I'll strictly be running in the Special Olympics till July*

My left knee is absolutely killing me. It's getting progressively worse, so that even walking is painful. I tried icing it, I tried putting inserts in my already good running shoes (New Balance 764s). I'm pretty sure it's runner's knee (from the symptoms posted at that site) from flaws in my form and probably weaker than necessary quads, and that taking a week off from running is going to be the way to go. Sigh...and I was starting to really like it. So on running days, I'm going to be rocking the precor instead. The calories are around the same, but there's no joint-killing impact involved.

Speaking of high calorie burn...I decided to try a cycling class again this weekend. It did not go well. I'm 25 lbs. lighter now than I was the last time I tried one, and I lasted half as long. What the hell? Of course, I stopped before I felt like throwing up this time, so that may account for something.

The instructor was less, um, yelly and weird this time, and the music was better. If I were ever to enjoy a cycling class, it would have been this one. However, I don't think I have it in me to enjoy a cycling class. Cycling, yes. Class, no. I'll stick to the real thing from now on, thank you. That said, I may consider going to these classes again if I ever decide to do a really long ride like the MS 150 or something. I know there are techniques I could stand to learn for long distance riding. For right now, though, it's enough for me just to be able to slog through 40 mostly-flat miles. I'll work on form once I've built some basic endurance.

I am also happy to note that my extreme wuss-out in the cycling class did not end my workout for the day...I went straight from the classroom to the treadmill, where I walked for 30 minutes at speeds ranging from 3.5-4.0 mph. My knee complained a little, and then complained A LOT once I got home.

I'm going through some kind of phase where I want to work out all the time, which is a rare and blessed thing. I'm hoping it lasts longer than other phases I've been through. I think it will, though, because I'm seeing some serious results. Besides the losing weight, my legs look different. My knees and thighs are looking leaner. As someone who has never had either knobby knees or particularly lean thighs, this excites me more than should be legal. I shaved yesterday, and I actually had to go over my knees again because there were bony indented places that have never been there before. Dude...I have, like, athletic knees. Too bad they're so wimpy that they can't stand a little running 3 times a week.

*Bring It On - "Carver will strictly be cheering in the Special Olympics till March..."