“You have to take care of your Patellofemoral Syndrome, or you’ll wreck your knees.”
Just what you want to hear, right? My knees had been holding up well for the last months, ever since I’d traded my battered New Balance generic runners for a pair of Mizuno Wave Inspires. For a few weeks I’d thought I was running on clouds.
As my milage pushed upward, I added knee-strengthening leg extensions to my weight routine, using a medicine ball for extra resistance. But my knees couldn’t shape up fast enough. On Sunday, after a 12 mile run, I woke up during the night aching everywhere. By the next morning I felt better, with occasional spasms in my calves. Everything recovered faster than I expected–except for my knees. I walked gingerly. My next run was cut short, partially because of pain. My PFS was back, full force.
Funny how I can fluctuate between highs and lows so fast. The 12-miler, my longest run to date, was a triumph. I was pretty sure I was ready for my half-marathon, and my next two long runs would just cement that. A few days later I was searching for possible marathons later in the year. Still thinking seriously about that, actually. “Am I crazy?” I asked my friend, and she laughed at me.
But, according to my chiropractor, I have serious work to do. She’s prescribed me colossal amounts of leg extensions with weights. She wants me to multiply the weight I’m lifting (admittedly, just a 6lb medicine ball) by five. And I can do it. I can. I just feel discouraged and lonely today, and wonder if I’m grinding my knees into the ground or if this is just a hiccup in my long life of running?
Experienced runners, feel free to chime in here.
Even with my puny 12 mile runs, I’m in uncharted territory. None of my friends have done this before. My Grandpa (my running hero) has done this many times, having run multiple full and likely hundred of half marathons. But sometimes you want a peer to be alongside, you know? 
Anyway, I’ll take my medicine. I’ll do my knee-strengthening exercises and see what happens. 2 weeks to the taper, 4 weeks to the half-marathon.
Geralyn Wichers 
Hey Geralyn,
I feel your pain. I use to have serious problems with shin splints. I tried to run through them because I didn’t want to give up on my dream and I ruined my legs. For two years I couldn’t so much as jog to the car with out horrific pain.
Then I was introduced to barefoot running. I use the five finger vibrum shoes. It took me about three months of ground training to get my feet accustomed to the new shoes. Once I was use to them the pain ceased. Barefoot running doesn’t put pressure on your joints.
This is not something I suggest you change to in this season, but it could be possible to start winter training.
We could talk face to face if you have any questions. It changed my life!