OK-heres the story: I just finished the Long Branch half marathon, and have begun to feel a pain in my lower right leg, on the inside. It actually isn't really pain, but just that something isn't right. I followed a program and did all the "right " things to properly train without injury, namely slow and steady increases in mileage and speed, good rest, stretching, etc. I had a stress fracture in the same spot last year, around the same time, which I attributed to poor training and mostly sidewalk running. I saw a doctor and was sidelined for over 2 months, and was given a clean bill of health, but told to avoid sidewalks and gradually ease back into mileage. The only thing I do now that should be avoided is running on the pavement, but I temper my weekly mileage with treadmill and trail runs. It is just too hard timewise for me to run trails and grass all the time. I planned on training and running in the NYC marathon this year, after having to pass last year because of the dreaded stress fracture. I have 8 weeks until I can start a 4 month program, and my question is this: Should I stop running completely for those 8 weeks, but keep my cardio up with swimming and biking, and then train for the marathon, obviously barring any recurring symptoms? Or will that not work starting the training without a good base? History: 5-11 male, 37, 165 pounds. I have been running steady for over 2 years and average about 30 MPW, with occasional races interspersed. I am always active with other things, so my cardio is always ready to go. I know there are a lot of very experienced runners on this board, so I hope someone can lend a little objective advice. Thank you in advance.

Regards,

Dave