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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think I could run a marathon with a torn meniscus

159 replies

alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 18:43

Well, a suspected torn meniscus.

I injured myself last year and have been running since then, but I finally saw a physio at the start of this year who has referred me for imaging. She has a pretty confident feeling that I’ve torn my meniscus with potentially some ligament damage. My first consultant physio appointment is in three and a half weeks.

I still love running. I’ve had to reduce it over the last few weeks because of pain, but I think part of that is down to running in some seriously worn out trainers that are not designed for running. Think Primark £10 memory foam trainers 😬 I keep seeing the marathon runners this year and I really, really want to do it.

AIBU to think I could? Should I just shelve this dream?

OP posts:
weareallcats · 24/04/2026 21:40

alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 21:32

This is making me think it might not be a tear? It’s bad some days but never this bad!

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Have you had a scan? I had an mri to confirm and decided to try rest before going to surgery - I did rest (including changing my car) and it did get better.

Stuckinteeth · 24/04/2026 21:39

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Original poster
alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 21:38

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I have not said anywhere that I am actively training for a marathon at this point in time. You seem unable to comprehend what I’m saying. They think it’s a great goal, because they’ve seen my fitness transform in the last few years.

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Stuckinteeth · 24/04/2026 21:34

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alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 21:33

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I have plenty of friends, but this is a thread about running with a knee injury. I’m not going to sit here and discuss other things, am I?

OP posts:
Original poster
alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 21:32

weareallcats · 24/04/2026 21:30

OMFG when I tore my meniscus I had to switch from a manual car to an automatic because using the clutch aggravated my knee too much…

As it happens mine did get better without surgery, but it’s never been the same and I would certainly never attempt a marathon (original injury caused when running in sand dunes). I had steroids in my hip for a different injury and it isn’t a perfect fix - it helps with pain and mobility but weakens the surrounding muscle.

This is making me think it might not be a tear? It’s bad some days but never this bad!

OP posts:
Spingsumma · 24/04/2026 21:32

Obviously wait to hear what the professionals will say but marathons are very hard on the body. So I’d say no it’s not a good idea.

I recently had a scan for a 2 year old injury and apparently no serious damage but they can see where I’ve injured my calf.

It’s not sore if I sit or lie down, but more of mild pain when I walk fast or run.

I’ll be referred to physio soon but irrespective of what they say, I listen to my body and no way will I put my leg through the 10K I was previously planning, let alone a marathon.

weareallcats · 24/04/2026 21:30

OMFG when I tore my meniscus I had to switch from a manual car to an automatic because using the clutch aggravated my knee too much…

As it happens mine did get better without surgery, but it’s never been the same and I would certainly never attempt a marathon (original injury caused when running in sand dunes). I had steroids in my hip for a different injury and it isn’t a perfect fix - it helps with pain and mobility but weakens the surrounding muscle.

Stuckinteeth · 24/04/2026 21:29

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Original poster
alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 21:29

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No, you didn’t. You just wanted to be rude.

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Stuckinteeth · 24/04/2026 21:28

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Original poster
alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 21:28

NeverDropYourMooncup · 24/04/2026 21:23

No guarantee that a steroid will make it safe to run, either - they can increase the risk of a full rupture especially if somebody is daft enough to run even longer distances on it, degrade the cartilage further, introduce infection, reduce healing rates...I've had some steroids and the consultants really, really hate doing them because of the chances that they either make everything worse or the patient feels invincible and permanently cripples themselves in the process.

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I don’t think wanting to be fit and healthy is daft.

OP posts:
Original poster
alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 21:26

Stuckinteeth · 24/04/2026 21:09

Do you have much else going on in life? Friends?

How rude do you want to be tonight?

OP posts:
whistleinthewind · 24/04/2026 21:25

Forgot to add: If it’s medically advised you’re able to do so

whistleinthewind · 24/04/2026 21:24

You really need to get your running gait analysed. It’s good you’ve got good running trainers but you need to understand how your foot lands. Your pelvis takes 3 x your weight, your ankles 10 x. It’s really important to understand what kind of shoe you need and where you need the support the most.

There are some rude comments here, but you equally don’t seem to like many answers that suggest your wish is unrealistic. Spoken from someone who never ran, bought ASICS GEL Nimbus because I’d read they were great back in October when I first started running… and did a gait analysis in January to find they were completely wrong for me. I’m running the London marathon on Sunday in a completely different shoe. If you’re hell bent on this dream being a reality, do it properly from the get go and go see someone who will advise on the best shoe for your condition

NeverDropYourMooncup · 24/04/2026 21:23

alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 19:20

She told me the vast majority don’t as the blood flow is so poor. To be honest I’d take the steroid injection just to stop it niggling at me. It’s so frustrating trying to keep active and getting pain.

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No guarantee that a steroid will make it safe to run, either - they can increase the risk of a full rupture especially if somebody is daft enough to run even longer distances on it, degrade the cartilage further, introduce infection, reduce healing rates...I've had some steroids and the consultants really, really hate doing them because of the chances that they either make everything worse or the patient feels invincible and permanently cripples themselves in the process.

Stuckinteeth · 24/04/2026 21:09

Do you have much else going on in life? Friends?

Original poster
alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 21:08

AlbieJiggered · 24/04/2026 21:07

I'd be looking at getting your leg better first then train for a 10K.
For a mararthon, you'd be looking at 4+ months of training.

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I’m aware it’s a lot of training and I’m not entirely sure why everyone thinks I’m on about rocking out of bed and running one

OP posts:
AlbieJiggered · 24/04/2026 21:07

alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 20:57

5k, three times a week

Show quote history

I'd be looking at getting your leg better first then train for a 10K.
For a mararthon, you'd be looking at 4+ months of training.

FloralDeerPattern · 24/04/2026 21:04

I tore my meniscus 18months ago maybe and I run 50-60km a week now. I reduced my running for around 4 months and did lots of strength and conditioning and built back up again. I wouldn't rule out a marathon in your future just not your immediate future.

OnlyReplyToIdiots · 24/04/2026 21:04

Could you run London/Brighton this weekend? No.

Could you you it next year with the right training etc? Absolutely. Source: my torn ACL and Meniscus.

Original poster
alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 20:57

AlbieJiggered · 24/04/2026 20:54

What sort of distances and how often were you running before your injury and how old are you?

5k, three times a week

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Original poster
alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 20:57

Tbozlefteyechilli · 24/04/2026 20:53

DH tore his meniscus during COVID and has run several ultra marathons since but he has always been a runner. Running is not inherently bad for you. There are many factors involved. OP I wouldn't commit to a marathon at this stage but gradually build your endurance and strength and see how you get on.

I mean I’ve entered the ballot, you have a less than 2% chance of being chosen 😂 it’s just something I would love to do one day, it’s such an amazing achievement

OP posts:
AlbieJiggered · 24/04/2026 20:54

What sort of distances and how often were you running before your injury and how old are you?

Tbozlefteyechilli · 24/04/2026 20:53

DH tore his meniscus during COVID and has run several ultra marathons since but he has always been a runner. Running is not inherently bad for you. There are many factors involved. OP I wouldn't commit to a marathon at this stage but gradually build your endurance and strength and see how you get on.