Hi there. I have been trying to start running again after many years off. I am up to 9 mins running 1 minute walking (ultimate goal to get to 20 mins running) but have developed pain below both knees caps on my last two runs which I suspect is a return of Patellar Tendonitis.

1. how long should I rest knees for?
2. is the elliptical trainer ok for cardio in the meantime? (I can't swim)

Many thanks Gary

Hi Gary Could well be....and maybe not! It's either going to be PT - due to doing too much too soon, 9/1 running is OK depending on your build up. Or, it's going to be irritated Hoffa's fat pad due to letting your knee over straightening when landing, or your kneecap (possibly) dragging through the pad. You treat PT one way and fat pad's another! Really quick Heath Robinson test is if you squat down and slowly straighten up - contracting your quads and pulling on the painful tendon, versus really squeezing your knees back into hyper extension (straight) and squashing your fat pad Let me know and I can help you a little more.... The Guru