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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:
HelloItsMeYourRobotVaccuum · 24/04/2026 19:12

You might but you would sorely regret it and potentially do yourself a lot of damage. As someone who has run many marathons over the years it’s absolutely not worth it. Wait until you’re healed.

Original poster
alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 19:12

user1471548941 · 24/04/2026 19:10

Go and have a look at Rick’s videos on the Running Channel on YouTube. He had a serious serious knee injury, several surgeries and has started running again and is running the marathon tomorrow.

It CAN be done. However, he has clearly had LOTS of medical support, I think went private for the surgery and physio afterwards and has done it very very slowly, over a number of years. He always talks about how important it is for him to do as much strength work as he does running. So if he ups his running time, he has to up his gym time too.

It’s a really inspiring series of videos but it’s also measured and sensible and he takes lots of expert advice so it’s not just someone doing something crazy.

Yes strength work alongside everything, that’s one thing physio has taught me. Lots and lots of quads exercises.

OP posts:
Cleocaterpillar · 24/04/2026 19:12

I was very much like you when I was younger op. Took my health for granted, pushed my body to the limit, thought it would all be fine, etc. Now in my mid forties I'm paying the price 🥲

Look after your body, you won't get another one if you wear this one out early!

Stuckinteeth · 24/04/2026 19:11

As it stands - what’s the longest distance you think you can run?

hat is the longest distance you have run?

user1471548941 · 24/04/2026 19:10

Go and have a look at Rick’s videos on the Running Channel on YouTube. He had a serious serious knee injury, several surgeries and has started running again and is running the marathon tomorrow.

It CAN be done. However, he has clearly had LOTS of medical support, I think went private for the surgery and physio afterwards and has done it very very slowly, over a number of years. He always talks about how important it is for him to do as much strength work as he does running. So if he ups his running time, he has to up his gym time too.

It’s a really inspiring series of videos but it’s also measured and sensible and he takes lots of expert advice so it’s not just someone doing something crazy.

Stuckinteeth · 24/04/2026 19:10

alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 19:10

I could, or I could focus on fitness.

Show quote history

Oh op

this is not going to end well. It really really isn’t.

Original poster
alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 19:10

Stuckinteeth · 24/04/2026 19:09

Well pay for a one off private
and ask them
I can guarantee that when they hear the word “marathon” they will start shaking their head

Show quote history

I could, or I could focus on fitness.

OP posts:
Original poster
alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 19:10

Stuckinteeth · 24/04/2026 19:09

Running a marathon in £10 trainers from Primark

What is the longest run you have done in them?

That’s not what I said.

OP posts:
Stuckinteeth · 24/04/2026 19:09

Running a marathon in £10 trainers from Primark

What is the longest run you have done in them?

Stuckinteeth · 24/04/2026 19:09

alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 19:05

I don’t know about where you live but here’s its fighting tooth and nail for appointments at the physio department. At least if I tried and ended up in a&e I might get some proper treatment (I’m joking, before anyone jumps down my throat)

Show quote history

Well pay for a one off private
and ask them
I can guarantee that when they hear the word “marathon” they will start shaking their head

Original poster
alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 19:05

StiffAsAVicar · 24/04/2026 19:05

Why aren’t you getting some proper running shoes? If you love running so much surely you would?

I’ve ordered some! I only really put two and two together over the last few weeks and needed to wait for some overtime payments to be made to afford them. I’ve ordered asics nimbus 28

OP posts:
Original poster
alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 19:05

Stuckinteeth · 24/04/2026 19:03

That isn’t what I said

ask her about running the marathon not “running”

Show quote history

I don’t know about where you live but here’s its fighting tooth and nail for appointments at the physio department. At least if I tried and ended up in a&e I might get some proper treatment (I’m joking, before anyone jumps down my throat)

OP posts:
StiffAsAVicar · 24/04/2026 19:05

Why aren’t you getting some proper running shoes? If you love running so much surely you would?

