Tom emailed: I have been training for the Paris Marathon which is less than 2 weeks away now. I’ve been lucky enough not to have any aches and pains until a week and a half ago, when I started getting pain on the outer side of my right knee during a fairly long run. I carried on for a bit but then decided to stop as it was getting quite painful. So I’ve rested it for a week then I ran 17 miles at the weekend which I ran quite slowly as it was mildly painful. With less than 2 weeks to go I was planning a couple more runs but mainly resting my knee before the marathon. I’m a bit concerned it may be a problem on the day. Is there anything I could do before or during the Marathon that might help? Cheers Tom

Hi Tom . Sounds like an ITB friction issue where it attaches to your knee. It’s one of the common ailments this time of year. . Don’t give up though as your starting your taper and don’t need to increase your mileage. . I’d suggest lots of foam rolling on your ITB, stretching out the front of your hip and ankle joint. If you can recruit and feel your gluts on a single knee squat and be PAIN FREE then chuck a few of these into the mix during the coming days. Ice etc etc all pretty good stuff. Don’t over stride in Paris – and bonne chance.