What if?

What if my running days are over?

I don't want to sound melodramatic, but that is a reality that I have to confront. It's in the genes, my friends.

I have followed the doctor's advice dutifully this time. I've worn the brace (all show- no go) and tried to add the minutes gradually. As it is, after a mere five minutes of running, my knee cries. Loudly. I've never felt this kind of knee pain before. It's not something I can "run through" or even try to ignore. I like to think I have a decent pain threshold - but this is beyond what I can take. My body is trying to tell me something. I have another doctor's appointment soon. I'll consult further with him about my next steps (including visiting with a knee specialist).

I'm not going to turn this into a blog about my knees (I promise) so my injury updates will be limited. Besides, that's kind of boring and a basic downer.

Instead, I may find myself turning into an aquabiker. I can enter many of the same races as my buddies, take part in most of the training - and most importantly, remain motivated to stay in shape.

Yes - I'm sad my knees are misbehaving. But, I really can't cry about it. I've already accomplished athletic goals far beyond my dreams.

I'm also not giving up that my knees will heal. But, like the saying goes, "Plan for the worst, but hope for the best."