Knees

What is up with my knees?

First off, this will not be a complaining post.....

It is a legitimate question to ask why I am falling apart. Right? Don't we all do it as we getting older. Forget anatomy and physiology. I know that we grow old and eventually wear out the parts given to us one way or another. A heart doesn't beat the same as it did 30 years earlier and no longer can I lie on my stomach and touch the back of my head with my feet like I did when I was 15. Who knew back then that it was called "yoga". No one told me. I just found that I could run, jump, ride a bike and play sports to some degree. I wasn't a "real" athlete. Just a wanna be. Now I wish I had that elasticity and bounce back that I had then.

I signed up for an Ironman. It is in November. Yes, I am 55 years old and will be 56 on race day, but it doesn't matter. I am one of many who want it at my age. The deterioration of my body will get through it one way or another. The reason why is because my mind will take over.

When I was younger, I never felt I could accomplish something like an Ironman race. No one told me it was possible. The dreams of my teenage years was to get through school, go to college, and then move out of my parents home. I always just wanted my freedom. There were no physical goals at that time. Nothing to accomplish. I played softball. That was about as much physical as I got in competition. I really don't remember it being encouraged to seek out racing individually. That I believe is a newer concept since my youth.

In my twenties, I started out running near my home. Dirt roads and corn fields were my views. And I wasn't "training". I was just getting out for a run. And as far as shoes....not sure they were serious running shoes. I probably bought them because they were "in". Then came kids and I was a mom. Did mom things. It was about the kids. Not about me. That was what you do. No one ever talked to me about balance and nurturing yourself.

Around 35, I began putting on some weight. That is when I started running seriously. Then I found that it became addictive. Still, the seriousness of shoe structure never occurred to me. It wasn't until I was in my 40s that I ran my first 5k and then it was all over. Running was my thing. I felt so much better when I did it. The cob webs cleared out. The dust was eliminated. I felt renewed. By the time I turned 50, I had divorced, remarried an "athlete", ran several 5ks, half marathons, and a few sprint triathlons.

My knees hurt today as I am entering a new phase. In the past, I was able to discover my love for running. Now I am discovering ways to keep that love from fading. Good health, taking care of my engine, repairing and resting when needed has become an important part of my life. Anatomy and Physiology is more important than ever. And a mind made up to pay attention to when my knees speak to me.

The same goes for the rest of my life. I will continue to run with it but every now and then I will stop, rest, repair and listen to what needs to take place next so that my knees won't hurt so much. Who knew I would be a smarter athlete today in my 50s.