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April 15, 2008
Cautiously optimistic
After starting my regimen of Advil, icing, and wrapping yesterday, I woke up with less swelling in my knee! I'm sure it will fluctuate in the days and weeks ahead, but I was happy to see some improvement. I did try to sleep with the ice on all night and I made it until the early morning hours (I'll try again tonight). In any case, it was still sore and I limped/walked down to the gym to try the now-functioning UBB. It is an earlier version of the bike I use at the Bethesda gym and there are several significant differences. The one that bothered me most is that you can't adjust the seat or "pedal" height and the handles were too close to me and kept hitting me in the elbow or head whenever I took a hand off to change my iPod or get a drink. Not fun. Also, the programs were weird. The manual was too easy but the hill interval one was too hard (at the easiest level) on the highest hills. Aaargh! After an hour, I was glad to get off and do my sit-ups and go home. Unfortunately I think I'll have to use that particular bike a couple more times--maybe I'll get the hang of it next time.
I was pretty good about icing most of the day even though it is really awkward to do at work and with my desk/laptop setup (I try to keep my leg up when I ice). I also kept it wrapped and that gave me a little extra support. I was glad that I was able to take a bit of a walk during lunch to one of my favorite delis without seeming any worse for it after I got back.
After work, I lifted a bit and then I tried swimming (well, pulling)! It had been awhile since I'd been in the pool and this was the first time I'd tried the one in the Bethesda gym--it's small but pretty nice, actually. I had no pain from where the pull buoy was on my leg (I thought I might because it is kind of close to my knee) and I flailed around for about 30 minutes. Promising. As I develop a new workout plan, one that hopefully incorporates running as well as a lot of other activities, I think it would be good to add swimming back in to the mix. But I also think I would benefit from a weekend clinic or a few lessons so that I can work on my technique. It is on my radar and if anyone has any recommendations, please let me know!
Posted by becky at April 15, 2008 10:08 PM