It's a bit of a pain Annie but not nearly as bad as being totally out of action, as I have been on occasions in the past. I have managed a couple of rides but it is not as simple as going for a run before work. It feels like it is doing some good.
I think I would have to be surgically removed from this forum and the support that it offers.
I am sure I will be running in the not too distant future but the cycling is a good, if somewhat second rate, substitute, which actually may be doing some good.
Sending you positive vibes from the Cotswold hills... I'm a flat cyclist & runner being a web footed East Anglian but have to admit that with the help of 21 gears I can manage some little hills. I'm convinced that running has improved my cycling strength. Hope your knee improves, don't think about it all - just do it!
I have confined myself to what I previously would have considered to be flat roads with just a few little hills, but surprised myself how I had to work the gears. Those hills will provide me a few challenges as I build my cycling legs.
Ah, cycling! As you know I love my spinning classes and they really have helped to strengthen my legs but I'm still scarred from my cycle leg of the triathlon!!!! It IS good for knees though (having proper cycling shoes like I do for spinning is even better as it keeps your knee in a good position).
As I came down the hill to the finish at yesterday's Parkrun, two large dogs were completely blocking the path - both off lead. I had resigned myself to going flying over one of them and I'm still not sure how I didn't!
Spinning sounds like torture to me. My nearest equivalent is the few small hills on my current routes which I shall aim to conquer with greater ease each time I encounter them.
I am keeping to relative flat, for the time being, because standing on pedals does seem to put quite a lot of pressure on leg joints.
We all need to take care out there........even if only to protect ourselves from ourselves.
I did not realise you were facing a course of radiotherapy. I am sorry to hear this and hope it goes well.
As for the cycling - sounds like a fun way to get around the knee problem (and most of all a good way to be out in the beautiful countryside in what is after all a glorious time of the year). I think all sport opens the mind and far more so when it is in the open air.
But as for leaving us, please do not even think about it. I am not sure what the equivalent of finding a horse's head in the bed would be (a set of handlebars?)... but we would find a way of making an offer you could not refuse! And failing that I am sure Jan can horrify you with cycling-related stories of nappy pants and the like!
This forum is a great place due in no small measure to our great mentors and admins.
I agree with you about this forum. I am not going anywhere in a hurry..............I daren't.
I am currently under treatment for prostate cancer healthunlocked.com/couchto5... I consider myself very fortunate to have had no significant ill effects from either cancer nor treatment to date and am concentrating on keeping my fitness levels up.
With previous injuries (only one of which was actually a running injury) I have had to rest up completely, so this is a doddle in comparison.
Again, I am very sorry to read this, but it sounds as if you are taking things in your stride as far as possible. I hope that the treatment is effective, that you continue to suffer no ill-effects, and that your recovery is swift and complete.
Oh, poo (says Mfam with her legendary bluntness). I am confident that you will not stray far from this forum - I'm thrilled to see that you are keeping active and doing so outside (part of the good of running comes from being outside and letting your brain sort itself out as the legs get on with it... at least that's how it works for me, and the therapy is as important mentally as it is for the rest, if not more). Is there any chance of an IRM to check out what is going on in your knee? Take care and stay around, kiddo, we'll miss you if you go.
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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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