So although I have been really enjoying this challenge so far, during the second week, my knees really started to hurt in an unhealthy way. It became hard to walk, nearly impossible to get up the stairs, and near the end of the week, hurt throughout the entire workout relentlessly. I finally realized that it was my squat form that is most likely the culprit, as I really struggle with not leaning over. I decided to take a full week off of any leg work because of how bad my knees eventually got. With that being said, I intend to work hard on my pushups and pullups during this week.
Day 8
Pre-workout run: 10:31
Post-workout run: 4:47
Full workout time: 1:20:00
This was the first time that I tried the Murph with only 5 sets of each exercise, doing foot push-ups, and having a mile run at the beginning. It was much harder than I was expecting because I had no idea what to expect. The foot push-ups were very hard compared to the knee push-ups, and while trying to find a mile-long route in the neighborhood, I got lost. I guess it’s Monday. My knees were bothering me a bit, but I wasn’t super bothered by it, and just ignored them.
Day 9
Pre-workout run: 10:21
Post-workout run: 7:09
Full workout time: 1:07:53
This was the first day that I didn’t have a helper cheering me on and keeping me company because at the time everyone else was busy. I felt like this made it much harder, and although I got a much better time than the day before, I didn’t feel like I did well.
Day 10
Pre-workout run: 11:17
Post-workout run: 6:13
Full workout time: 1:05:43
I was still just going through the motions and wasn’t pushing myself as hard as I could go. I only got a few minutes faster than the last time, with more terrible run times. My knees were getting really bad and after this workout is when I really started to take notice.
Day 11
Pre-workout run: 10:05
Post-workout run: 4:38
Full workout time: 59:32
I really pushed through this one with the goal of finishing it under an hour. Although I had to sprint the entire final run and just about passed out, I was able to get it done in 59:32. This boosted my confidence, but also completely killed my knees.
Day 12
I took this day as a rest day because I chose to listen to my body and give my knees a break. Unfortunately, I didn’t ice them as I should have and it ended up not helping at all.
Day 13
Pre-workout run: 11:16
Post-workout run: 5:36
Full workout time: 58:43
This workout was a mistake. From the moment I started running that first run, my knees were absolutely horrible, but yet again I ignored them. It ended up slowing my run times a ton, and being really tough on me after the workout. I should have listened to my body here and taken another rest day.
Thoughts on Week 2
This week was super discouraging because of my knees. I was excited to continue on with this challenge, but with the history of knee problems in the family, I was forced to take some time off. I was able to keep working on my mentality of pushing harder than the day before.
Plans for Week 3
Although I have decided to not work legs for this week, I still fully intend on continuing by working hard on upper body. I am going to be trying to do just the push-up and pull-up portions of the Murph, but transferring to full pull-ups. Wish me luck!
I’m so proud of you. This is a crazy hard challenge, and I know too well how it feels to get knocked on your butt by injury (physical or otherwise). It sometimes feels like getting stuck or worse, but I know you’ll get unstuck. Sometimes we need self-care or outside help to get unstuck. You’re crazy strong. Get it, son.
You are wise to listen to your body. I watched Popa go through 2 knee surgeries and , trust me, it was no fun. You need to consider try swimming laps sometime. It is easier on the knees but a great workout. Don’t be discouraged. If this challenge ends up not being for you, there are plenty more where it came from. And good luck!
That is crazy. I couldn’t have done that.