My Saucony running shoes are screaming for a workout. But my knee is screaming louder. I hope by January I can lace these babies up for some 5k training.

I’ve really babied my knee these last 4 weeks. I cut back on my spin classes (missing nearly 2 weeks of classes). My trainer focused on my upper body during our last 8 sessions. Sadly my Tough Mudder training has taken a back seat to ice packs and rest. I even cut my daily walks down to 2-3 days/week. The result? My knee is feeling pretty good…but not great.

First the bad news: During my Friday yoga class, I felt pain during one pose (damn you, Child’s Pose). Just too much weight on my knee.

Now for some good news: There’s no pain when I walk or go up or down stairs (woo hoo!). And no swelling for nearly a week. Yesterday my trainer tested the knee out with some squats, leg extensions and presses – no pain but plenty of loud popping noises (not great).

I did ice my knee for about 5 minutes after the session, just to be on the safe side.

My knee is healing so I’m slowly increasing my workouts this week. I’ve added my spin classes back into my routine. Also I’m upping my walks, from 3 to 4 times week. I’m not increasing distance or speed. That will come with time.

As for running, I just can’t do it. Not yet. I so want to restart my 5k training, but not until I’m 100%.  That means a knee that’s pain and noise-free during squats, lunges and Child’s Pose.

It’s soooo frustrating! I almost ran 1 mile straight before the knee went wonky on me. On the bright side, I’ll weigh even less when I start training again. That should help my knee.

I’m setting my sights on January to restart my 5k & Mudder training. Of course, that depends on my knee. It’s all about being the tortoise, not the hare. Injuries suck, but if I don’t heal I’ll just re-injure myself. Ain’t nobody got time for that!