Running on Painkillers?

[AJF]

My knees are a bit fragile towards the end of long races. Felt it this weekend quite bad. Really sharp pains in the right knee, especially on the downhills. Pretty sure its ITBS so a course of stretching will sort it long term.

In the meantime I wanted to know if I should be taking painkillers on a long race? Is it safe to be taking Ibuprofen on empty stomach during a marathon? Should I go for something like Tylenol instead? This doesn't have Anti inflam ingredients so will it stop ITBS pain?

Should I be taking anything at all and what consequences could it have?

What does everyone else do?

[Wheeze]

I pop brufen like smarties.

[AJF]

Wheeze, I have no doubt that they work wonders. Only taking two during the yorkshireman made such a difference. Its amazing how 1 minute you are struggling to walk then all of a sudden they kick in and the pain is gone.

Question is should I?

Seems like there is loads of research saying you shouldn't do it due to kidneys and dehydration but it seems to still be very common practise.

[Wheeze]

Never hurt me. Just drink plenty(as you should). If you don't have a camelbak for longs, get one at once as they are one of the best innovations for long distance work since I started running.

[molehill]

I pop brufen like smarties.

Swallowed with a glass of malt whisky if I remember rightly

Post run, not during ......... though come to think of it, maybe