Enjoy life with curb balls: knee injury?

It seems that days without “issues” or “physical discomfort” are rarer. Maybe it’s the stage of life, maybe it’s aging, maybe it is realization of what life is about, not perfect, not without things to deal with. Yet, I still find abundance, stillness, and gratitude in our ordinary days. Life is richer this way and I am more at peace with this mindset.

Friday husband picked up the fixed car (minor bump by the other irresponsible driver). Right after, he scratched it again, totally his fault this time. He was pissed and a bit traumatized by it. So I took Sofia to swimming, first time driving to this place. When I got there, I texted husband: I am LA ready! I didn’t blame him because he is already consumed by his own blame and shame.

Sofia had private lesson as the team is on break but I asked the coach to train her as we are going away again soon. Lizzy fell and scratched her knee so she didn’t join.

I tried a new recipe for the family, Korean style ground beef over rice and fried egg. It was a big hit! I made another batch on Sunday and freeze them. That’s my new motto! Make more and freeze some for later.

Girls made biscotti for grandma to take back to China with her. Sofia is a pro now with baking, Lizzy is starting and did a great job too.

I had a hair cut and color at home. What a luxury to have it done while watching Netflix.

Saturday I had my 18 miles long run. I wasn’t sure I could finish it as I wasn’t feeling as strong as I was in Buenos Aires and my hip soreness came back after not doing strength training for almost 3 weeks. Sigh… I should have known it but somehow kept forgetting. Yet, I finished the 18 miles and felt okay, despite having to resort to alternative fueling during the run as I somehow lost 3 gels on the run, and had to stop to buy some sort of fueling in a shop.

I was super happy and proud of my run, went to farmers market with Sofia, 10 min soaking in our pool (cold plunge). Then I spent 40 min stretching and foam rolling while watching Netflix. When I finished, I noticed something was wrong with my right knee. A sharp pinch pain happens when I straightened it while walking, putting weight on it! WTF???? What’s that? I’ve never had this kind of pain and felt totally fine while running. I panicked and limped for the rest of the day.

Sunday I woke up and the pain is still there and decided not let it affect me. I went out cycling with the girls, no problem with the knee as long as I don’t put too much weight on it. We enjoyed the bike as it was Lizzy’s first time to join us.

I loved having her joining us for Sunday ride.

The girls spent extra time with grandma as it was her last day in Brasilia.

Sofia made a birthday cake for her too as we didn’t celebrate it property yet. It turned out to be a perfect cake and we all loved it.

My knee situation would have worried me badly but somehow I am okay with it. If I have to take a break from running, it’s okay. I know I have access to care and whatever it is, I will find a way to solve it. The pain seems to be subsiding by Monday morning but still there. I will try to see a Physio ASAP to know what is happening. What concerns me more now is our upcoming LA trip. But even that, I could ask for wheel chair at the airport, right?

Let me end with the story of my former Brazil’s boss. I learned that he lost his first wife to sickness when his kids were 1, 4, and 7. He raised them alone while working full time. He’s the most calm and composed person I know. He is a doctor in Philosophy and Wall Street lawyer.

My takeaway: Stress is relative. When you learned to deal with big life stress, small things won’t stress you as much.