Knee Pain

Last week I've started to get a slight pain / ache in my left knee. It's just under the knee cap and on the left front side of the knee.

I've started to do more and longer rides before DD to prepare myself, so I have a feeling it can be just over trained? The pain isn't too bad, it's fine to ride and walk, but it aches and I don't want to get it worse and ruin my DD.

I will say, providing your saddle height and position is correct, it's most probably related to cleat position and/or an orthotics issue. As previous advice a physio and bike fit would be best move.

Bear in mind, a switch to clipless from learner pedals and straps can induce a bit of discomfort until you adapt, this could be as simple as pain caused by the twisting clipping out motion that you have to use quite a lot of with Atacs, are you a left foot clipper outerer?

Also the DD is more about saddle time than miles, basing your training on time rather than distance is a good idea, if you can manage 4-5hour rides no problem then the DD will be a cinch, especially on gears. Riding that far fixed you need a comfy saddle or pain numbing drugs or preferably both.