Ada says: Try icing it and definitely see a sports doctor if it doesn’t improve within the next few days since he or she can give you exercises to strengthen it.
Heather says: Pain – I am lucky that I don’t have any long-term injuries, but I think like you said there’s discomfort and pain. I think it’s important not to run through pain and make something worse or do some permanent damage. I ran my second half with hip … discomfort I guess. I ran it because the feeling was not any worse than it was when walking. Probably dumb, but I am okay now. Follow Ada’s advice and rest it for a few days and then see. Three weeks is plenty of time to get all better & strong.
Anna says: Don’t push it!!! It’s not worth risking permanent damage to your knees (and never running again) just for one race. Could you see a doctor about it?
Tinabear says: 1.) how is your form? there should be a distinction between running (smooth strides, fully lifting your feet, landing each step and pushing off with the ball of your foot rather than the middle or heel)and the point where you’re trying to get mileage in. Form is a HUGE part of staying injury free, and if you get to the point where you’re shuffling or dragging to try and get through, STOP.
2.) stay steady: this ties in with #1. i know you’re running from a set plan, but from my experience it’s much better to increase gradually, with fairly consistent mileage. it works SO much better to run 3 miles every day, then maybe 4 or 5 for a long day, than running 2 miles avg. and 6 or 7 for a long day. after a few weeks you should be stronger and able to increase to 4 miles on average, with a 6 or 7 long run. You should be able to run SMOOTHLY during the entire run- when you’re form starts to break, you should slow down, and if that doesn’t work, try to make your shorter runs a little faster to build up endurance.
3.) check the soles of your shoes: if there’s excessive wear on the sides, heel, or anywhere other than where the ball of your foot would rest, then you need to A.) go to a running shoe store and see if they have any advice (some shoes are better for different running types, ex. a stability based shoe for those who overpronate)
B.) work to fix your form- it might be something as simple as lengthening your stride.
4.) Find a physical therapist/someone specifically for running rather than a normal doctor: every single time i’ve met with a normal doctor they’ve either given me textbook advice (stuff you could google) or they’ve given be bad advice (one doctor lengthened a simple injury, another suggested that i give up running for longer than a month, when all i needed was some tape)
5.) AVOID TREADMILLS- these kill form, and the only times i’ve ever been injured it was because of running on treadmills or increasing mileage too quickly.
I kind of hate how much people emphasize distance running as “just getting through” with a large amount of mileage. It’s so much better to gradually build up mileage, racing at distances that suit your current level of running comfort. The point of racing used to be pushing yourself to go faster, not longer…
Melissa says: i had knee pain start only a week before my 1/2 marathon at the end of january and didn’t know what to do. i basically stayed off of it that entire week and took the race at a more leisure pace and if my knee hurt, i would stop. pushing past pain like that is never good and can only lead to longer and even worse problems in the future. i suggest taking some time off, making sure to ice, massage and ice massage (freeze water in dixie cups and use them to massage your knee) and not do any sort of knee bearing exercises. sounds hard and sucks, but it does pay off. i haven’t been running much since my injury and a month later it’s feeling great!
The list goes on. I encourage you to go back and read through the comments if you’re having similar issues with your knees, or just need a little extra support if you’re on the fence and trying to decide whether or not to push it. I know what I need to do: stretch, ice, rest, strength train. Seriously, I don’t know how I got out of the habit of doing this last one, especially after all of the hours I logged at the physical therapist’s! There are many exercises (including the Clam Shells that Leslie highlighted) that I can do while lying in bed, so I WILL DO THEM.
Thanks again… you really are the best 
Yesterday I found a new brand of pumpkin in the store. It tastes just like Libby’s, but is slightly cheaper at $2.19/28 oz. I do like a good bargain!
This morning I made a big, belly-busting batch of oatmeal.
For work, I packed an orange, apple, strawberry yogurt, and leftover stew.
I also had a Thai Peanut Primal Strip…
… and an Apple Clif C bar.
I like that these are easy to break apart, under 150 calories, and only $.99 at Whole Foods like other Clif/Luna products. I do wish the sea salt flavor was present, or that the apple had a little tartness.
After work, I met my parents for dinner at Lime Leaf, a Thai/continental restaurant on the Upper West Side. Right after we ordered, we were brought out these little rice puff crackers with peanut sauce.
We split two appetizers: Tofu + Veggie Curry Puffs…
…and (spicy) Mushroom Ravioli.
For my entrée, I ordered Green Coconut Curry with tofu, vegetables, pineapple, basil and chili.
I ate half with jasmine rice, packed the rest up for lunch, and had a few bites of my dad’s Tofu Pad Thai.
After dinner, we walked next door for dessert at The Lite Choice. I used my punchcard from the tour to get us free cups! We each had almond butter; my dad and I both added chocolate chips.
When I got home, Ari and I tried to watch Willow, but I fell right asleep because I’d been up since 5. I was supposed to run 2 miles this morning but I decided to sleep and either go tonight when I get home or tomorrow morning instead, depending on how my knee is feeling.
