What was your running background before you signed up for a marathon? You mentioned that running 4x a week plus cross training was exhausting...what was the longest race you've completed previously.

I was 58 when I started training for a 1/2 marathon (I'm 59 now) and I was following a run-walking program that required 4 run-walks a week (one of them being a long run, the shorter ones were 30-45 minutes). I found my old body wasn't given enough time to rest and repair, so I went to a 3x a week run-walk program. I completed the 1/2 marathon in 2:25.

I know have 3 1/2 marathons under my belt and I'm currently training to do a full marathon for my 60th birthday in January 2015 (Disney World). I'm going to run-walk that as well.

My point is, some of the marathon training programs assume "one size fits all," but don't take into account age--which REALLY is a factor since as one gets older, it takes longer to mend.

Sounds like you have "Runner's Knee":

Symptoms of Runner's Knee include: pain behind or around the kneecap, pain when the knee is bent, pain that is often worse going up and down stairs, swelling and popping or grinding sensations in the knee.

Treatment for it is RICE. I can't say how long it's going to take to get back to 100%, but what I do know is that in order to finish a race, you've gotta first show up in some type of shape to complete the course in the allotted time.

I would recommend that when you feel good enough to run again, use a run-walk program like Galloway to ease back into your program...better still, run-walk the entire marathon so you'll have a better chance of crossing the finish line vertical and uninjured.

I hope your knee is feeling better soon.

It sounds like you have a diagnosis which is good but can anybody tell you why you have the problem? If you don't find a way to address why it will likely, and this seems to be the case, keep coming back.

I do think it is important to address this even if it means missing your marathon. Which would stink. But if you get more seriously injured you could miss many more in the future.

As Brian said, most knee problems are not knee problems and I think he hit the usual suspects. the good news is if you can find the cause I think this can heal and be prevented from recurring fairly quickly

I had "runner's knee" from 1978 until about 3 months after I started running (2010). Yup, a long time and lots of pain and it was resolved due to building the muscles in my legs.

I can not speak highly enough about this site:

http://www.runningwritings.com/p/the-injury-series.html

I had Achilles problems earlier this year, followed his advice, and cleared up the issue pronto.

On the topic of knee pain, his analysis tracks with my diagnosis 35 years ago and his course of treatment is well supported by other (respected) sources.

Tape, braces, etc. are treating the symptom instead of the cause.

Good luck with this.

I have iliotibial band syndrome, so not really the same thing (my pain is on the outside of my knee).

I use this: http://www.amazon.com/Bracoo-Knee-Strap-Size-Black/dp/B009LA8ZDY/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1409015959&sr=8-11&keywords=knee+band

Just enter 'knee band' into Amazon's search and you get lots of different types.

It has worked wonders. So long as I use it for every run, I have very little pain. Still some, but nothing like before I started using it. Might be worth a shot to try it out--it does support my knee nicely when I run. I'm not familiar with what you're experiencing, but maybe some additional support for the patella won't hurt.

I have ordered said device based upon your recommendation. Thank you. Unless it doesn't work, then you owe me $6. Just kidding.

I have iliotibial band syndrome, so not really the same thing (my pain is on the outside of my knee).

I use this: http://www.amazon.com/Bracoo-Knee-Strap-Size-Black/dp/B009LA8ZDY/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1409015959&sr=8-11&keywords=knee+band

Just enter 'knee band' into Amazon's search and you get lots of different types.

It has worked wonders. So long as I use it for every run, I have very little pain. Still some, but nothing like before I started using it. Might be worth a shot to try it out--it does support my knee nicely when I run. I'm not familiar with what you're experiencing, but maybe some additional support for the patella won't hurt.

I have ordered said device based upon your recommendation. Thank you. Unless it doesn't work, then you owe me $6. Just kidding.

Ha! Good luck collecting!

Do hope it works for you, though, and not just because I don't want to owe you 6 bucks!

My knee pain came from something that occurred during walking/hiking. Some minor damage to the meniscus. A simple wrong step caused me a great deal of pain for several years. It took several weeks for the worst of the symptoms to reduce to a very manageable level. It has never gone "completely" away.

However, when I resumed running I was mindful of this limitation in my knee and what I've noticed is that running has actually helped as long as I don't overdue it by overstriding. Every once in a while my knee pain flares up (though nothing like when I initially injured it) and I might need to ice it , take some over the counter pain relief and back off for a day or two.

But the range of motion without pain has dramatically increased over the last year even though I've trained for 3 marathons, 3 half-marathons and a 10-mile race. Throw in a couple of 5Ks and I consider the fact that I can run reasoanbly fast for my age group a real plus.

Icing and backing off, including slowing way down for a long run, seems to hold any flare up at bay.

I have patella tendinitis in both my knees, worse on my right. My knee pain was actually a result of weak glutes and hips and tight quads and calves. When I decided I wanted to run a full marathon I started with strength training 6 weeks before marathon training started. I worked with a physical therapist at my chiropractor. Tons of squats, clamshells, hip flexor exercises, etc. and core strengtheners. This plus foam rolling and stretching multiple times a week (quads, IT band, inside my thighs) and I was able to keep the tendinitis at bay and complete my marathon pain free.

I know you're mid-training and starting to get into the long miles, but if you aren't already strengthening your glutes,hips, and core than that could be a major part of what's bugging your knee. I agree with a previous poster regarding knee bands and such. They mask the pain but don't actually get to the root of the problem. They may help you get your long miles in but you also have to address the reasons behind the pain.

Good Luck!

Thank you for adding that!