Frustration is spelled with an "OW"

I did, in fact, make my peace with not running the Brooklyn Half due to the upcoming shows which require a LOT of technical dancing and preferrably two functioning knees. This peace was coaxed along by 1 fantastic hat for 1 fantastic derby party and more than 1 mint julep.....but peace is peace, right?!

Now, I am having an easy running week, at least for the mileage, if not for feeling easy. After last week's 6 mile tempo run, I thought that I had pretty much kicked the knee pain, was feeling good and confident. Yesterday, I was alright- ran a mile to yoga, did yoga and ran the mile home (that route means that the end of the run is uphill....damn my apartment location!). This morning, up early to get running. I was already slightly creaky as I rolled out of bed and decided to head to the track for some kinder, gentler surface rather than over the bridge on pavement. About a mile in and already on the track, the knee started acting stiff- not good. So, I cut the run slightly short, knowing that I can probably get in some elliptical at lunch before class and rehearsal tonight, but starting to worry. I think that before I hit the doctor and use my entire flexspending account on Advil, I will go to see my acupuncturist and see if a few treatments there do the trick. Plus, I am due to start training for the distance classic next monday (no rest ofr the wicked, right?), so this pesky pain better go away. I think finishing the shows and extreme turnout will help it- I think my IT Band is just confused about where it should be when I am working intensely in both parallel and turnout....let's hope so...and let's hope it gets a clue soon!