Stuckinteeth · 24/04/2026 19:03

alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 19:02

I’ve asked her before about running, and that’s what she’s told me. I live in an area that’s a lot more heavily skewed towards an ageing population (I think it’s something like 75% of the population is over 70). The orthopaedic department is overrun with arthritis cases and traumas, which are basically just broken hips from falls. She’s said I would be very lucky to get surgery because of this, because it isn’t as valuable to the trust.

Show quote history

That isn’t what I said

ask her about running the marathon not “running”

Original poster
alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 19:02

Stuckinteeth · 24/04/2026 19:00

How about you ask her?

and watch her face!

Show quote history

I’ve asked her before about running, and that’s what she’s told me. I live in an area that’s a lot more heavily skewed towards an ageing population (I think it’s something like 75% of the population is over 70). The orthopaedic department is overrun with arthritis cases and traumas, which are basically just broken hips from falls. She’s said I would be very lucky to get surgery because of this, because it isn’t as valuable to the trust.

OP posts:
Doyouthinktheyknow · 24/04/2026 19:02

I’ve got degenerative meniscus damage, started with a running injury. I haven’t been able to run for the past 12 years and it’s only in the last year, with losing 4 and a half stone and strength training, that I’ve been able to walk decent distances again.

i have done London marathon in 2011 and I did love it but running is just so bad for your knees, I would really think very carefully as you have an injury already.

I'm working really hard at the gym to strengthen the muscles that support my knees but I still struggle with flexibility in my knees that impacts every day life. Things like getting on and off the floor are harder than they should be. For years I couldn’t kneel at all, thankfully I can now.

Stuckinteeth · 24/04/2026 19:00

alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 19:00

The advice from the physio so far has basically been to do what I like within the limits of the pain. If it’s suddenly sharp, locks, catches etc., then back off. But she’s stressed that I’m not likely to get surgery at all.

Show quote history

How about you ask her?

and watch her face!

Original poster
alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 19:00

SunnyAfternoonToday · 24/04/2026 18:59

Sure, but you may damage your knee even more by trying to run.

The advice from the physio so far has basically been to do what I like within the limits of the pain. If it’s suddenly sharp, locks, catches etc., then back off. But she’s stressed that I’m not likely to get surgery at all.

OP posts:
SunnyAfternoonToday · 24/04/2026 18:59

Sure, but you may damage your knee even more by trying to run.

Original poster
alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 18:56

SunnyAfternoonToday · 24/04/2026 18:55

How old are you OP? DD is 44 and was in a lot of pain pre op.

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I’m younger than your DD. I’m in pain everyday but it’s the same whether I run, walk or do nothing - so I may as well still do what I enjoy

OP posts:
SunnyAfternoonToday · 24/04/2026 18:55

alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 18:49

Oh I’m looking at next year, not this year. My trust isn’t keen to operate on younger people with joint issues and I’ve been told that the most likely outcome will be a steroid injection and being told to get mobile again while I have the relief from that.

Show quote history

How old are you OP? DD is 44 and was in a lot of pain pre op.

Original poster
alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 18:55

SunnyAfternoonToday · 24/04/2026 18:53

DD1 recently had an operation to repair her torn meniscus. Her consultant has told her she can never run again!

I’d question that physio as depending on which surgery you can return to running up to 6 months after!

OP posts:
Original poster
alittlebitdelusional · 24/04/2026 18:54

Pleasealexa · 24/04/2026 18:51

Well go ahead, what's the worst that could happen?...make it much worse by running, need surgery that might not cure it and as you get older, face never being able to walk/run without pain.

I’m not going to get surgery, and the physio has told me it’ll likely never heal by itself. The best I can realistically hope for is to get steroid injections

OP posts:
faithfultoGeorgeMichael · 24/04/2026 18:54

This come under ‘just because you can, doesn’t mean you should’

HippeePrincess · 24/04/2026 18:54

Unlikely, I’ve had the steroid injection and it’s done nothing. I’m 2 years post injury and sometimes I can’t walk.