One of the first things that Chris Prezzano and Dr. Glashow told me on May 7, prior to surgery to insert a DeNovo Nt allograft in my left knee was that as I begin to use the knee that it would get sore. Well - I'm not sure SORE is the word that I would use. I think i might choose the word HOLY CRAP SORE AS ASS!!! as I think that more aptly describes where I am at right now.
Here is the deal, I have had sporadic pain running vertically along the medial knee ever since surgery. I would feel this pain when the knee was supported and sometimes when it was unsupported. This week, while walking the pain increased dramatically. In addition, I heard a pop like I have never heard before.
I give total props to Dr. Glashow and Chris who were on it immediately. We corresponded vial email and again via telephone. And they did not end the communication until we were all satisfied that the circumstances were not dire.
In addition, Nate and Co. have been all over the situation as well. It is their belief that I have developed a strong Patella Femoral syndrome and that the pain I feel vertically stems from that. This syndrome can happen when the medial VMO does not fire and the IT band continues to get tighter and tighter. As a result, the joint capsule gets stretched things get impinged, and I have pain like I currently am experiencing. This setback will likely take a month or more to resolve.
This is just a setback and I refuse to give up. Each week that I see my friends racing, competing, improving and excelling, drives my recovery. The key to my return will not be talent but determination. I found some quotes that I like on that subject:
Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination are omnipotent.
- Calvin Coolidge -
The most serious crime that man can commit is the fraudulent act of cheating himself, of settling for less than he deserves, of remaining at a level far below his potential, of accepting mediocrity, when excellence is within his reach .....
- Christopher P. Neck -
And I even thought up some stuff on my own which I actually like the best.
With focus, determination and relentless consistency you can have anything you want in this life. You must keep your eyes on your vision and all your actions must support that vision.
Marc Rubin Scottsdale, Arizona July 6, 2010
Well, I have a vision to return to racing. And I was feeling so good last week before the syndrome kicked in that I decided it was time to shave down. Well, its been a little while since I shaved down. And as a result I paid dearly.
My riding early in the week continued to get better and better. Last Tuesday, I had a very solid ride in which I averaged almost 20 mph for 30 miles. In so doing, I averaged 190 watts. This is still approximately, 50 watts below Ironman Race pace but we are definitely getting better and better. I have been instructed to back off for a week so I will do exactly that. No riding this week :(
I hit the pool a couple of times this week. The highlight being a visit with my mate Steve Elwell. Steve runs the Tri program at Lifetime Fitness Tempe. I love going down there and visiting Steve. I plan on making these visits an integral part of my ongoing training.
One of the treatments for Patella Femoral Syndrome is taping the Patella in the correct location. Here is a shot of Nate's tape job.
Ah - the blast from the past. Below is a shot with my friend Michelle Simmons at Honu 70.3 last May. Michelle is an Ironman finisher many times over and has competed in the Ironman World Championships a number of times. I love hanging with Michelle as she continues to inspire me.
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