Back to Square One...Again

It seems like years since I have been able to run. A persistent nagging knee problem and issues with my feet have kept me standing still. I miss the "me" time, I miss the feeling of the cold Chicago wind biting my cheeks and the snow crunching under my feet.

If there can ever be a positive to getting laid off, it is having time to do physical therapy. I was supposed to do 8 weeks of physical therapy months ago but I could never find the time. Either work kept me busy or running around with the 3 boys. After my "opportunity" to take time off appeared, I figured now was the time.

I have spent the past 8 weeks, 3x/week trying to correct all that was wrong. The various medical terms are written on a piece of paper and I have stacks of exercises. I have Voltaren Gel (which is amazing!!) for the knee pain and nitroglycerin patches as well. Seems a little odd to be using nitroglycerin for my knees but it worked. And doing some Bikram Yoga probably helped as well.

I finally got the green light to start running and another 6 weeks of therapy. I am so afraid of damaging my knees again I will start off with pool running. Plus running outside in sub zero temperatures is never appealing.

So I am back to square one, almost like I never tried running. That part bums me out but at least I have the knowledge now to prevent injury. And my new goal for my next marathon will be a sub 5 hour time. Dream Big!