Can any runners share their stories?

I’m an ultramarathoner and tore my meniscus during a 4-mile race three weeks ago. Kind of pathetic, but I was doing a 9+1 race for guaranteed entry to the 2027 NYC Marathon.

The MRI showed a complex medial meniscus tear with 3 mm extrusion, a Grade 2 MCL sprain, some cartilage damage, and a small effusion. My 50-mile race at the end of the month is obviously out, and now I’m worried about this year’s NYC in less than four months.

The pain is slightly less most of the time, but it still hurts like hell when I fully straighten my knee. Can’t run if I can’t even walk without a cane. I’m going back to the ortho on Thursday to review the MRI and figure out if I’m trying PT first or if surgery is the better option. I’m dreading this appointment!

I’m interested in hearing from runners who’ve been through something similar. Were you able to get back to running? How long did it take? Did you end up needing surgery? I’m so afraid I won’t be able to ever run again. 😭