Knee pain while running

you should be looking ahead when running...lookin down can impede your breathing and alter your stride.

is there swelling our any pin pointed pain to the knee? it could simply be a case of wrong fitted shoes...go have your gait analysis and see if that clears it up. most specialty running shops will do this for free

How much running have you done in the past and how far are you currently running when you experience pain? I had pain when I first started because I pushed it too hard too fast... 4 miles was enough to hurt my knee. Does the pain subside in the hour(s) following the onset or does it last for a few days? If its the latter it may just be common runners knee which is what I had. Pain directly underneath the knee cap, amplified by a climb (up the stairs for example). There are running straps you can purchase for a few dollars that press your knee cap up and keep it there, lessening the rubbing which is the root cause of the injury.

I think it may just be beginners pains.  I don't always get it, but I just did my first 5k.  I was not feeling well and it was hot... the last 1/4 mile I felt it to start hurting.   On the next run it started bothering me again.  Besides that my knees are carrying way too much extra weight.

As far as shoes, I know I need to get a good pair of properly fitted shoes.  I tend to be a little pigeon toed and I know I run on the outsides of my feet.  (Maybe it will be my reward for doing my first tri this fall)

If you're having pain issues right now, I certainly would not wait until fall to invest in a new pair of properly fitting shoes.  Why continue to run in pain, when new shoes that fit well may solve that problem?  I'd get the new shoes ASAP, so that come your fall race...you'll have them comfortably broken in. 

as stated, get fitted by a running store who know's what they're doing, not some HS student @ foot locker. they'll analyze your gait, put you in the appropriate shoes based on whether you need more support for over pronation, etc..

Also, can't speak enough to stretching after a run..and don't try to do too much too soon.

My personal expeience.. I had knee pain when I started, wife bugged me to get shoes.. I over-pronate (ankles roll in too much) so got some shoes with the proper support (on avg they'll run about $100 for good pair). Helped a ton and I was off, too fast.. Trained for a 1/2 Marry and ended up with a case of patellar tendonitis.. 6 weeks of PT later (as well as custom orthotics) and a number of exercises and stretches to use I'm doing a full and feeling good.

cliff notes:
buying good shoes now and pacing yourself is much cheaper in the long run.. as well as a ton better for your long term goals..

my .02

Be careful.  Go see a good Sports Doc and PT if needed.  You don't want to hurt yourself, and running can do that to you if you are not careful!

I self diagnoised myself with runner's knee.  I had already been fitted for new shoes and that helped with my shin splints early in my training.   I believe I got runner's knee by increasing my mileage and not stretching well enough before my morning runs.  I bought a foam rollar at Target for $20 or so and took two weeks off from running. Now I feel like I'm starting over.  I hear that it is better to stop than to run through the pain. Check out info about IT band exercises.