Running

[Clueless Morgan]

Haven´t been able to run more than a couple of times these last weeks due to a knee injury. I´m starting to get really depressed about it - feels like all my hard work in the summer was for naught .

I know exactly what you mean; when I started running I got a pretty gnarly foot injury (a possible frayed tendon) that knocked me out of running for months and still occasionally bothers me.

Best advice I can give is to NOT RUN ON IT! I did that and made my injury worse.

If you're really concerned about it and don't want to lose ground on your gains so far, see a doctor and ask about physical therapy (I couldn't get PT without seeing a doctor but your situation might be different). Bring your running shoes in to the doctor/physical therapist, they might want to see them, especially if they're old and clearly show a wear pattern on the soles. Also, ask the doctor/PTist what amount of activity they recommend so you don't exacerbate your injury.

From my own experience the best I can tell you is use the RICE method for soft tissue injuries (assuming yours is a soft tissue injury): Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. It's not a cure all, nor will it, alone, get you back to 100%, but it's good practice for post-exercise recovery, especially when you're nursing an injury.

And always stretch before and after every exercise activity be it running, walking, biking, cross training, swimming, etc. Stretching before will help loosen you up a bit (don't overdo it), stretching after aids in recovery.

Hope your knee gets better!