Possibly the Answers I Need... Sigh

I'm packing for a work trip to L.A. and am thinking about what I have learned in the last week about my knee. As I mentioned a week ago, I've been reading some research done by Paul Ingraham, a Registered Massage Therapist from Vancouver, Canada. No, he's not a doctor, but he seems to be one of the few people out there doing extensive research on overuse injuries. I am thankful to him for the work he has done. That said, his research did not offer me any greater hope of recovery for my knee or a light at the end of the tunnel. If anything, it was a little sad f0r me to read. It's been 2 and a half years into my plight, so I am taking this information a lot better than I would have say, even a year ago.

Mr. Ingraham is straightforward. While he feels for those who suffer from Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (PFPS), he is quite clear about the possibility of recovery. Here is what he writes:

"Untreated, even a mild case of PFPS can be stubborn, bugging you off and on for years. Many cases will recover entirely within 6 weeks to 6 months. But with a case that doesn't improve in that time, the odds of recovering seem to drop sharply: the problem might go away after applying some new ideas you learn here, or it might go on for years, or perhaps the rest of your life. Not everyone gets painless knee function back."

Sigh... So you ask, what are the new ideas I have learned? Well, there are a few. One I have already started giving a try, the other seems almost impossible to do. Basically, once a person experiences PFPS an upset of the tissue homeostasis in the anterior knee area has occurred, usually due to trauma or long time overloading. I most likely fall into the long time overloading category, since I do not remember any specific trauma to my left knee. Up until I read this article, I figured "overloading" meant running or athletic activities of some kind. It's very interesting to learn, that is not always the case. More details to come...

I Love It!

I went down to Pier 39 this afternoon to pick up a new present for myself. Don't we all deserve presents for ourselves? On the last day of my vacation I was doing some shopping for friends and my family at Whaler's Village in Ka'anapali near my hotel. I stopped into Na Hoku, a Hawaiian jewelry store. I know my vacation was a bit of a "present" in itself, but I still couldn't resist purchasing something pretty. : ) It's nothing fancy, just a little ring for my right hand. The ring needed to be sized correctly to fit my finger, so once this was done it was sent to the Na Hoku store at Pier 39 in San Francisco for me to pick up. My new ring is a plumeria flower, a special reminder of my vacation to Maui. I love it. 

My Knee Hurts

My knee has been bothering me for the last week. I guess I did a little too much on my vacation and need to take one of those "steps back." Ugh. Also, it seems as if the swelling I once had in my knee has minimized slowly over time. While I once thought this was good, I now feel as if it was some needed cushion! Who knows what's really going on in there? I wish I knew. Here is a list of my workouts over the last week or so. For those of you athletes, you won't think this was much, but it resulted in pain and aches in my super-sensitive left knee.

Saturday, July 12: Westin Maui gym workout - 1 hour treadmill (46 min walk/14 min running interspersed) + lunges, push-ups, ab exercises, etc.

Sunday, July 13: Rest day

Monday, July 14: Ka'anapali shore path 1 hour walk/run (44 min walk/16 min running interspersed). In hindsight, I probably needed one more recovery day before I did another walk/run.... the shore path was so inviting.

Tuesday, July 15: Kayak/snorkeling/hiking trip - The hiking was not too strenuous and the kayaking was a great arm workout! I wanted one adventure day... it was vacation!

Wednesday, July 16: Rest day

Thursday, July 17: Ka'anapali shore path 1 hour walk, evening flight home to SF.

Friday, July 18: Rest day

Saturday, July 19: UCSF Mission Bay pool swim, 40 minutes.

Sunday, July 20: Rest day

Monday, July 21: Rest day

While I was lying by the pool on my trip (this is mostly what I did outside of the above listed activities) I was thinking of what I could possibly do next about my knee, if anything. Since I've been home, I've been doing more Internet research on anterior knee pain. You never know when something new could pop up, right? I am also considering making a follow-up appointment with Dr. Anderson. I wonder though, is there any more she can do? My guess is that she'll probably tell me how Pilates is really good for me, not high impact activities. Great. The more research I do, the more I understand that I'm dealing with a syndrome. That means it's a mystery, different from one person to the next. Whether my knee pain is patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS, sometimes called kneecap tracking pain) or Hoffa's Syndrome (fat pad inflammation), my experience is unique. The recovery of every person takes a different path and per Matt Fitzgerald's information in Brain Training, it's up to me to find my own path.

