As some of you know, I am going to be getting my black belt soon. In order to do that, I have to be REALLY in shape. We are going to wake up early, run 5 miles and then go through absolutely EVERY TKD move/maneuver/pattern that there is to know. And THEN I am going to go test.
And you know what? I am fine on all of that except for the running 5 miles. Running has always and forever been one of my most difficult struggles in life. I am always fighting something when I run. If it's not my breath, then it's my knee or my heavy ass legs, or my stubby thighs or my lack of muscles...whatever.
Ever since my knee surgery when I was 13, I have had on again off again problems. I can't go down steep hills without it feeling like a knife on the underside of my kneecap (still can't). If I stress myself too much and do too much activity, it starts to ache like no one's business. So I have been trying to give my knee a break and work out other parts of my body.
But yesterday I discovered something amazing. I was 5 minutes into my run when the pain decided to return. I was really pissy for about 2 minutes because I figured that my whole workout was shot, but then I tried something new. I tried running on my toes, and holy crap. No knee pain! And then I figured that if I just imagined myself being really light and my legs being lighter than a feather (not easy I assure you) my run got a LOT easier. It surprised the hell out of me!
So now I have a little bit more confidence, but I still can't go very fast. I am not wanting to either, just because of my knee. But also because...well. I'm not built like a Kenyan dammit. But I WILL finish my 5 miles.
There is no doubt of that. Yoga seems to be helping out too. My knee used to bother me 2-3 times per week...and besides yesterday's run, I haven't felt the pain in at least 2 months. I figure that's a pretty good sign that I am doing something right.
Anyways.
I still need to practice my 2 step sparring and remember 4 forms that I have forgotten. Should be interesting.
Namaste!
Jessie
I would seriously try the shoes Jessie! it took a week of only wearing them a couple hours a day for my muscles to get used to them, but now I lift and run in them, and I like it a lot - it helps you get out of heel striking and into your toes/ball. You can find lots of articles about how to break into running long distance with them. I think it would help your knees. PS I cant wait for you to be in a place with a cf gym, you are going to eat up lifting!
ReplyDelete:P *Munch! Thanks for the encouragement 'riah!
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