Inner Thigh Pain

Question
I am 32 years old and at 25 BMI for my height.  I started running for the first time back in the beginning of March when I started a six week program to train for my first 10k.  I loved it and have been hooked ever since.  Then in May I started building a base to run to finish my first Marathon Nov 1. The base schedule went from 15, 18, 22, 25, 26, 26, 27, 28 (I missed a few runs the first 2 weeks).  Then the last week of the schedule I got fitted for a new pair of running shoes because I had bought my old neutral shoes 1/2 size to small.  My tread pattern showed wear on the outside edges, but the girl at the store said my arch dropped slightly and I could probably use the support of a shoe for pronation.  I questioned her about the tread pattern but she didn't seem concerned.  I wore them for the first time on an 11 mile long run and came back limping with a lot of pain on my left inner thigh.  I ran 2 more times after that during the course of the next week and didn't feel pain until after the run.  Until I did a 2 mile race at the end of the week.  I had a shooting pain that seems to radiate from my inner thigh down to my knee when the race started, but it went away during the race and came back after the race.  I read it might be an overuse injury and I should take some time off.  So I did some road biking and the stepping machine.  Now I am having pain above my left knee cap and it still hurts to put weight on my left leg.  I tried to run again a week later and there was pain immediately and I stopped.  Three questions, how can I safely XT? How long until I can safely run again?  I am running out of weeks before the marathon and don't want to miss anymore runs than necessary.  Finally, do you think it was the shoes?  I took them back and got a neutral shoe, by the way.

Answer
Hi Shannon
There is no question that the shoes were very much part of the problem and the store clerk messed up good.The other thing you seem to be getting quite aggressive for someone who just started running in march.I also feel that your muscular skeleton system is not recovering from your training which is adding to some of the problems your experiencing.The stationary bike is a great cross training tool and anything you do on the roads you can do on the bike.Distance,tempo,speed etc.Just go by time.How long before you can run will be up to you by testing the waters from time to time.I would not rush it since it is only going to get worst.If you want to discuss this over the phone for a little more clarity your welcome to call any time Shannon.Any other questions just get in touch.

All the best

John