This past weekend I came across an interesting publication online, what I have read so far, there are similarities to Mr. Fitzgerald's findings, and then some. At first, I thought it was a scam. It is titled SaveYourself.ca and it's written by a Registered Massage Therapist in Vancouver, Canada named Paul Ingraham. A Registered Massage Therapist? O... K... I read on. The basic of it is that Mr. Ingraham has done a great deal of study on several common athletic injuries and has provided his findings, for a nominal fee. Hmm. PFPS, Iliotibial Band Syndrome, Plantar Faciitis, Lower Back Pain, etc. I wasn't sure of the validity of this information until I read he has included research findings from his work with Dr. Scott F. Dye of the University of California, San Francisco. Interesting, I've heard of him. I read an article in Runner's World last year about knee injuries and the many syndromes involved. Dr. Scott F. Dye was included in this article, among other medical professionals. Alright, I thought maybe Mr. Ingraham's online publication was reputable information. I decided to spend the $14.95. Maybe I would read something I hadn't heard before? Maybe not. At least it could be good to read if theories I have learned in the past are backed up and supported by additional research.

As usual, I will keep you posted on any new information I learn. You must all think I'm a bit off my rocker with all of these new books and articles! Hey, it's all I can do. Unfortunately, I'm dealing with knee pain that has no instruction manual for recovery. Per Paul Ingraham, I need to "Save Myself." I'm doing my best. Hopefully his article will help.

Last Day of Vacation

Today is officially my last day of vacation. I'm back home, but my head has still been in Hawaii since I got back on Thursday night. Usually after a week long trip I am ready to get home and be in my own bed, but this time, I wish I was back in the tropical sunshine! What does that say about me? Hmm... I think it says a few things: 1) My job is on-the-go, every single day. I love my job, but I've recognized over the last year and a half that it's quite hectic. Gap Inc. promotes a good work/life balance and I really appreciate that, but that doesn't mean there aren't days I work late. For the most part I leave the office by 6 or 6:30 PM, but each day is jam packed and I rarely have a quiet moment. When I travel for press checks, my downtime is usually the flight then I'm off and running. Even though my print vendors try to give me the best press check times, being on press can be long and tiring late into the evening. I was due for a real vacation.

2) The second reason my mind may be still back on Maui, is that I really enjoyed my trip. My room was great, the beach and pools were amazing, and the service was top notch. I work hard and it was time for me to treat myself to a tropical vacation with sun, fun, and relaxation. I've always been fairly frugal and for past vacations I've never put much towards my accommodations.

This was my first trip solo, so even though I didn't want to be in my room all that much, I felt best booking a hotel I knew would be nice and comfortable. The Westin Maui room rate was more than I would usually spend (using the corporate travel company provided a discount, yeah Gap Inc.!), but I felt like I deserved to stay somewhere a little more on the "cushy" side! In the end, this location, this hotel, and this trip was exactly what I needed. If only I could have stayed a little longer. ; )

Tomorrow... well, it's back to the real world. Time to start planning another trip!

Back Home

Wow. I cannot believe I am back home in San Francisco. My trip to Maui was just wonderful and boy, do I wish I was still lounging by the pool! I could really get used to that. Now back to the real world. I thought I would include a few more photos to sum up my trip. I did end up doing a day trip on Tuesday of kayaking, snorkeling and a hike through the West Maui mountains. The kayaking was great, on fairly smooth, glassy water. It was a great workout for my arms! The water where we snorkeled was not as clear as I would have liked, but it was a somewhat cloudy morning so the sun wasn't shining into the water as much as usual. We did see lots of turtles and one ended up about 5 feet away from me!

After the kayaking and snorkeling our hiking guide, Kahi (a 15th generation Hawaiian) picked us up and drove us into the mountains. We trudged through the tropical forest and stopped at 3 waterfalls. the first one, we actually jumped off a 15 foot high rock into the water! Looking down it seemed pretty high, but once I was in the water and glanced up, it didn't seem that high. ; ) The end of our hike provided a great view of the ocean, per my Wordless Wednesday photo.

Looking down to the water

We jumped from above the waterfall, to the left

Another highlight of my vacation was meeting some great people! I got to chatting with Tracy and Brent from Dallas, and learned Tracy and I have a lot in common. She is training for her first marathon in December. Go Tracy! They were incredibly gracious and invited me to join them for dinner the first night I met them and we got together again the next few nights before it was time for me to head home. Tracy and Brent's last day on Maui is today, so I hope they are lounging by the pool after their many island activities. They are definitely the adventuresome couple. You think my 15 foot jump was something to talk about? Puh...leese... Tracy and Brent completed the Commando Hike (Kahi was also their guide) which the climax is an 80 foot jump into a deep pool of water! That's basically jumping from the 8th story of a building! Kahi said this jump has reduced grown men to tears and both Tracy and Brent did it with little hesitation. Tracy was only the 3rd out of 45 women Kahi as taken on the hike to actually take the plunge! Very impressive.

