Confirmed a couple days ago that I’ll have a third knee surgery. Coincidentally it’ll be in February as were the other two.
Given the lingering pain and effects in the knee with the previous two I’ve been wondering if the running days are now a thing of the past. Disappointing as I was just beginning to get back some of my fitness from very early in the year (2012) by racing myself into shape. As I recall something like five events in 8-9 weeks culminating in my very first top 3 in a couple years here.
(Of course not counting the amazing (Almanzo and Wilder Weekend ’12)!
Coming in on the final severely rolling final mile I could see #1 SteveO just ahead. JohnnyRancho had just passed me and he was closing in on Noel; neither of them meant anything as they’re still down in their 30’s. They were duking it out for 2-3 in their group. With less than a quarter mile left on the toughest 10k I’d ever run the gap was closing. I put in a couple surges and with less than 200 left I plotted to sneak up and around him at the last moment. I thought the better of it 1) cuz SteveO’s just a nice guy and 2) I wasn’t sure if I could time it correctly. I was getting gassed and losing control of my breathing. My heart-rate was steady in the low 180’s; it held in that range for the final 90 seconds of the race and after spending the morning at over 4500 feet elevation I was spent. My body backed off and I gave away a couple more seconds at the finish. To think that may be the final age-grouper I end up with is a little bitter-sweet. At the time all I could feel was how delighted I was to be back where I felt I’d worked to be; curious now as to whether I’ll ever get back again.
I’ve taken an unexpected liking to trails for a number of reasons. Beautiful courses, engaging participants, lower key expectations and most of all the lack of tearing up my body. I might be ok with turning the page on road/paved events.
I’m unable to pinpoint an exact time/date/event/incident that led to this point. Although I can confirm exactly when I stopped running specifically due to knee pain. After taking a full 11+ weeks off I went out slowly with Samantha simply as a test. Limped home an hour later literally in tears. I’ve logged fewer than seven miles on the legs since the first week of November.
Amazingly I’ve been able to get through several layers of specialist visits quicker than I can get into my primary care Doc!! Yes, I’d argue we have a healthcare problem. Oddly I was happy I was referred for an MRI as I knew that likely meant another operation. After nearly three months of waiting and limiting impact I just want it fixed so I can move forward; however that becomes defined.
