Training routine: 8k/50min once a week, 1-2 (usually 1) slower runs of 3k-ish.

Always at least 1 day rest, where I sometimes do light upper body workouts, sometimes nothing.

Longer run sometimes replaced by an alpine hike of a few hours. Walking of at least 3k, often more, almost daily. I’ve been doing the latter for years, been running somewhat consistently for ~8months.

Participating in a 10k in May.

I’m noticing some pain behind the upper edge of my patellae that tends to start around the middle or end of my longer runs and after a little while of hiking uphill. Since I’m pretty sure it’s not muscle pain, I don’t want to just push through it. Do I need to take a complete break from running? Do I even need to take a break from walking? If so, for how long? Or is it going to be enough to reduce mileage a bit? Do I need to start cross training more at this level already?

Thank you in advance!

Edit: just remembered, first time I felt it was during a 30k flat hike a few weeks back. It usually goes away overnight at the latest.