So, what is the plan now?  This week I only ran 8 miles, more then 30 miles short of the original plan.  I am walking completely pain free almost all of the time but when I run I can tell something is just not right, which has me standing at a crossroads scratching my head. My knee does not seem too bad, but I certainly don’t want to make it worse.   I am going to take Saturday and Sunday completely off from running and will return on Monday with 6-8 miles, unless what I am feeling passes through the annoying ache phase into actual pain, then I will stop short.  If I am able to get 6-8 miles in and don’t develop a limp, I will continue with a reduced mileage running plan.

I read a quote in Runner’s World a few months ago from an elite runner who said he keeps going unless he is limping.  At this point I think that is what I need to do.  I feel that it can’t be that bad if it only hurts while I am running and the ache is very manageable even then.  We all have little aches from time to time and if that is all this is I will just push through it.  Of course I don’t want it to get any worse, so if that seems to start I will back off.  If things do go well next week ,I will move forward with a different plan.

After the completion of the trail marathon, my plan was to get a gym membership and start getting serious about multi-sport training.   If my knee is not cooperating, I will simply jump start the swimming and cycling a little early.  One of the wonderful things about triathlon training is the built in injury prevention plan.  If your knee is bothering you, you can swim.  If your shoulder is hurting you can run.  Though swimming and indoor riding are not a substitute for running and will not prepare me as well for the upcoming marathon it will allow me to maintain my cardio fitness.  It just might be what I have to do in order to arrive at the starting line healthy. 

I am very excited to say that on Monday I will be hosting a giveaway so make sure you check back in to find out how you could be the lucky winner.