Doctor's Reply

I went to see my chiropractor today and he said the reason he quit running was because of that very same injury. It's tendonitis at the place where 3 tendons come together around the hamstring. But we talked about what I could do because (oddly) I really want to run. And I really want to run outside because I think that I get the feeling of peace because I'm out in nature. I hide within my artificial lights, computer, etc. way too much and I need the outdoors. So here's the plan (beginning tomorrow): I will put a heating pad on my knee when I wake up to warm up my muscles, tendons, etc. Then I will stretch -- hamstring stretches are the most important. Then I will do a brisk walk for a few days while I heal. After my walk I will stretch again and then, while sipping water, I will put a cool pack on my knee. I'm excited about getting back out there, even if it is brisk-walking, and this time I will bring my dog along with me. I know she'll enjoy it. My neighbor is out of town again (her mom is getting chemo treatments so I don't consider it abandonment) and she's now added to our two-some her other neighbor and that neighbor's high school aged son who is training for football. So we should have quite an exercise group!

Thanks for all of your caring responses. You are truly keeping me going this summer.