First-time marathoner fends off knee trouble
By Brett Turner
Skywrighter Staff, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
August 12, 2005
Editor's Note: The following is the second in a series of articles following the training of a first-time runner in the Air Force Marathon. Skywrighter is following her progress leading to the race Sept. 17.
First Lt. Lisa Heitman's first U.S. Air Force Marathon was almost over before she took a step on the course. Now, her pace is back on track.
In training for her first ever 26.2-mile race Sept. 17 here, the lieutenant found an aching knee may prevent her goal.
Heitman said her fist long run of 12 miles went fine. She did a flat long run on the bike path from her home in Beavercreek to Xenia in mid July.
Despite that success, she said there was a matter for concern - her right knee. She said it bothered her enough that she decided to consult a physician.
"I've always had problems with it," Heitman said. "I just want to make sure it wasn't damaged. I don't want to mess with my knees, and if that means not running I won't do it."
The doctor diagnosed a minor ligament problem from overuse, according to Heitman.
He told her to take a week to 10 days rest from running; however, he said bicycling, swimming or working out on an elliptical trainer was fine. This layoff would coincide with the first week of a two-week temporary duty for the lieutenant.
Heitman said she did a lot of biking that first week while at Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass. , an activity she said she already enjoys. She decided to test the knee upon returning home for the weekend and found it was sounds again.
Heitman said the downside was the area she was in for her second week of TDY in Hampton, Va., had limited running areas, so she did most of her running on a treadmill, about four miles at a time.
"That stunk," said Heitman. "Running four miles on a treadmill got old very quick."
By the time the TDY ended, Heitman arrived back here in time for her second triathlon this summer, which was Sunday at Buckeye Lake near Columbus .
The event included a 750 meter swim, a 5k bike ride and a 5k (3.1-mile) run. She said none of it was too strenuous on the knee, it helped her marathon training and was something she enjoyed.
"The knee was good, so I loved it," she said.
She confirmed her knee was back to normal Monday during her first physical training workout with her unit since arriving back here.
Heitman said her immediate concern with her marathon training is adding mileage.
With just 36 days to go until the race, she admits the need to step up the distance.
Heitman said she wants to try to get in 13 miles over the weekend. But in other ways, she said she's ready for the race.
Last week she got her first e-mail confirmation from the race coordinator, she said. It's a start.
"I think mentally I'm ready to do it, said Heitman. "I'm a little behind, so I need to step up the distance."