I have been suffering from knee pain for the last week. Probably should have passed on last Saturdays long run after all the miles earlier that week. I also ran a lot of hills. Yesterday, I attempted my 10 mile long run – during marathon training the 10 miles wasn’t a big deal. Yesterday, it was hard to run. I did the 10 miles but was forced to walk about half because of such. I have about 300 miles on my tennis shoes so will be getting new ones this week. This morning before taking the Motrin, it was hard putting a lot of weight on my left leg/knee. After Motrin, much better. I am hoping and praying I haven’t injured my knee(s). When it was both of them I didn’t think injury. Now, I’m not so sure.
I have a half marathon in 3 weeks. Didn’t think this was a big deal till now.
Has anyone else experienced this? If so, what was the outcome? Hoping nothing major is going on…
Using:
- Ice
- Motrin
- Roller for IT Band 3x a day
- Getting new shoes
- Stretching after runs
Running for Life 
What a terrible time to be experience knee problems. If your shoes are really worn then it could just be that you aren’t as supported when you run causing pain. Hopefully new shoes will help! Otherwise maybe consider taking a few rest day… Good luck!
Yikes! I hope your knee gets better! I have never experienced any knee pain to be concerned about. However, I do remember my knees hurting during an 18-iler when I was training for my marathon. Also, my knees were a bit sore after a 15K I ran last week, but the pain wasn’t long-term so I shrugged it off.
I think a visit with your doc is your best bet. =/
Thanks Sarah – I always kind of freak out when it comes to knee pain. Hopefully it isn’t anything significant.
I get shin splints really easy (not the same thing I know), but I found having rest was the only thing that got the niggle away, then I would rebound to similar form. I think stretching and ice may help, but would it be worth consulting a doctor?
I’d take the time and do a short rest from running. You won’t lose anything if you take 2-7 days, and it may just save your race in the long run. If it is ITBS, and it gets worse, it could completely sideline your half. I learned that the hard way myself. I’d rest a few days, ice it, stretch, take Motrin if it is painful, and give it a test after that. I’d suggest regularly doing lying side leg raises and squats to strengthen your abductors and glutes. If it hurts along the outside portion of your knee, that’s practically a red flag for ITBS. Good luck! Hope it heals!
Thanks Tara! Will follow your advice. It seems better today, but I haven’t been doing that much other than cooking either. Knee pain always makes me nervous.
I just went (going through?) the same thing. I finished a half with a PR, and then ran 15 miles of hills the next weekend on dead shoes. The result – the same thing you’re experiencing, only I kept running for a few weeks until a 17-miler almost did me in. I took 10 days off, rolling, stretching and icing the whole time. I ran three last night with a knee brace without pain (thank God). Here’s to getting back on track so I can finish out my marathon training.
You might just need to rest. It sucks to hear that, but sometimes that’s all you can do. Good luck!