To think I could run a marathon with a torn meniscus

[alittlebitdelusional]

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?

Running a marathon in £10 trainers from Primark

What is the longest run you have done in them?

That’s not what I said.

I could, or I could focus on fitness.

Oh op

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

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.

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

hat is the longest distance you have run?

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

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!

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.

I think I could do 10k if I were to just put my shoes on tomorrow and go. Longest one so far is 7k.

Omg

you are joking? Please say you are joking

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

It wasn't a physiotherapist who told DD she wouldn't be able to run, but the orthopaedic consultant who did her op!!! But you asked if you could still run marathon and pps who have suffered with the same thing have told you no.
But it's your knee ...

I’m not entirely sure why you seem to think I’m walking out the door tomorrow and doing a marathon 😂 I’d obviously do a training block before, I’m not just waking up tomorrow and going one 😂

I tore mine last year and had the steroid injection then a lot of physio to rehab. I'm now beginning to run again but it takes a lot of time - I'm now on 2 5k runs a week and a 10 -12k at the weekend but I suspect that even being careful I'm only ever going to get it back to a half. The intensity of training for a full marathon is massive and I doubt I'll be able to get there again.

I'd query the physio though as most meniscal tears do heal.

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.

My first consultant physio appointment is in three and a half weeks.

Pls do update when you have asked her whether you can run a marathon!

Steroid made a huge difference - the physio was so impressed with the range of movement I recovered shortly afterwards

Please do leave me alone if you’re just going to be smarmy and rude.

Apparently when I get to that point I have the freedom to choose to travel to get it a bit faster.

Can I ask, what size needle is it? I’m terrified of them at the best of times!

But seriously - please do!

over and out

I wouldn't.
I once ran a 100 yards with a flappy plims*l at school and it was a struggle.

Really want to do what? Go out and run a marathon with rubbish shoes and an injury? Why???

Normal little needle - I'm good with them as I've been having regular blood tests since I was 7 but by the time they'd but a numbing gel on it was barely noticeable.

Ignore the people who didn't read all your posts but do heed the ones advising a gait analysis - most good running shops will offer that as there is no point wearing neutral shoes if you pronate and it could damage you further.

The thing my physio was hardest on was that he didn't want me to run until I could shift my body weight on a single leg press.

Have you had your gait analysed?
Why on earth were you running in fashion shoes?

Ah amazing, I can cope with them if I close my eyes 😂