Speed Bumps

On this journey to becoming a triathlete, I have found another obstacle. Severe osteoarthritis in my left knee and ankle from an injury during an SUV rollover in 1998 are limiting my ability to run successfully. Running, truly for the first time since my accident and maybe since childhood has opened up new frontiers for me. It is an exercise in mind over matter, a place to release the the stressors of the day, and a place to recharge.

So a few months ago, visiting the orthopedic surgeon, hearing him say, "stop running and that will solve your problems," was not something I wanted to hear. I continued to run, taking as many precautions as I could, but needed to train for my first Olympic distance event, St. Anthony's Triathlon on 05/01/2011. After the race, I realized I couldn't ignore the pain any longer and sought the advice of the orthopedic again. Yet again, he said, "stop running". At least this time, he realized that I wasn't going to. My training means to much to my sanity with a stressful career and complicated home life, this is my passion, my outlet. We compromised, stabilize the knee now...replace it sooner rather than later.

So with this blog, I will outline my journey towards swim, bike and running to my health and happiness on my bum knee. After a steroid injection, I improved my pace by a full minute/mile...and hopefully be able to keep that throughout this season as I try to train towards a half marathon in October (Disney Wine and Dine) and one in November (Women's Half Marathon) for Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Hopefully there will not be too many speed bumps on the way!