Knee Pain

My Sunday "long run" was forced indoors because of snow. Treadmills and me, however, do not agree. I don't know if it's biomechanics or what, but heavy treadmill use often equals injury for me.

The result: By Sunday evening, I had serious knee and ankle pain.

So I skipped my Monday workout.

And now it's Tuesday, and my knees still hurt.

But I can't bring myself to skip another workout. I just can't!

This, of course, is the siren song of the "Former Runner." The "Former Runner" was once a running enthusiast, unable to imagine herself missing a run or rescheduling a jog. She ran through the pain, even if the pain was the result of a minor injury. And because she refused to rest, her minor injury turned into a major injury. The doctor forced her to take a break from running--four whole months! So she did. And in a very short amount of time, the sofa became more appealing than the road. The TV was more interesting than the treadmill. And she went from "Runner" to "Former Runner" (aka "Couch Potato").

I, however, have options other than running. Since my knees are still hurting, I will concentrate my workout on everything above the waist. That means an upper body strength training routine, and some martial arts/boxing drills on the heavy bag if I feel like some cardio.

And don't tell me a heavy bag can't lead to a good workout. Just watch a Rocky training montage if you don't believe me.