Torn Meniscus and just 8 weeks till Marathon!

[J3nn78]

Just hoping someone here can give me some insight on what to expect. I am training for my first full marathon is Disney. All had been going very well until my left knee started acting up after my 11 and 13 mile training runs. Went to see my sports doctor and found out I have a torn meniscus. He knows how important this marathon is to me, so he thinks that I can try to get through the training and have the surgery after. He is going to give me a cortisone injection about 10 days prior to the race. So I would just like to hear the stories (good/bad) that has dealt with this and running.

I made it through my 15 miler with little issue. But, I had to drop my pace tremendously (from 10.5 min miles to 14 min miles) Now I feel too close to that 16 min sweeping pace. Heading out for my 18 miler in a few minutes.

Thanks

 

[momof2minnies]

So sorry to hear that good luck!

Linda

 

[escape]

Ouch! I'm sorry to hear this. What did your doctor tell you to do in the meantime? R-I-C-E? How did your 15-miler go this morning?

I don't have any experience with a torn meniscus but I have walked/ran in a half-marathon with a knee issue. I just took it a little slower and luckily, I made it. As for your pace, if you can maintain a 14-15 min/mile, you will be fine. I'm a 15-16 min-miler and I had no problem...even with the porta-potty stops . Just be sure to "listen" to your body and stop or go slower if in pain.

 

[J3nn78]

Thanks!
I just finished up 18 miles a little while ago. It went pretty well as far as the knee goes. My pace was 14:27 even with 4 bathroom stops and walking most of the last 3 miles. Hopefully I can keep it up.
My DR said to RICE and just take things slower. It is more of what I can tolerate pain wise as he said I won't really do any more damage. In fact, I probably have had this tear for years and running just aggravated it. My left knee has always bothered me. So, once this marathon is over, I am really looking forward to getting it fixed.

So, now just 2 more long runs to go! Woohoo!

 

[cewait]

Thanks!
I just finished up 18 miles a little while ago. It went pretty well as far as the knee goes. My pace was 14:27 even with 4 bathroom stops and walking most of the last 3 miles. Hopefully I can keep it up.
My DR said to RICE and just take things slower. It is more of what I can tolerate pain wise as he said I won't really do any more damage. In fact, I probably have had this tear for years and running just aggravated it. My left knee has always bothered me. So, once this marathon is over, I am really looking forward to getting it fixed.

So, now just 2 more long runs to go! Woohoo!

Make sure to get the cortisone shot as prescribed. It will help with the inflammation and you should be OK in the marathon. In fact you may feel a little racy so remember to take it easy.

The doc should give you orders to not run for a few days post injection so your last long run is probably bagged. I would suggest not running until the first morning at Disney. Then a nice and easy 3-5 miler would do your psyche good.

If he did not prescribe an appliance for the C of RICE, you may want to call the ortho office and see if they will give you a compression sleeve. The compression will help add warmth and keep the inflammation down, also.

Finally, the operation is usually a breeze. You will be back running soon after the operation.

 

[Bookwood]

I had the meniscus surgery after the very first TOT race (actually the friday before Thanksgiving that year) and ran the 5K at Marathon weekend. My DD stepped in and did the full for me. Good Luck! I hope it all goes smoothly for you!

 

[J3nn78]

Thanks for the advice Coach and Bookwood.

It was suggested that I get a good pair of Compression tights for stability. I bought the CW-X Stabilyx for a little added knee support. I am about to try them out on my 21 mile run in a few minutes.

My ortho recommended my cortisone 10 days prior to the race-so I am supposed to go in on December 30 for that. That should be plenty of time before the full right? I figured I would do my 6 miles that I am supposed to do on the 1st the day of the appt before I go. Or should I try to do that on the 3rd or 4th?

I appreciate the insight! Thanks!

 

[cewait]

Thanks for the advice Coach and Bookwood.

It was suggested that I get a good pair of Compression tights for stability. I bought the CW-X Stabilyx for a little added knee support. I am about to try them out on my 21 mile run in a few minutes.

My ortho recommended my cortisone 10 days prior to the race-so I am supposed to go in on December 30 for that. That should be plenty of time before the full right? I figured I would do my 6 miles that I am supposed to do on the 1st the day of the appt before I go. Or should I try to do that on the 3rd or 4th?

I appreciate the insight! Thanks!

The doc will tell you what he wants as far was waiting between injection and running. Mine wanted 24 hours while a friend's doc insists on three days. Cortisone can weaken the ligaments in the knee and running too quickly could lead to other problems. That's the reason I was pointing to bagging that weekend's run.