Even though I haven’t kept writing a blog every 1-2 weeks about my Kona build, the Earth still revolves, and the time continues to pass. I was a bit in denial about that until this past weekend.

What changed?
My friend, Bob, noted that I was on the right path: my cycling is improving, my nutrition is treating me well, my coach is adapting to my unusual circumstances.
My dad, Len, made me nuts. He kept pushing me about not running in Kona so I don’t mess up my body (permanently). The reality dawned on me, and I said, “Dad. You don’t get it. I can’t push through this for hours (yet). I can run for 5-11 minutes (for now). On race day, I’ll either be able to do it, or not. It’s out of my control.”

Maybe that’s the lesson of the knee. That I can be okay when things are out of my control.

Summary of the knee challenge:
- Tripping on rocks/roots is a bad idea. I hyper-extended my knee mid-June while enjoying a fun run on the Greenbelt with the puppies.
- Attempted the usual recovery, without results.
- MRI revealed degenerative damage to the front (strange place, not overuse from running) of my meniscus cartilage. So, we tried a cortisone shot, since I can run with the (old) damage.
- Cortisone shot made me feel like a champ for 1 week.
- Sought other treatments: tried chiropractic, acupuncture, ouiji board (not really, but I might).

Given that the status of my knee pain is pretty much out of my control for October 13, I’ve let go. I’m swimming and biking. Running prep includes short intervals, using the elliptical or aqua jogging for any warm-up or extended duration. I can run fast and short. Focus on cadence and form. So, in theory, on October 13, if I have no pain, I can have great form with my almost 43 years of endurance carrying me. Stay positive with me, readers. No eye rolling.

So, what’s the plan? Focus on what I can control.
Stay on Wendy’s plan.
Continue my great nutrition journey.

Wildcards and bets:
Yes, I’m willing to try for a miracle, or at least attempt to heal this without any knives or cutting. I had Platelet Rich Plasma Injections yesterday. Reminded me that I can handle chronic pain, but I’m a sissy pants when it comes to intense short pain. I got over it. They took blood from my arm, spun it down, and injected it (about 28 injections) into specific places on my knee, using a live x-ray. Cool. It hurts today. Might take 6-18 weeks to heal, but the process promotes self-healing. I believe.

Family:
All is happiness in our new house. Almost unpacked. I went to Z Gallerie and Pottery Barn to look around and then promptly called my decorator. Outsourcing to experts keeps me sane. I call it “buying cut fruit”, which I did yesterday. Our newest family member, Simon (horse), is adapting well. He is in training at the barn. Autumn rides him once a week. He has been cleaning up in the hunter divisions at the horse shows (means he is a “good mover”). I’ll have to post about the horse show thing. You may be amused or frightened. It’s kind of like a cross between a beauty pagent and a race.

Fun (and maybe applicable) photos:
knee (post platelet rich plasma therapy — all full of fluid and holes)
Autumn and Simon
my 69-year-old mom (no, I can’t do that)
my family (Michael, Autumn, and I) with the spoils from Autumn and Bopper’s 2’6″ medal win
me
Autumn and Simon