Thank you, friends. You know how to make this girl feel loads better about this knee situation of mine. I am still so blown away by all of your awesome (and sound!) advice. I somehow had a feeling ya’ll wouldn’t let me down. 🙂
…which brings me to today’s post.
On pausing and reflecting (thankful).
Once again, I’m slapped with a little bit of perspective. As I was sitting here yesterday, contemplating whether or not I should attempt to run, to rest, to walk, or to sit here and whine about it, a thought occurred to me. I’m kind of being a big baby about this little knee pain of mine.
On a small scale:
…I’ve been through two major (for me) knee injuries that literally left me sidelined for months. This achy knee will sideline me for a week or so. No big deal.
…I have access to other forms of exercise (hello, barre n9ne!) to keep me moving, regardless of if I can run or not.
On a (much) bigger scale:
…I am healthy and strong.
…I am active and a little bit of time away from running will do me nothing but good.
…I am able.
I feel like I go back to that “being able” thing a lot lately, but there’s a reason for that. I never want to take that for granted. So I hope you don’t mind that these “able” theme pops up pretty regularly here.
Another reason it’s on my mind? I read this post yesterday from Susan over at The Great Balancing Act…it was such a reality check. If you even *think* a negative body image thought after reading her post, you ought to have your head examined. For real. I won’t attempt to do the message behind her post justice – I just urge you to head on over and read it for yourself. It’s amazing and wise reading.
So the moral of this story? I’m thankful….that this appears to be nothing worse than a little achy knee that simply needs a little R&R….but more importantly, that this is such a minor “thing” in the grand scheme of things.
All this has done is reinforced to me the need to honor my body, to train smartly, and to listen to my body, above all else (and to listen to your wise words too, don’t you worry!).
The Rx: no running for a few days, lots of stretching and icing, and some strength training, barre n9ne-style. Not a bad gig, if you ask me.
EatDrinkBreatheSweat 
susan’s post put everything in perspective for us, didn’t it? I love her! that is such truth!!
p.s.
you can always come to us and vent about knee problems, we definitely UNDERSTAND!
Her post was AWESOME. I love her. Her perspective continues to impress me!!
Thank you for getting me, even when I get all whiny and annoying. You’re the best 🙂
Absolutely loved Susan’s post. It will be my constant reminder, for sure. And the knee thing…you are totally allowed not to love it and want to vent a bit! And hopefully your RX solves it 🙂
I know I’m allowed not to love it, but I could seriously whine juuuust a titch less, I think. 😉
I will check out her post. But it’s really so true – I have had to remember that I do have that ability to still remain active and I have the luxury of a gym membership that affords me spin classes and access to cardio equipment and weights. Very thankful for that.
Definitely check her post out, it’s awesome.
Isn’t it sobering to think that something that can EASILY be taken for granted – like access to a gym – is something that you’d seriously be miserable without? Yet, so many would DREAM to have access to gyms and studios and home gym equipment, and we have that already.
I love blog posts that list out things you are thankful for. Thanks for sharing!
You’re very welcome 🙂
GOOD for you! It’s awesome that you are coming away from this little hiccup with such perspective, it will def help you in the long run. And we all have something to be thankful of. Cheers — awesome stuff!
I love that you describe this as a hiccup – because it totally IS just a hiccup. Funny how a dose of perspective changes my outlook on this thing, huh?
I like the way you think Jess…you will be back to pounding pavement in no time 🙂
Thank you! I really hope so 🙂
You have this knack for putting things in perspective. I like it. 🙂
Take care of yourself, lady!
Ohh I have a knack?? I love it! I never have a knack for things – so if perspective is it? I’ll take it!
Taking a needed break is very hard, but you should be proud that you are listening to your body and doing it. I am heading over to read Susan’s post right now.
I am really glad that I’m doing right by my body – I’d tell any one of you to do the same…so for me to take my own advice? I suppose that’s a very good thing, huh? Takes one to know one 😉
I think you are doing the smart thing by taking a few days off running to let your knee pain go away. Sometimes the body just does weird and random things you can’t explain and giving it a little time makes everything better!
You’re right – sometimes these things happen and they don’t even really NEED an explanation, just a little R&R ought to do. I think/hope!
Thank you for linking over to Susan’s blog. Her post was so beautiful.
I think you have a great plan ahead of you to rest and give your knee a little bit of time to heal…you want it to be in tip top shape when you start marathon training!!! 😉
I loved it so much, so I’m glad that you went over to read it. She has such an amazing outlook, I totally admire her.
As for my knee, you’re right – I want to, NEED to, be in tip top shape come marathon training time!! Knee pain is nothing to take lightly, ever!
I didn’t know you had 2 previous knee surgeries. So glad you are taking a rest – if you don’t have a pending “A” race, there really isn’t any reason to push through it. I was thinking about your knee during my workout this morning (on the bike trainer) and it may also be a case of just needing the muscles around it to be straightened. If that’s the case, a few sessions on a bike would help.
Oh no, not surgeries – just running-related injuries. Phew, nothing as serious as surgery!
And you’re right, there isn’t a “reason” to push it right now – other than I want to keep my running endurance/mileage up if I can this fall/winter. But not a hard race day deadline or something.
The good news? With each day that I rest it, running-wise, the better it’s feeling!
Oh my as usual I’m so far behind in reading (sorry!). Glad you’re taking this in stride though, you have a GREAT attitude!
Susan’s post is amazing and most certainly puts things in perspective for all of us.
No worries friend, we keep up just fine on twitter 🙂
I LOVE Susan. Love her.
As for your knee, after I posted that comment there just now, I thought of the fact that just the day before you’d run 5.4 miles and did a Barre workout in between. Hi, plies? Hard on the knees. Running? Hard on the knees. Stupid me. 😉 I definitely think the resting will help you. Wish I’d thought of that…and not like a million days too late.
Absolutely right – resting is all that my knee was looking for. I’m glad I listened. 🙂