I’ve just decided to do my first half marathon on May 1st and decided to get sponsored for a cause that means a lot to me. I’ve been building up to the distance and covering circa 30k a week so feeling confident. However, the day after announcing it and being overwhelmed with sponsors I had a massive fall and have done something to one of my knees. It doesn’t hurt to run or walk on but does when I’m not moving and flexing it. It’s pretty bruised. That’s was a week ago and I’ve done a couple of 6ks since then. Am I foolish running on it?
I really don’t want to loose momentum but equally don’t want to end up unable to do the HM.
Any advice would be much appreciated.
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Alib200
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Sorry about your fall Alib200, all that I can think of is to rest and not run at all until it has healed, if it persists, better to seek professional advice from a doctor, I hope you will be able to run your first Half Marathon on May 1st injury free.
Sounds like it’s just bruised and swollen to me. Running and walking might actually be loosening it up? Have you had some ibuprofen to reduce the swelling? I’d be like you and run on it anyway. If it was something more sinister, it’s probably hurt during running.
Thanks guys, just dawned on me my friends a physio so I’ll consult her.. I couldn’t believe it, it really was like pride coming before a fall! Hope it clears up in time, I will hobble round regardless 😬
Oh no, poor you! It takes at least a couple of weeks to lose fitness, so don't worry too much. Do keep it moving as suggested above, but maybe be gentle with it until the swelling and bruising subside? Causing more trauma through impact may encourage the swelling to stay around to protect your knee. Lots of icing and maybe an anti inflammatory like ibuprofen for a few days if you tolerate them. Good luck, and don't worry too much. You will run that half!!!
I have no medical qualifications, and am still an inexperienced runner, so can't really advise on what to do.
However, you might find it reassuring to know that I ended up running very little - one 10k, and two 6-7k runs - in the 15 days leading up to the recent HUHM. Work and life admin got in the way, and I was panicking because I too was being generously sponsored to complete the run.
The enforced cut-back obviously did me good, though, because having only run HM distance twice before, I achieved a PB for the HM and carried on to do my first metric marathon.
So resting up and taking it easy might well help rather than hinder your first HM.
Thank you, that’s reassuring. Going for all the advice, ice, ibuprofen, rest and I’ll see what my friend says. Well done on your HM!
I would imagine that the bruising and swelling is causing some restriction when resting. It is often good to keep mobile in a gentle way. You won't know the full extent of any weakness until the swelling and bruising go, arnica and anti-inflammatories are good for this. I wouldn't think a physio will give exercises to strengthen until the swelling has gone and they can fully assess, just exercises to keep it mobile for now. Hopefully it will feel much better in a week. The fact you have no pain walking or running is very encouraging!
Thank you. My physio friend popped round - she thinks it’s just badly bruised and doesn’t think continuing to run will do any harm, so I’m back off out tomorrow. Thanks for all the advice.
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Novice question re. training
Injury Couch
Help please?
When do you do your longest run before HM?
