IT Band Injury: Out For 4 weeks

The orthopedic surgeon's verdict is in: It's the IT Band, and I can't run for four weeks. I am not a cross-trainer (nor a cross-dresser for that matter) but I have no choice now. I've been doing some biking, but since it takes the knee past a 30 degree bend, it hurts the IT band as well. I'm trying a stepper, keeping the vertical movement to only 6 inches or so. By doing this very rapidly, I am able to get a good cardiovascular workout while simultaneously strengthening the quad and calf muscles - two critical muscles for the WS100. Doing lots of stretching, push-ups, sit-ups and weight training as well. I'll use this time period to strengthen all my muscles, and I'll start fresh in 2006. 'til then...