For nearly a month I have been taking it easy. I've been loading up on ibuprofen and Aleve, stretching my leg, and rubbing my IT band and knee every day. I know that this has been a good decision; after all, I do not want to cause permanent damage to my knee, and I don't need to run every day to prove to myself that I am runner. On the other hand, I have noticed that I am healthier - physically and mentally - when I am running, and I think it is about time for be to get back out there - out in the snow and ice and slush and wind and cold.
I am running 1-1.5 miles a day after work along the cement path by my house. I take it easy and quit running when I start feeling the first signs of discomfort in my right knee (which is hard to do when I still have time and energy to run farther). I plan to keep this regimen up until the 26th or so when I return to Pullman. My hope is that I can start increasing my distances before the new year and that I am back in shape (and 5-10 pounds lighter) within a few months. I haven't forgotten my goals for my first half-marathon, and I want to start training as soon as possible.
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