Guys. It has been a nightmare lately.

In the summer I ran my first 5k. I really enjoyed it! I did the CIBC Run for the Cure, and had a blast. I ran with some co-workers, raised money for a good cause, got in great shape getting ready for it.

And busted my knee doing it.

I seriously cannot tell you what I did to my knee. My physiotherapist feels as though I tore/stretched/damaged my ACL somehow. My sports medicine doctor feels as though it's likely that I tore/stretched/damaged my meniscus. I'll know for sure once I get an MRI done. Wait list is only 18 months, no big deal right?

I can't run anymore, that much is clear. The pain when I try to run is not worth it. I mean, I can barely walk some days. Stair master, that's out too. Squats.. painful. Basically, anything involving my knee is really hard for me. Even driving for long periods of time, my knee gets too stiff and sore to get out of the car normally. I go to physio once every few weeks, but without knowing what is wrong, they can't do much. They do what they can to reduce the swelling, but with no health plan, I can't go as often as they would like me to. I mean.. $58 a pop. It's a lot to swallow!

So. I have put on TWENTY FRIGGIN POUNDS since injuring myself back in October 2012. And I haven't changed my eating at all, which. Ok, in hindsight, I should have, to compensate for the decrease in exercise. 20/20 looking back, and all.. regretting that choice now! I didn't realize it would make SUCH a difference though.

I am at a loss. I don't know how to take it off (safely) without further injuring my knee. I mean, what do I do for exercise when I have a body that is used to running and dancing and kick boxing and weight lifting, and all this high intensity stuff.. and now really unable to do it because of the stress on my poor knee?

Also, fun fact about me. I can't swim. At all. So all the pool exercises that I'm sure will be suggested are sadly out.

Any ideas?