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For most runners, a pair of running shoes "wears out" somewhere between 300 and 500 miles.

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Because I am running, a little

January 8, 2007

Today, while blabbing incessantly to someone who was polite enough to listen, I realized I’ve not really written about running for a while. Well, in short, it’s because I can’t. Well, couldn’t. And now, can only do it on a “limited basis” which is a royal pain in the you-know-what! It gives me an attitude, too because whatever, he’s just a surgeon who specializes in sports medicine. And knees. And is the “best in the city.” And works with professional athletes. So what could he possibly know, right?

But that’s okay, because he is actually doctor number five and surgeon number three that I’ve seen about my knee, well, issues. The first two, err, four couldn’t even put a word to it. I got no diagnosis from any and either “just give it time” or “have you thought about quitting running?” as advice. My answers: ummm, no and UMMMM, NO, respectively. I had (a) given it enough time (like, say, most of 2006) and (b) you’re asking me to stop running, have you no soul, man?

So finally, behind door #5, we had a winner. We have a diagnosis (chondromalacia- common in distance runners and especially, in women). And this guy, he’s willing to “make a plan” and “keep me doing what I love to do.” Hearing those words just about made me cry with joy. Thank goodness SOMEONE finally understands!

I am now the proud and more so, thankful participant in a 4-6 week physical therapy plan and limiting my running to once a week. Yes, it sucks, but if it will help, I will follow the rules. Also, me and the elliptical machine? We’re BFF. And ever, and ever. The physical therapist is showing me all kinds of new ways to build muscles and loosen tendons and ligaments so the knee cap stays right on track, literally.

I know it sounds crazy, but working on getting this better and seeing results and feeling better than I’ve felt in a long time is, so far, the best thing to happen this year. And sitting here typing it I know it must present as incredibly boring and not really much about running after all. But take heart, it was either this or me talking about a friend that just got engaged to a guy she’s been dating for a while now. It’ll be marriage #2 for both and while I do adore them and am happy for them, there’s, you know, that part of me that’s saying what the heck, you were both only single for a total of 83 seconds?!

So yeah, I’m in physical therapy. The End.