Tracy, Brent and I enjoyed some wonderful food on Maui. On Monday night we went to Sensei, a fantastic sushi restaurant, near the Ritz Carlton in Kapalua. The following evening, we savored the sunset and the food at the Hula Grill near our hotel in Whaler's Village.

Sunset from the Hula Grill

My last night on Maui we went to The Plantation House. It's a restaurant on the Plantation golf course further into Kapalua. I had heard a few people talking about it at the pool that morning and suggested we give it a try. The food was delicious. We each ordered seafood, I had a pesto crusted Hawaiian fish and we all shared Bananas Foster for dessert. The best part about this restaurant was the beautiful view.

The Plantation golf course and view of Lana'i

Tracy and Brent at sunset

Overall, I enjoyed myself immensely. I exercised, I read some books, indulged in tropical drinks by the pool, discovered new parts of the island, and made some new friends. The downtime I needed was achieved and for anyone that may be wavering about embarking on a vacation solo, I highly recommend it. You never know what awaits you out in this world! Just go out and see it!

Wordless Wednesday: Maui Hike

Ah... This is the Life

Are you wondering what I am up to on my vacation? Am I hiking through the tropical forests? Scuba diving off the coast of Maui? Surfing the waves? Do you want the honest truth...? This is what I have been doing:

A papaya/strawberry blended rum drink - Sweet Lorraine

Yummy.... : ) On past vacations, I've been scuba diving, I have done the grueling hikes, and have never gained an interest in surfing. I am perfectly happy relaxing and reading poolside or on the beach and most of this trip. For those of you that may be concerned, my poolside drinks usually amount to two over a 4 hour period, with lots of water to keep from getting dehydrated. One thing I thought I did want to do on this visit to Maui was parasailing. I called about a reservation yesterday and learned that, unfortunately, the minimum weight for a one person parasailing ride is 130 pounds. I am happy to say I am under that weight (the girl on the phone giggled at my predicament in a very complimentary way), but am sad to say they wouldn't make any exceptions. It's just not safe to be too light and tossed by the wind. So, unless I can find another random soul at the resort that is in the same situation, I won't be going parasailing on this trip. It's a little close quarters with a stranger anyway! I'll wait until a friend or loved one can join me another time.

I'm sitting on my hotel room balcony now listening to the waterfall and enjoying the calm morning. I am icing my knee from a lovely walk/run on the Ka'anapali shoreline. It consisted of 16 minutes of running within a hour walk/run total. We'll see how my knee feels later today or tomorrow. I find myself getting up earlier each day I'm on the island. You simply can't help it! It gets light so early in the morning and people are out and about. The birds start chirping and I know it's time to start the day. We really have had great weather so far. About 87 degrees each day and the humidity is not too high. Comfortable really. In about a half an hour, I'm going to pack up my pool/beach gear and walk over to my favorite pool, the Oahu pool. It's lovely. Hopefully Miss Kesia (I hope I got her name right) will be there to serve me another Sweet Lorraine or some other tropical/fruity drink. Kesia actually pouted yesterday when I told her I needed to pay for my drinks and leave the pool for the day. She's a really nice lady. It was around 2:30 PM and I decided to head to Lahina for a little shopping and a bite to eat. Here is the sunset from Lahina last evening.

The Flower Tuck

I've been to Hawaii several times now, but I had no idea the flower women tuck behind their ears meant anything other than a pretty flower. Today I learned it tells much more than I ever knew. If you wear the flower on your left side, it means you are married or your heart is taken (as your wedding ring and your heart are on the left side of your body). If you wear the flower on your right side it means you are single. Fascinating! I took this photo before I learned the meaning of the flowers behind the ear. Luckily, I tucked it behind the correct ear!

My Hawai'i Vacation

Aloha! I am now in Maui, HI for my summer vacay. It's SO nice to be here. I am now sitting at a waterfall encircled cafe near the multiple pools at the Westin Maui, Ka'anapali. Why am I blogging on my laptop and not out and about? Well, this is what I want to be doing at the moment. Everything relaxed and leisurely at my pace. I've had a great morning so far (workout at the hotel gym) and the pool and beach are just steps away. I'll be there soon enough. Besides, it's not a good idea for me and my first-burn-then-tan skin to spend hours on end in the intense Hawaii sunshine. I will take it in small intervals.

I checked into the Westin Maui Resort and Spa yesterday around Noon. I have to admit, it's all been a little surreal. Sometimes trips start out that way for me, especially in a tropical setting. It's a paradise of sorts and it takes time to adjust from the foggy, city life. The surreal quality tends to wear off after a day or so. I felt the "I can't believe I am here" thoughts go away as I woke up this morning. After a few days I may not want to leave, ever!

