Mt. Whitney Hiking 2017 (9) ~ Training using Garmin fenix 3 HR

VO2max value is recovering

   As I mentioned in a different topic, I got injured my right leg and I just resumed running about two weeks ago.  This is a training not only for a marathon, but also for hiking to Mt. Whitney as well.  Running is one of a good training to improve my aerobic performance for hiking.

   Due to the injury, I stopped running for a month and my VO2max value is down from 43 to 36 [ml/kg/min].  This drop is significant performance down.   After 2 weeks of running, the number is getting better and it is 39 [ml/kg/min].   The first 5 days, I only ran 2 miles, then increased to 3 miles and this week is about 4.5 miles.   The average pace is also getting improved.

   Since I just resumed running, I tried not to run fast.   I tried to stay "slow pace", but the course selection, I tried to include some hilly sections.  This will helps to train muscle for ascending.   I think this VO2max is one of good factor to monitor my training progress.  At least I can tell my training is on track to recover from the injury.

Lactate Threshold

   On the other hand, the lactate threshold is not improved like VO2max.   However, I tried not to run faster.  Therefore, once my body is adopted for the pace.  I might not reach a point fenix 3 HR cannot detect "lactate threshold"  because the pace is not fast enough to hit the threshold.   This is probably true.  Because right after resumed running, my heart rate jumped close to my maximum heart rate value.   However the heart rate is getting stable with the current slow running pace after 1 week.

  I will monitor those two factors as index of my training progress.

Resting

   Another factor, I do care now is resting.  Since I just resumed running and I am not young any more.   I try to take more rest day than usual to avoid another injury.   So my current training schedule is 2 day running and 1 day resting.   Then I try to increase total running time slowly.   I think this is a key to avoid injury, especially people who have not been training for a while.  My first goal is try to recover my VO2max to more than 40 [ml/kg/min] first.  Then I will resume more speed (threshold running) to improve my fitness performance.

Glucosamine joint supplement might work some cases ....

It's been for a month.....

   As I posted a few weeks ago, I have been having some pain on my left knee after running since January this year.    I had a surgery about 20 years ago and I think I have some issue on my left knee.  However it has been getting worse recently.   There are so many supplements for joint pain.  However, many article says there is no scientific reason for those supplements on the internet.   However, there are some cases it seems to be working and I tried it anyway.

   As I mentioned in my previous post, I did not expect it would work.  However it works somehow in my case.   After another 2 weeks, I think it is getting much better now.   In the worst time, I was getting really bad pain with sore on the left knee while I just standing for a short time.   Now I do not have such bad symptom at all and almost no pain.   I have still some strange feeling after training, but I do not feel much now.   It is really getting improved.

   Since it is getting better,  I have not had a chance to see a doctor yet.   But I do not think I need to see a doctor in this situation.
   Therefore, I do not know the root cause of the pain and it is hard to conclude it is just for mental thing.   Based on the information on  the internet, it might not work in many cases.   However, it could work in my case somehow.   This is just personal feeling, it might be worth to try it.

   Glucosamine based joint supplement might works some time.......
 

Knee pain ~ Joint supplement works?

Does it really work?

Get knee pain ....

   I have been running to keep my fitness regular basis.  However, I sometimes get knee pain last a few years.  I guess it is because of age and a surgery about 20 years ago.   I met an avalanche in a mountain and air lifted in December 1999.  Due to the accident my left knee was broken and got a surgery with artificial born.   It's been about 20 years, I guess it might be one of the reason of the pain.

   I also saw a doctor a several times, however, no obvious reason was found in the past.   On the other hand, I had some injury especially shin-sprint and stress fracture on my left leg and I have to stop training often.   My muscle strength might be getting weaker.  I guess they might be a part of reasons I am getting the knee pain last several years.

The pain is usually gone when I take a rest.....

   Most of time till last year, the pain was going away as long as I stop running for a few days and I did not see much problem.  However, the pain happened this January, the pain was worse and it tool longer to be back to normal.   So I started worry about the pain.

The Pain

   The pain is around lower part of knee.  Based on my research, the pain might be a lack of flexibility.  So that I spent more time for stretching before / after training.  However, it did not help so much.
    The knee is sore and I felt really sharp pain.   When I took pain killer, it was improved.  However it is not a treatment to avoid the pain and I had to stop training often.   On the other hand, some light training such as station bike / Elliptical, it was usually getting better.  I just carefully watch what it goes.

Trying a joint supplement.....

   Last 2 weeks, I try a joint supplement.   I recognize that many articles indicates that the effectiveness is questionable.   The primary ingredients are glucosamine and chondroitin.  There is no clear scientific prove, especially through mouth.  On the other hand, advertisement  from many distributors / vendor of those supplement shows many good things about the product.

   As I recognize those facts, I have been trying a supplement since there is almost no side effect.  It's been for 2 weeks, it seems that the pain is getting improved.   I am not really sure if it is due to the suppliment or placebo....　The fact is the pain is obviously getting better with almost regular running on treadmill instead of running on paved roads.

　Anyway, my left knee is getting something not right.  I will see a doctor soon anyway.  However, I want to get some feedback from readers who had some experience or opinion.
   What do you think??