Beware of dog

So...I went to see a sports doctor about my ongoing issues with plantar-however-you-spell-it-faciitis. While chatting with the doc, I mentioned that my knee was bothering me a little after my dog ran right into me (it's a good thing I love that dog as much as I do). Okay - maybe it was bothering me more than "a little." But, after two knee surgeries, I just didn't want to deal with the sharp knee pain I felt when trying to straighten my leg. I figured a little ice and Advil would take care of any issues, right?

Umm...maybe not.

I have what is known as a "meniscal cyst" - which, I have now learned, is commonly a symptom of a meniscus tear. We'll know more after next Tuesday's MRI.

It's possible I already had a small meniscus tear - and the force of my sweet, goofball dog's body slamming into my knee tore it a little more. Who knows. I have already had a conversation with Josie about her need to use more self-control around my tender knees. She wagged and licked me. I gave her a little pat and said it was okay.

And it really is okay.  I'm surprisingly okay with this possibility. My knee isn't hurting much at all, with the exception of when I try to run. So, I'm not running. A rather simple solution - but one that I'm not always very smart about doing. I can swim and bike as much as I like. So, that's what I'll do. I'm at a point in my life where I'm much more interested in being healthy and happy and pain-free.
I'm thinking I might do an aquabike event here and there next year as my friends and hubby gear up for their next big Ironman. We'll see.

And - I will be much more vigilant of my dog when she does her little "run around like a puppy" routine.

Random Post

So...I've had no real training plan this fall and it's been kind of nice. I decided to take a break from triathlons until 2011 or 2012 or whenever the spirit moves me. Maybe it will...maybe it won't. I have gotten back into twice/week strength training which my old body definitely needs. I've been swimming a little - and by that I mean once in the past three weeks. Luckily, ProK will soon be kicking my slack butt again soon. (Oh no...does that mean I have to try that insane butterfly stroke again? Talk about feeling uncoordinated...)

And I'm running more - about 3 times/week. I've run in Asics for years, but I've decided that I'm not a fan of those clunkers anymore, especially when the dreaded plantar fascitis reared its ugly head again. It plagues me - and I'm blaming the shoes.

After doing some research and chatting with the nice guy @ the Short Pump 3sports, I have switched to some super-light Sauconys. I LOVE them. I ran yesterday with Rick and actually felt kinda peppy at the end of the run. (Or maybe I was just elated that I was not running 20 miles like my somewhat crazy hubby). Whatever the reason, it was a gorgeous morning for a run.