I think we’re going to venture out to get bagels before work… I’ve been having such a craving for good lox and cream cheese! Have a great day
I hope that your knee feels better for your run! But if it starts to hurt, promise me you’ll stop, come home and ice and massage!!! I don’t want you to have any prolonged injuries!!!
and your oats look awesome…trying to put variety in mine!
Dear lord does that dinner look good!!
I agree with melissa about the knee, I over worked mine and have been having to slowly work my way up to longer runs, and I mean SLOWLY. And its not fun, so please take care of yourself!!
Hope you feel better soon! I have some major knee issues which prevent me from working out as aggressively as I would need to in order to get into shape… so then I just don’t work out at all. Take it easy and don’t push yourself if it hurts!
I hope your knee gets better asap!! At least you are doing whats best!!!
So cool you found pumpkin, I cant find it anywhere!!! I should of stocked up on it before!!!!!
Loving the thai food yum!!!!!!! I have not had thai in a while, my fiance and I love it!! He likes to get spicey stuff!!!!
I hope you have a great day and hope you get a yummy bagel!!!
xoxo
So much great advice
I really hope your knee starts to feel better!
Thai food looks so good! Happy Tuesday!
I haven’t tried my Clif C bars yet so it makes me happy to hear that they break apart easily. Too bad there isn’t more sea salt though!
Hand over the Thai food and no one gets hurt
Seriously though, what a great dinner! Take it easy on your knee, my dear!!
I hope your knee is feeling better today! I bet after a few days things will improve.
I love Thai food and I am now inspired to go have some! Great pictures!
those clif bars are definitely going on my next grocery list – i am in need of a lower calorie, cheaper bar.
bagels and lox…….heaven on earth. but really.
take it easy on your knee! you will be back before you know it.
Sorry I missed the last post – icing definitely helps. I found when I started to increase my mileage – like going from 7 miles to 10 miles on a long run – I had a few weeks of knee pain. Icing and rest was my saving grace.
lox and bagels!! that reminds me of weekends at my grandparents when i was little! haven’t had it in forever. also, i think you need to invite me on an eatventure some time. everrrrything you ate for dinner just made me drool a little.
I am training for my half marathon as well which is in 13 days and I recently started having knee pains. Taking warm baths with muscle relaxing epsom salts really helps along with lots of rest!
Glad you got some useful advice
Your Thai food looks really good! What do rice puffs taste like? They look identical to what we call “prawn crackers” here, but I have no idea what prawn crackers are made of. Tasty though and I love how they dissolve on your tongue.
I am excited to try the Clif C bars! Have you ever tried Keri bars? They look kind of similar, but have a bit extra protein (rice protein I think?) The apple peanut butter one is awesome. I have only seen them in Food Emporium…
I hope your knee is feeling better! I totally agree with Jenna that warm baths with epsom salt would do wonders!
Yummy looking lunch!
Great advice you got!! As you know I’ve been fighting injuries myself so I’ve modified my training plan and decided to focus on correct breathing rather than speed. Hope your knee feels better!!
Oh my goodnessss!! I’m in NY but only for 2 days for work and NOT enough time to try TLC!!! Dang…almond butter flavored fro yo sounds SO amazing right now…i’m jealous.
I’m glad you got some great tips when it comes to nursing your injuries. Take care of yourself girlie…your body deserves it!!
I found that pumpkin at my grocery store too! It was only around $1.79! I bought two cans.
GL with your knee girl! Keep up the good eats – that’s one way to keep the spirits high : )
Such delicious eats!
I´m happy you found support on blogworld.
I hope your knee gets well soon!
Have a great week, Katie!
Brazilian XOXO´s,
Gabriela
Just thought I would let you know that you inspired me to re-stock on Primal Strips–they’ll be perfect for traveling next week:)
I had Thai food for the first time ever this past summer. It was really good, and these pictures are reminding me that it’s probably time for another experience!
Good luck with your knees – keep us updated with what ends up working for you!
Huh. I can never find any brand but Libby’s. Not only that, the stores where I live don’t sell any pumpkin puree after Christmas. Which is a bummer, since pumpkin bread is one of the few things my daughter will consistently eat. Maybe if you would come cook for her, she’d be much happier!
ive never had thai food!! never even heard of it til i got on the blog world-i bet id LOVE the spiciness!
ive heard awesome things about the lite choice! i would so get the almond butter too
So happy I came across your blog – it looks like we share a very similar approach to healthy (yet fun) “veggie” eating!
What are those Primal strips like? I’ve been meaning to try them since they look like a great on-the-go, protein snack.
I was thinking of getting bagels/shmear tomorrow as well. So excited!
Glad you are taking the proper steps to care for you knee. Have a great day doll!
Funny thing about Edinburgh Fringe…the theatre company that started it, Traverse Theatre Company, was started by this guy named Jim Haynes. He lives in Paris and holds open dinner parties, and I went to one this winter while abroad and met him! Weird connection, huh? The Edinburgh Fringe would just be so much fun to see!
Ohh I love those rice crackers! They don’t LOOK tasty, but they are. I love going to TLC for a treat…the After Eight Mint is to DIE for!
http://www.firednfabulous.blogspot.com/
Gosh the Lime Leaf looks like such a yummy place!