Running the Good Run

I ran my first 10 K today at the Nature Valley Run; and by God grace I finished it.

I arrived at Global City early (I was there before 4 AM). I had time to do some serious stretching in hopes of reducing my chances of triggering my knee condition during the course of the race. The stretching served its purpose, because I was feeling great before the race started. I was wide awake and energized. The patella band that Memots lent me was also a source of comfort. I was quite convinced that my right knee would not be a problem.

My knee condition was the source of my apprehension towards joining the Nature Valley Run. I have been having trouble with my right knee for three weeks. The pain recurs after the first 15 to 30 minutes of jogging/running. It usually starts with a dull knee discomfort, which progresses into a sharp, unbearable pain in a matter of minutes. When that happens, I usually have no choice but to stop, because my right knee weakens.

Things went smoothly during the first 1.5 kilometers. Things were going as planned--I started well and was able to maintain my pace. My target time was still in sight until 10 minutes had elapsed when the reality of my condition started to set in. Once again, it started out as a slight knee discomfort. I did not want to entertain the idea that what I was feeling was that knee pain, and so I tried to ignore it. I was able to sustain my pace for about five minutes until I had to stop. The pain was more intense than the usual right knee discomforts that I have had. I stopped three or four times to adjust the patella band to no avail. After five minutes of having difficulty walking, I removed the band (it was too tight). At that point I felt panic and sadness. I still had eight kilometers more to go.

As I laboriously relocated myself to the sidewalk, what came to mind were Sir Gene’s words regarding my knee condition. He told me that if it were ITBS, I might not finish the race. The pain was such that I was convinced that it must be ITBS. After five minutes the pain was still intense. I still could not lift my right knee. As I struggled to walk, other runners overtook me. I started to feel that I was already at the bottom tail of the pack. Sir Gene’s warning regarding the possibility of not being able to finish the race started to sink in. PR was no longer a concern. I just had to make it through. Not finishing the race was not an option. This is my first 10K race, the one that I had been preparing for, I thought. Besides, there were no marshals in sight, and so I took it as a go signal to continue.

I tried tricks in order to provide temporary relief to my right knee. It included massaging, stretching, and flexing the knee--all of which did not work. I knew that I had reached the limits of my physical strength after the first 15 minutes of the run. I prayed for healing and asked God to increase my pain tolerance, which He granted. Thankfully, I remembered what Sir Gene mentioned--one of the probable causes of ITBS is the running gait. I suspect mine tends to tilt inwards, and so I made a conscious effort to adjust my gait to tilt outwards. During the first few steps, the pangs of the injury still had not left my knee. I continued with the makeshift therapy however painful it was, because it was the only technique that allowed me to move my right knee. I just had to make sure that my right steps were quick and light.

After finishing the third kilometer, my right knee started to improve. I could still feel the pain, but it was bearable. I was still limping, but it was no longer that apparent; my right knee had adjusted and could support my weight. I then started to slowly regain and maintain my pace. I had to be much careful though, in order not to trigger another round of intense pain. I also had to stop at almost every water station in order to allow my right knee to recuperate even for a while.

The sight of the finish line excited me. All of a sudden it was as if my right knee were perfectly fine. I was able to increase my pace and I was smiling for the cameras. When I crossed the finish line after an hour and fifteen minutes of running, walking, and limping, I was overjoyed and thankful. I was so close to not finishing the race, but God’s grace enabled me.

Happy to see the finish line

Last few meters

Obligatory solo pic by the route map

Nat Geo moment with Raewyn

***The pictures are from Raewyn and Photovendo.