P90X has done me in. I hit 6 weeks of faithfully doing the P90X program a few weeks ago. I stopped at 6 weeks for a variety of reasons. It was just going to be a brief stop, an adjustment of sorts. One of those reasons has derailed my restarting the program.
That reason culminated in a visit with an orthopedic surgeon this morning and a panel of x-rays. Lucky me...I have chondromalacia. In simple terms it is a misalignment of the patella (kneecap) which causes the kneecap to rub against the joint, irritating the cartilage. (Along with causing constant pain and swelling). I most likely have always had chondromalcia but the added intensity of P90X and the attempts I've made at becoming a regular runner-type, have exacerbated the problem. So by the doctors orders I am not to overextend my knee in any direction, do any jumping or running. Even though I thought I'd love to be told I can't run, I don't. I don't like being told I can't do something. And sure I can still do it, but is the pain worth it? Uh, truthfully no. Especially when surgery could come into play. So now I rest it and wear this knee brace while it's healing and probably forever while doing any type of exercise.
So....cycling anyone?