Hi, Robin. I've had to do that before, and it's so frustrating! You KNOW you're doing the right thing by taking some time off, but at the same time, you want to just go-go-go-go-go! Argh! I've started and stopped running a number of times over the years. Almost every time I've stopped it was just a month or two into running, and it was because of knee pain. This time, I've been at it for over a year. I did a few things differently this time. When I was still pretty new, my knees started feeling pain and stiffness. I would ice after every run (20 minutes). This actually was enough to keep the inflammation down enough that I could keep running. This phase went on for several months. Then, I switched over to heart-rate-monitor training and had to slow my pace waaaaay down. Guess what? I discovered that when I run 18 minute miles instead of 12 minute miles, my knee pain went away and didn't come back! I've started picking up the pace a bit this past month (14 - 16 minute miles) and I can feel little twinges of stiffness and discomfort from them again, but not bad enough that I've had to ice. Just a warning to me to watch what I'm doing. So *for me* it seems to be directly related to how hard I'm running. That was a good idea to look at your shoes. They shouldn't be wearing unevenly. Is it possible your gait is lopsided too? That would be a double whammy. My guess would be that your best bet would be to finish your rest, (ice, ibuprofin) and start - with new shoes gotten at a running store where someone analyzed your gait to make sure you had the right kind (do you overpronate, for example?) - and find a different running route. One that is reasonably level. At the very least, alternate sides of the street so that the uneven wear is affecting both sides! And meanwhile, find some good running-related material (reading, movies) to keep your spirits and interest up.

Sounds like a good time to practice cross-training! Got anything you like?

Way cool, Robin! I'm so glad! I'm putting myself out for a few days following my HM yesterday. My right knee doesn't like to walk right now, and it thinks going up or down stairs is a reeeeeally bad idea... So I'm going to go swimming and start looking (reluctantly) into some strengthening exercises. Take it easy getting back into your running - you don't want to end up back here anytime soon! And have fun! Janell