Ever since all of the wonderful support in this post and a fantastic run that day (thanks to your inspiration), I’ve been battling knee pain. It’s either ITBS or runner’s knee, and I haven’t seen anyone about it since I feel like my ankle injury was just a big money-sucker with no real results. Except intense hatred of the airdyne bike.
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When it comes to running, I feel like it’s something my body just isn’t meant to do. Two years ago I got a stress fracture when I started training for the half, last year was the ankle issue, and this year my knee – as soon as one thing heals, something else goes wrong. It’s incredibly frustrating and pretty much makes you hate everyone who runs without pain (Melissa gets me. But she’s a real runner and I’ve never been in that category. So she only half gets me. But we’re kind of food soulmates too. So read her post, where she says all the things I want to say).
I’m sure it sounds like my body can’t handle running, but I feel like it should be able to. As you can see in my workout log, I do intense cycling classes 3-4 times per week to strengthen my legs, yoga at least once a week to help with flexibility, and I’ve been doing the Live Fit upper body series to increase strength. It’s the fittest I’ve ever been but my body just won’t let me be a runner.
It’s really tempting to run this week, too. About 2 weeks after my initial knee pain, I thought I had rested enough and tried to run 3 miles – then could barely walk. I know I need to continue to NOT run, but I want to so badly.
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The half marathon isn’t happening. It’s about 8 weeks away, and I haven’t been able to train at all. Even walking more than a mile at a time can be painful (with a knee brace). I’m finally able to do stairs without pain, so I’m giving it another week or so – then if it still hurts on and off I’ll go see a specialist.
ANYWAY. Thanks for letting me vent. Not that you had a choice. 
If you can’t tell, I’m really enjoying the Protein Plus Peanut Flour. Last night I attempted to make a peanut butter flavored granola based on my perfect granola recipe, with no added sugar or oil like this version.
Dry ingredients:
- 2.5 cups puffed millet
- 2 cups rolled oats
- 1 cup unsweetened Trader Joe O’s (or Cheerios)
- 1/3 cup raisins
- 1/3 cup chopped almonds
“Wet” ingredients:
- 1/2 cup peanut flour
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 Tbsp ground flax
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 6 drops stevia (or 2 Tbsp brown sugar)
- 2 Tbsp sugar free syrup (or maple syrup/honey/agave)
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Mix “wet” ingredients until no peanut flour lumps remain and pour over dry ingredients.
- Spread in an even layer on a silpat or parchment lined baking sheet, pressing into large clumps (if you like cluster-y granola like I do).
- Bake 30-35 minutes, turning once (carefully to not break up clusters), until browned.
- Allow to cool completely and then break into pieces.
Approximate nutrition (per 1/4 cup serving): 95 calories, 3 grams fat, 5 grams protein
Verdict? Delicious. But not peanut buttery enough. No one would taste this and guess that it was supposed to be peanut butter granola. I’m thinking about adding a Tbsp or two of real peanut butter. And maybe some cocoa powder, because that never hurts either.
Anyone know of any good peanut flour granola recipes? Anyone?!
Have a great Tuesday!
I feel your pain! My knee has been hurt for 2 months and it drives e crazy. It won’t heal and I realllllly wanted to run a half in April.
You granola sounds delish! I’d just add a tablespoon of “real” PB and I bet the peanut butter flavor would be perfect. Or maybe some crushed peanuts?
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted..Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
How does your knee hold up during Crossfit? Mine is typically fine with anything but running.
It sounds like we have the same injury! My knee is fine to do anything except running. Squats are no problem.
Let me know if you find the miracle cure. I’ll do the same.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table recently posted..Creamy Tomato Basil Soup
Oh, honey, I do get you. It’s not fair AT ALL. Running does put a big strain on your body–I think, despite all its benefits, it’s harder on your body than anything else. I hate the injuries for you. I wish there was a way I could make it better.
On the other hand, you have convinced me that I need peanut flour. When did I become the type of person that orders food online???? Thank you, blog world!
Melissa recently posted..My New Favorite Snack
You are a born runner and I am not, that’s all there is to it! And I order anything and everything online!
