Help! Knee pain and Half in 10 days!

[jchokie79]

Let's just preface by saying that I'm an idiot.  

I hadn't ran since the Kiawah Half in Dec.  Then signed up for the Pgh Half two months ago with every intention of sticking to a training plan.  Which I did, for a month.  I think I ran like 50 some miles in March.

However, I've been skipping my short & long runs due to various reasons (excuses).  So finally last week, I ran 3 during the week then went out and tried to do a 10 miler.

Yeah, freaking moron!  I only made it 8.5 miles b/c my left knee was killing me plus I didn't fuel well and was starving.  So I iced and rested my knee all week and just did a quick 3 on the treadmill.

The pain is still there although definitely not as bad as it was.  I'm planning another 3 on the TM tomorrow then at least 6 on Sat.  My Half is next Sunday.  If my knee isn't 100% by then, what type of knee brace or tape should I run with?

Someone suggested I get k-taped at the race expo which I might just do.  However, I'd like to be prepared with something else in case I can't get to the expo in time.

Any recs?  Thanks!

[mandiespharm]

If it was me I probably wouldn't run. I wouldn't risk further injuring it. I'd just suck up the race fee. I know it's not necessarily what you want to hear but if you do run the race and get out there on mile 3 and it starts to hurt - are you going to push thru and risk hurting it more or stop? But that it just my opinion.

[chitownbelle]

Ditto PP. Up to you how strongly you feel about running this race and the potential of further injury.
That being said, KT tapes can be amazing. A few years back I injured myself training for NYCM and could barely walk the day before the marathon...I got taped at the expo and was like a whole new person and able to finish the race. I haven't needed to be taped since then, but I would rec buying some tape ahead of time and taping it now if that's the route you want to take, vs. taping it the day before. They sell tapes at your LRS, Target, etc. That way you can see if they'll even work for you. Just a thought! Keep RICEing it and hope it heals soon