I realized something yesterday, partway through a 2-hour, 14-mile run: I'm running totally, blissfully free of knee pain for the first time, well, ever. Historically, whenever I'd get off my slacker ass and start running, I'd pound my knees into mush and give it all up six weeks later. But triathlons demand a more disciplined approach and lots of cross-training, a formula that's worked wonders on my aging joints.
I'm not above an "I told you so, you fat bastard..." directed at the physician who assured me that if I didn't "give up this triathlon nonsense" I'd soon be in his office for all sorts of debilitating surgical tuneups. Hah! Not for a good, long while yet!
Sunday, July 10, 2005
The Bee's Knees
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2 comments:
My physical therapist gave me two great knee-strengthening exercises when I was seeing him for Q-angle issues.
1. Take a ball or foam roller and put it under your knee. Lie flat and press down on the ball or roller. Start with 10 seconds on, 10 off and eventually work up to 20 on, 5 off. Do 10 reps at first, work up to 20.
2. Lying flat with straight legs, raise one leg about 6-8" off the floor, foot flexed and toes pointed slightly outward, 45 degrees if you can manage it. Hold 10 seconds on, 10 off, working up to 20 on, 5 off. Do 10 reps at first, work up to 20.
I do these several times a week and they're great for knee stability. They won't solve every problem, but a more stable joint is always a good thing. :-)
I've never had a running injury myself, but my doctor told me the same thing several years ago!
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