I’m done downplaying it: I am injured.

Yes, I can run. Yes, I can line up at races. But when my knee flares up after every single workout, and that irritation lingers for months without leaving, then it’s not just a “niggle.” It’s an injury.

You know the story already. It started in May. A faint irritation in my right knee. Barely noticeable, but unusual. Normally, post-run aches calm down after a night of re...