Runner’s World’s My Knee Aches Q&A told me this:
Patellar tendinitis is inflammation of one of the knee-joint tendons. Tendinitis occurs when tissue breakdown outpaces regrowth, and is caused by increased mileage, hills (especially downhills), and pace. Running through tendinitis will make it worse and prolong your recovery, says Davis. But treated early, it can heal in a few weeks. Here’s how: cross-train, ice, wear a patella strap, take anti-inflammatories, stretch, and do exercises to strengthen the joint and quadriceps, such as leg extensions.
I definitely need to see a doctor and not just self-diagnose, but that sounds very close to what I have. I was inconsistent with my training (which probably seems to my legs like increased mileage), and I really flew down the downhills in the SF Marathon. So until I can get to a doctor sometime this week, I’m going to try some of that advice.
It is wise to see a doctor to get an accurate diagnosis. I hope it’s nothing serious. In the meantime, the idea of cross training and icing up sounds like a real good plan.
Welcome to the wonderful world of running injuries! Just remember that it happens to everyone, and that it’s your body’s way of telling you to fix a problem (overtraining? bad form? bad shoes?)
Do see a doc, hopefully one who knows something about running. And staying in shape with cross training has made a huge difference for me, I highly recommend it!
So sorry about the finish, but good on you for not DNFing!