Medial meniscus surged scheduled week 4/20 IMAZ
Hurt knee in June. Finally had MRI and saw Ortho yesterday. Torn MM and scheduled for surgery next week. Have not run in a month or biked for 2 weeks. Both hurt or felt unstable. Thoughts on recovery and build for IMAZ?
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David - I'm not familiar with recommended recovery interval for this surgery, but I'm assuming you would not be able to even start reasonable training until after Labor Day. While you *could* complete IM AZ with 10 weeks of training, I doubt that you would be satisfied with the results. Like me, you are a fast, competitive, older racer. It takes us longer to heal, and our expectations for performance are high.
3 years ago, I completed an Ironman after injury/extensive time off, on 3 months of training. Even that training was start and stoppish, as I re-adjusted to volume and intensity. My time was 2 hours slower than the year before, and looking back, I probably shouldn't even have tried. I ended up having a great race five months later. Much better to be fully healed and trained rather than risk mental and physical setbacks by trying too much too soon.
Think seriously about using WTC's program allowing you to transfer your entry to a future race which is currently open, like IM TX or CDA 2015.
if this is a menisectomy, earliest you would be able to resume running is 6-8 weeks, and then you would have to carefully build up again. Biking can be started after a few weeks, but for long rides I'd recommend waiting at least 6 weeks as well. These are general guidelines, if any swelling, pain, weakness, are still present, it'll be longer.
You'll feel as if you can start much sooner, but don't forget that it is the inside of your knee that is healing, not the outside. To prevent longer recovery or recurring problems, don't start pushing it too soon.
I am actually dealing with a similar debate in my head. I have a hamstring injury that has prevented me from running all of July. I am not sure how quickly I can get going again....and A race is Madison on 7th Sept. In a personal emotional roller coaster on what to do.
Al, I like your comments above....has made me think!