Time to get my granola making on!! I love the idea of puffed millet! I have puffed cereal that’s a little bland on its own, so definitely adding it to a granola will brighten it up! I was having knee problems last year and luckily it just kinda went away, but I feel your frustration.
Why can’t we just have 5 year old bodies our whole life?! (And by this I mean the energy, flexibility, endurance and no problems they have haha)
char eats greens recently posted..following the a to z trend
Puffed cereal is great because it bulks up the granola itself without adding a lot of calories – and you’re right, it’s kinda lame on its own!
Oh girl!! I am SO sorry to hear this. I bet that is so frustrating! Best wishes being sent YOUR way!
Have you tried doing more lower-body strength training? I am no doctor, but I do know that knee pain can be caused by weak quads and/or glutes? And the range of motion is different than just sitting on a bike. Just a thought!
Have a lovely day nonetheless!!
Annette@EnjoyYourHealthyLife recently posted..Berry Protein Smoothie + Salsa Quinoa Bowl
Girl I hear you. My body gets mad at me when I make it run any longer than 7-8 miles. Unfortunately, I love the half marathon distance. My last half, my longest run during training was 8 miles, and it ended up being my best time for a half by more than 10 minutes!
I’m with you– It took me the completion of a half and full marathon to realize that I was NOT meant to be a runner. I kept getting shin splints like nobody’s business, and was hating myself the entire time.
Sure I still cover 2-4 miles here and there, but distance running will most likely never be in my future. Oh well! More reason to work on things like yoga & Zumba
Brittany @ Itty Bits of Balance recently posted..Let’s Talk Blogging
My inability to be a solid runner has definitely kept my workout routine well rounded – but I’d still love to do more than a 5k some day!
I feel your pain (literally). I’ve gone through just about every single running injury imaginable..but keep insisting running is for me. It’s not. I do it casually, but usually turn to other cardio. There’s no use beating our bodies up. We’re young, we shouldn’t be feeling this pain! And if we are..we’re obviously doing something we’re not built to do.
Ugh, reality check time I guess!
I totally feel your pain! Last May I injured my knee running and it has not been the same since. I have gone to physical therapy, got an xray and MRI and they cannot find anything wrong!
That sounds so frustrating!
Gah! I’m starting to realize that the hip/knee pain this is quite common. I experienced it after my first half and two days later I was completely back to normal, so I think I went too far too fast (I slacked off training three weeks before the race).
At that time I thought I wasn’t meant to be a runner, but I WANT to be one. But for the pain, it’s amazing. So frustrating!
I hope whatever it is heals quickly for you! I feel your pain!
Liz @ Southern Charm recently posted..10K Training Plan
Have you looked into any muscle imbalances? And have you had your running form analyzed?
Matt @ The Athlete’s Plate recently posted..Featured Blogger: Whitney
Ugh. I know the hatred for that bike all too well. I mostly run on local trails now…they’re a little lighter on my legs and help prevent injuries (I like to think). I haven’t tried this flour yet, but it sounds fantastic!
I completely understand your frustration. I signed up for the full PGH Marathon and think I’ll only be able to run the 1/2, which is even questionable. My knee problem has been confirmed as ITBS and I have had the problem off and on since my marathon last year. No matter how much I rest, it seems to crop back up. I have made some major dietary changes lately in the hopes that it helps, and continue to roll and stretch. I hope things improve for you.
Best,
Kim
Ahh, so annoying, right? I feel like it hits me again as soon as I think it’s healed – and from what I’ve read, I’m 99% sure it’s ITBS too. I’m foam rolling as often as possible but it’s still not 100%. Thinking of you and hoping for the best! <3
oh no! I hope your knee gets back to normal. I feel the same way about running; my body just doesn’t seem to like it much at all. That’s why I seem to stick to cycling
Much less impact. That granola sounds tasty. I’ve never used peanut flour before.
I am obsessed with spin classes but haven’t cycled outside since I was a kid! I’m thinking about buying a nice outdoor bike once my husband and I move in to our new home.
It sounds like we are following a similar injury path unfortunately…stress fracture, ankle, knee. It’s frustrating. I always feel like I am dealing with some sort of nagging injury. As soon as one thing heals, something else goes wrong!
Michelle @ Blogitness recently posted..And It Happened!
Boo to injuries