On the Bench :-(

Well, I made it through the first four workouts, which I suppose is more than zero. I was just starting to think of myself as a runner and was excited for how running could help me through some tough holiday times. Then my knee decided to feel like it was being banged into a dresser repeatedly, regardless of whether I was walking, sitting, or trying to sleep. After a week or so on the bench waiting for the pain to go away, I decided this was more than normal wear and tear and went to the doctor.

My doctor showed more concern than she typically does. Generally when I go to the doctor, I get pointed to an OTC drug and told to wait out whatever is bothering me enough to have made the appointment in the first place. However, this time I not only got a prescription painkiller to take in the evenings, but I also got sent for x-rays, which may be followed by an MRI. These tests will confirm or disprove the hypothesis that without falling or doing anything dramatic, I have managed to tear my meniscus. Here is a nice illustration of what may or may not be going on inside my knee: http://www.orthspec.com/meniscus_repair.htm

So, I may need surgery and will almost certainly get some physical therapy, which I suppose will set me up nicely to start over with week 1 in 6 to 8 weeks or so. Just think of how many more hours of daylight we will have at that point! Ladies, feel free to repeat week 3 several times (like ten times?) until I'm back in the game. I'm on your journey in spirit and you remain my inspiration!