While running the Long Beach marathon October 23 2010, I injured my left knee. I’ve had knee injuries before but nothing like this one. The weekend after the race was the WCCTC triathlon camp, a camp where collegiate teams go to so they can train and meet other students in that same sport. I was new to the Tri team at CSULB so of course I wanted to go even with my knee problems. Well, that was a BIG mistake. The morning after we arrived we woke up at to be out for a run at 7. The camp took place at San Luis Obispo, meaning lots of hills. Our practice was to run 6 miles through a hilly forest like area. I am the type of person that even when my body hurts and wants me to stop, I don’t. I like to push my limits until I have finished the workout intended. Number 1 rule in running is always know when to stop. Since I didn’t want to take a break, relax and rest my knee. My knee blew out. I ran the last mile limping and crying. When I finally reached the end, one of my teammates had to help me get back to the cabin because it was very difficult to walk. From a 1 to a 10, 10 being the worst, the pain was a 10. I laid on the floor, took some pain relief pills and put ice on my knee for 10 minutes. After, my teammate lifted my leg and bended my knee so he could figure out what was wrong. To me the feeling felt like someone was stabbing my knee with a screw diver and twisting it around. Yes, it was that bad. I couldn’t walk, bend my leg, or get up from the ground without help.Turns out I had Iliotibial Band Syndrome, which is common in athletes. It is caused by increasing mileage or intensity too fast or by running on a slope.
The only way to treat this problem is to do stretches and give it time to heal. I’ve had it for about 2 months already and I can walk without feeling pain again but it begins to hurt after running about 5 miles. Before I was injured I ran 6 miles every day. Now I run a few miles a week so I don’t aggravate it to much. To a runner, this is devastating. Not being able to run as much as you did before sucks. But I’ve learned my lesson. When your body tells you to stop, STOP! Because you will regret later on.
Have I mentioned that I already bought a LA Marathon ticket? Since it’s a month away, chances are, I won’t be able to race because it would be too many miles for my knee to handle but, I’m going to stay positive and keep praying that my knee will get better and hopefully I will be able to race.
While running the 
That is horrible. Hopefully you will be able to finish your marathon fine. Good luck
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