ALL Suggestions LOVED--Bad Knee

Do you have properly fitted running shoes?

I had no idea that I overpronated and have a flat arch until I went to a running store and they told me I did.  Before that, I would get awful shin splints when I ran...since getting proper shoes, I haven't had any problems.

My shoes look goofy as crap, as they are really heavy looking, made to really support my arch and stop the pronation...but I wouldn't trade them at all.

What distance is the tri?  If its a sprint, you'll be fine.  Unless the pain is really intense, the only thing affected is the run.  And since you're already aquajogging, I'd say you're on the right path.  Not sure where/how you got the orthodics, but custom ones (from a sports doctor) work much better.

April is a long time from now.  No worries, stress is bad!

Do you have medical insurance?  If so, I'd go to your doctor.  If not.. well I'd still try to see if you can see a doc.

It could be a number of things.  I've injured my knee a few times and a couple years ago, I was in intense pain so I went to the doc.  They did xrays and found osteoarthritis.   So I went to physical therapy, got anti-inflammatories, got treatment and my knee got better.  I started trying to run on my own last year and had knee pain so stopped.  I then started a running program again but went and got proper running shoes after being fitted.  I'm also going to physical therapy (self pay) because I have some muscular issues that put me out of alignment and I'm hoping the physical therapy helps me get back into alignment.  So far, no pain from running. 

You can complete a tri next April, as there's plenty of time.  You can always walk the run portion in a worst-case scenario.  Aquajogging is pretty good therapy.  Finding out what's wrong with your knee through medical assessment (i.e., go to an orthopedic specialist, have images taken such as x-ray and mri) is a really good idea.  That way you know with a much higher degree of confidence exactly what you are up against -- chondromalacia, torn meniscus, combination of problems, etc.  Also, that way, you determine if surgical treatment might be helpful.

Running is hard on knees.  People who claim otherwise are blessed with better knees than the rest of us.  Being very careful adding volume is critical with running.  In the case where you have already experienced knee issues, it will be absolutely essential.  The 10% "rule" is possibly too aggressive for you.  Your knee issues might be a result of too much too soon for you.  Maybe consider changing your running form (search on chi running, evolution running, et. al.).  Stretching is good.  Lots of stretching (hamstrings, calves, quads, ITB).  Long warmups and cooldowns help.  Maybe you can transition from all aquajogging to some aquajogging and some regular running.  Body weight is important.  It seems to me that thin people seem to do better with impact on their knees and other joints, but they are by no means immune to joint problems.  Good quality shoes, and get assessed at a dedicated running shop to figure out the best type of shoe for you.  Do some walking instead of running.  Mix walking and running.  Choose your running surfaces carefully.  Look for flat, unsloped, forgiving surfaces.  Concrete = hard on knees.  Avoid surfaces where you can roll an ankle (dirt courses with rocks).  Perhaps find a track that has some cushioning.

Lastly, don't think in terms of running six minute miles and winning your race.  Think finish.

Good luck.

Quit listening to friends with different ideas (and shoe store employees, internet "experts", etc) and go see an orthopedist and have your knee evaluated.  They can make the best determination BY FAR of what is wrong with it and what you should do about it.  I'm willing to bet that none of your friends or other so-called experts spent 14 years in college and residency studying the subject, none of them have access to a x-ray or MRI equipment, and none of them have ever surgically explored a knee.

Seriously, quit wasting your time and go use the best resource available.  I put mine off for 3 years before I finally got it properly assessed and fixed and I regret it.  I suffered with it for way longer than I needed to, and likely did more damage in the process.

Chris 

You guys are probably right. Now . . . finding a good knee doctor. I am a little afraid that he'll tell me not to run . . .

I so appreciate all your comments. It is good to know that people do share the same experiences as me--and they ARE competing. This IS NOT a reason to completely quit, right? I have had MRI's done of my knees . . . and I have been to three PTs, but they all say something different. Yeah . . . that's my problem.

I think I should just head to the big city and visit the orthowhatevermajig. My insurance covers it right now anyway. As long as it's medically necessary, it should be totally free.  Thanks, guys!

Using an elliptical trainer was helping my knees a lot, until I stopped using it and went strictly to running.  My knees have goeetn worse as I've upped my mileage to the point I've been wondering if I should quit.  I'm taking a few weeks off running and hitting the trainer in the hope things will improve.  I use ice packs every day.