Experienced marathoners: please advise?

Question

I want to know what this could be and if I can safely return to long distance running.

I ran a marathon for the first time in 04 and despite a sore knee resulting from my last long run (22 miles) the week before the marathon, I ran it anyway. I know, I know, not the best idea. But what's done is done.

So here I am, almost 4 years later wanting to give it another go to see if I can better my time.

I've been running with some regularity since then, but my average run is 5 to 6 miles, rarely more than 9. I've tried to rehab my knee by doing weight training along with my runs, and I usually run 3 to 5 times a week. Up to this point, no more pain in my knee (it was the lower outside part of my knee)

So here's my question.

What should I consider the sign that distance running isn't for me?

I'm about to start increasing the mileage again, I don't want to hurt myself, but I want to do this.

If, for example, after a few weeks of increasing steadily 10 % weekly mileage, I start having knee

Answer 1

Have you been running consistently since 04??  Your body isn't use to going that far........and the time it will take to get there maybe longer than you expect.  Your body, especially your legs must be in great shape to put them through this distance.  I think you should shoot for a shorter distance such as 10K, 15K, or half-marathon (since 9 Mi. is your longest).  You can still build up your long run up with an increase in about 5-10% each 10 days.  I've done 1 road half and a couple on trails and then have done 1 trail marathon and 1 50K trail ........the road half mar. was the worst thing on my legs and body out of all of these!!  Good Luck whatever distance you decide.  By the way, that is where I've had my knee pain when I've done to much to fast/to soon!!