I have a Garden Room, which is on one of the lower floors so I was a little worried my room would be overlooking the parking lot. Nope, I am looking towards the waterfall in the center of the pool area and the blue skies above it. There are flamingos, yes real flamingos in the lagoon under the waterfall. I put away my things, changed into my swimsuit and off I went to check out my new digs. Great workout room, check, awesome pools (yes, several pools), check, a couple of great restaurants, check, then the beach. Ahh... the warm Hawaii water. I love it! I decided to grab a drink and a salad at the pool side bar. Later, I settled in at the "adult" pool, the Oahu pool. This is a pool up above the falling water and next to the entrance of the water slides (oh, did I forget to mention the water slides?) that is 18 and over only. There is a great bar area that caters to this pool only. It's so convenient for tropical drinks or just some ice cold water. This may be my pool of choice over the kid rampant, inner tube crazed other pools!

I laid out for a few hours, but by then time had flown and it was 5pm. I decided it was time to go grocery shopping. I passed a Safeway on the way to my hotel so that was my destination. I wanted to get some breakfast foods, fruit, snacks, etc. to have in my room. Around 9:00 PM I went back to the bar by the adult pool, the "Moonlight Bar" they call it at night. I had a glass of wine and chatted with a lovely couple from Chicago. I think I was asleep once my head hit the pillow. I was so tired from the time difference and a big day. : )

Enough blogging... it's pool/beach time!

My room, note the pretty lei I received when I arrived

Comfortable amenities

The view from my balcony

A photo of the cafe where I am writing

Small World

I have a funny story to tell. This refers directly to a recent post in my blog. OK, I admit, sometimes I'm a little slow. I knew the last name Heinrich sounded familiar. A classmate of mine from elementary school through high school was Erica Heinrich. One evening last week I was riding the bus home from work reading more of Why We Run, by Bernd Heinrich. I got to a part where the author mentioned he lived in Walnut Creek, CA. What? That's where I grew up. Oh my, it dawned on me that could have met him when I was a kid. You see, the Heinrichs lived around the corner from my parents. My sister and I used to play in the valley behind our house with Erica and other neighborhood kids. I turned to the dedication page of the book and there was her name, among her other siblings. I'll have to find out how my Dad happened upon the book in the first place. I talked to my sister about it and we are not sure if our parents actually knew Erica's parents, maybe only her Mom since she may have been separated from Erica's Dad, Bernd, by then. Interesting... I'll get the scoop from my Dad soon. Small world, huh?

The ironic thing is that last week I had reconnected with Erica on Facebook. This was before the whole book author, childhood thing clicked with me. I wrote to her over the weekend and she confirmed that her Dad is Bernd Heinrich. I'm going to ask her if she knows if her Dad has a super high tolerance for pain. "Grinding" down a piece of loose cartilage? Ouch. Erica lives in Maine now and has two adorable boys. : )

Le Tour

Yeah, it's that time of year again! The Tour de France is underway. : ) I love it. I'm cheering for the US based teams Team Columbia (formerly High Road) and Garmin Chipotle. There are many incredibly talented cyclists from all over the world in the race, so it's amazing to watch. Go George Hincape! He rocks.

ONE YEAR

Today is the one year anniversary of my knee surgery. Can you believe it? I hardly can, the year really seemed to fly by. At the same time, I definitely thought my running would be in a different place right now. I tried to keep my expectations low, but I never thought I would only be running 10 minutes at a time a year after my surgery. I was sure I was going to be back to my old running (at least an hour 3x a week) 3 or 4 months from the date of my knee scope. That is what I was told about the average recovery time from arthroscopic surgery. Well, I'm "unique" I guess. My recovery has been much slower than I ever imagined. The reality is that there is little I can do to change it. I don't want to push my running too fast and be setback with pain again, but I do want to progress towards healthy exercise. I expect continued trial and error the rest of this year.

I'm not sure where I first heard this quote and where it came from, but I've been repeating it to myself lately. "Life is not about what happens to you. Life is about how you handle what happens." I doubt that is the direct quote, but you get the gist. I could go in the direction of being depressed and negative about my knee, believe me I've had many of those days. I realize I could also head in the direction of hope and positivity. With help from my family and friends, this is what I'm going to choose for the future. Here's to an even better next year with continued recovery and health!

Happy 4th of July!

I'm on my way down to Crissy Field near the Golden Gate Bridge to meet some friends for a BBQ. The fog seems to have lifted and it should be a nice day. Happy fireworks and 4th of July to all!