Would you do your first 1/2 IM 3 wks after learning you probably have torn cartilage in your knee? Haven’t received the MRI results yet but doc was pretty sure. Can’t really do anything right now without pain.
can you injure it worse doing the race? if so, god no! I’ve skipped races for smaller issues than that. I know it’s your first but you dont’ want it to be your last as well. Can you just do the swim, or maybe the swim and the bike? Sounds ridiculous but I’ve done that while injured and had a ton of fun.
No! There will be lots more races. Think long term vs. racing and making it worse.
The doc says I probably won’t do any further damage if I race but he also tells me not to do anything that makes it hurt?! I’ve read a lot of websites that say you can make it worse by not giving it time to heal so I don’t feel really good about doing the race. Biking, running & walking make it hurt. I don’t think mentally I could just do the swim because it was going to be my 1st 1/2 and I just am thinking what’s the point.
I definitely second what Tai says…I had a pinched nerve in my foot and had already signed up for a couple races where I was very tempted to run but knew it would be a bad idea.
I left my running shoes at home (so I couldn’t change my mind during the race) and raced all out to T2. Then I just walked over to watch the pros finish and turn in my timing chip. Sure it was a little disappointing not to be able to do the whole race, but I still had a great time and was able to recover quickly from my injury.
Torn cartilege during a HIM would likely end up causing you to DNF anyway at some point in most cases, I would think…so I would lean heavily to “no”…
" Would you do your first 1/2 IM 3 wks after learning you probably have torn cartilage in your knee? Haven’t received the MRI results yet but doc was pretty sure. Can’t really do anything right now without pain. "
you can’t do anything without pain and ask us whether you should do a 1/2IM soon.
If I were you I would supplement 3x daily with
- 500mg Needtolistentomybody
- 1.5g Dontbestupid
and eliminate the
70.3g of the Thiseventisimportantome.
That should do the trick. If you now provide me with your zip code so that I can fax over the prescription med order to the nearest drugstore and also provide me with your mailing address so that I can mail you thebill we would be making quick progress.
And because you’re such a great first-time patient I nominate you for the 2007 “Most stupid question on Slowtitch” Award.
If you are having pain right now then it would not be a great idea. Take care of the knee and prepare for future races. You may or may not do more damage, but most likely it will hurt quite a bit if you were to finish the run (because of pain).
I would say your choices are:
- HTFU and have your leg amputated above the knee and get fitted for a prosthetic. This will take care of the knee pain.
- Get healed completely so you can swim/bike/run pain free and then do your first 1/2 and enjoy it. Really, what’s the rush?
Good luck…the challenge is what makes it worthwhile.
I’d do it. I’ve done one marathon on a broken toe, and an olympic triathlon with a stress fracture in my tibia. You only live once. Make the most of it.
Thanks for the advice - I don’t think I should do the race but I wanted to see what others would do because I’ve had someone telling me that I still might be able to do it. All the answers just confirm what I was already thinking.
At least I’m nominated for an award - if I win maybe that will ease my heartbreak over not doing the race. I really do feel honored because it’s the 1st time I’ve asked a question here and I’m nominated already! 
Yes, don’t race it. Get some rest, plus MRI results, then listen to your doc.
Sorry to hear that.
Herbert