Running and Knee Pain Advice?

*I reposted this so I could have an answer box.*

When I was training for the Disney half-marathon, I had some persistent lower back pain, so I took some time off from running. I started again with the Internet Runners Social Club doing an easy three-miler and then I did six miles last Monday, thinking I’d already built up a base running the half. I’ve been having some on-and-off knee pain since then (and I also wore heels on Saturday night, which I know doesn’t help.)

I’m going to a sports doctor tomorrow (is it really nerdy that I’m actually kind of excited?) for some medical advice on the matter, but I know a lot of y’all have lots of running experience (which, unfortunately, probably includes some running pains.) So I’m wondering:

• Did I increase my mileage too fast?
• Should I hold off until after my appointment tomorrow to go for the six miles I have scheduled for yesterday but was going to do today?
• Are there any stretches/exercises that would help this?

My good friend Eileen has torn both of her ACLs, so there is no such thing as being too cautious…but I want to run/need to train for my half! So what’s a girl to do?