Marathon in 12 days - torn ligament... what to do...

[juicychops]

i got a knee injury about 6 weeks ago. doc told me it was just inflamed so rested it for 2 weeks got behind on my training.

i carried on training through the pain after this as it got no better but wasn't too unberable.

Decided to go private got an MRI scan done last week and turns out ive torn a ligament in my knee. the Doc said i will probably need keyhole surgery but i can still run the marathon if i want (though it will hurt)

I am behind on my training but have probably done enough to run the 26 miles if i grin and bare the pain and strap my knee up. im geared up for it and excited and only 12 days to go. Ive not got any sponsorship stuff done yet as was waiting for the go ahead from the doc first which i got on thurs.

Ive just been on another running forum where i originally posted about my knee injury a few weeks ago and the person on there said im crazy for still running if its still painful and need surgery and the doc is stupid for saying i can still run. I dont know what to do now.

Im geared up for it and have trained hard (although a bit set back from my knee). i really want to do it. i want reassurance from someone that im not being stupid!

bumpety bumpety bump....

I feel your pain. I'd get a second opinion tomorrow.

I ran last year with glute issues and I'm only just now starting couch to 5K as a result - 5 months of weekly pilates and physio. I thought I'd never be able to run again.

You can pull out and have a guaranteed place next year no? I'd get your injury healed and try a smaller one in Autumn to feel like you've not wasted your training.

thanks beaten for your response. ive really been hoping someone would say go for it, but on the london marathon forum ive been on over the last few weeks they have said pull out. its so disappointing im dying to do it!! i can pull out and get a place next year but after 4 years of applying and doing the training im so ready for it now. il be gutted race day watching it from the tv instead of being in it. im going for a long run tomorrow so i may just see how it holds up for that.

maybe il ring up the hospital tomorrow and find out about how big the tear is and what bit in particular is torn and then ring up for a second opinion from someone else?

I'd make it my first priority to get a second (and perhaps third!) opinion tomorrow before you go on your long run. Honestly, if it's going to damage you you'd be a fool to keep going.

BUT...I know how disappointed you feel . Can you get it taped or something by a physio to lessen the damage? Is it just pain or will the damage actually increase if you run?

You really need to get another opinion, perhaps from a doc and also see a physio (my physio was fab and needled my glutes 4 times before the marathon just to get me through it because I was so keen to do it, but if you take that option you need to be prepared for a long recuperation period, and the risk of it not being a fun marathon).