Frustrated...

It took about 10-15 days for the post-run aches to die down, so went for my first jog on Nov 30th. Felt absolutely great for the duration of the run, but just towards the end felt this twinge near my left knee. The pain escalated alarmingly quickly, and a few feet later I was forced to stop and limp back home. That pain continued for a couple of days, until I started applying ice packs and then it went away. Rested for another week or so, where my only physical activity was losing at table-tennis at the office. Consulted a doctor yesterday, and he mentioned that I was 'running on deflated tyres'...apparently some muscle that supports the knee was very weak and needed to be strengthened. Gave me some simple leg extensions, to be done twice a day. Tried another tentative jog today and felt the muscle twinge again after about 2 - 2.5km so forced myself to walk back home, which was highly frustrating because I was just getting to the stage where I was starting to enjoy myself...would have loved to carry on for at least another 2.5km. By the time I reached home I was limping badly again, and I still am several hours later.

What's most frustrating is that I see my goal of doing the Pondy marathon in Feb slipping away. Maybe I'll restrict myself to the half-marathon again, which is a bummer. Anyways, for now perhaps I'll stay off running and try swimming instead. There's a horrible pool in the neighbourhood with water that's filled with chlorine and shrieking kids, maybe I'll try that for the next 2-3 weeks and do these leg extensions before attempting to run again. Swimming will not be as helpful in improving my 3-months pregnant look, and I'll probably end up looking like a red-eyed Chink at work, but I guess it'll help in the long run.