MY RUNNING JOURNEY
Experiences of a Passionate Runner
My new daily running blog
As I head into surgery, I feel that 2026 is going to be an interesting running year for me. I’m starting the year in pretty poor shape, and have meniscus surgery on February 3rd. I’ll then have at least 4 weeks of no weight bearing.
I thought it might be interesting to share my thoughts and progress as I work through my relationships with running and fitness leading up to the surgery, immediately after the surgery and then to see if I can get back into shape later in the year. To this end, i’ve started a running blog, which I hope to add to on most days.
HOW IT STARTED
The Impact of Running on My Life
Running has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. I competed internationally in high school and continued through university, making lasting friendships and pushing my limits.
Now, I still find joy in hitting the trails and being part of the running community. Some days are tougher than others, but the great days make it all worthwhile. Even short breaks from running leave me feeling off-balance, showing just how important it is to me.
My MRI Report August 2025
The MRI was not good news.
”The medial meniscus shows the presence of a relatively large radial-type tear at the posterior horn near the posterior meniscal root. The tear is irregular with some fraying. It does not involve the entire depth of the meniscus. There is a gap between the fragment that reaches up to 7-8 mm”
”The assessment of the cartilage shows a focal chondral defect extending to the bone (grade 4 chondropathy) measuring about 9 mm in AP diameter x 4-5 mm in transverse.“
What does that mean?
1. The Meniscus Tear (Radial, Posterior Root Region): This is not a simple, small tear. A radial tear in the posterior root is particularly problematic because it disrupts the meniscus's ability to absorb shock effectively. This type of tear often requires surgical repair to restore function and protect the joint from further arthritis. Even after repair, the meniscus may not be 100% again.
2. The Grade 4 Chondral Defects (The Biggest Hurdle): This is the most concerning part of the report for a runner. You have **two** areas where the protective cartilage has worn away completely, down to the bone ("bone on bone").
- One is on the main weight-bearing surface of your medial femoral condyle. Every step you take, and especially the impact of running, forces the thigh and shin bones together in this exact spot.
- The other is on the trochlea (the groove for your kneecap), which is critical for pain-free knee bending during a running stride.
If I ever get back to running a 40 minute 10km, it will be a massive accomplishment.
The Pain of 2025
April 2025 stopped me in my tracks. I was running quite well, but suddenly, I was unable to move. After weeks of physio I finally got myself an MRI in August, which revealed a number of issues. Not least of which was a 1cm tear in my meniscus. I am currently awaiting surgery tentatively scheduled for January 2026. In the meantime, I’m trying to keep myself fit and strong.
Recent Races
Race Name: The Army Run 2023
Date: 09/17/23
Location: Ottawa, ON
Distance: 10km
Place: 1 / 2226
Race Name: National Cross Country Championships
Date: 11/25/23
Location: Ottawa, ON
Distance: Masters 8km
Place: 23 / 139
Race Name: The Great Big Cookie Run 2023
Date: 10/28/2023
Location: Ottawa, ON
Distance: 5km
Place: 5 / 687
LISTEN TO MY RUNNING PODCAST
Muggs & Tim Talk Running
Join myself and my old friend Simon (Muggs) as we rekindle our love for running on the Masters circuit. Back in our youth, we were quite the athletes—Muggs, in particular, was the European Junior 5km champion and National Junior Cross Country champion. Now, 35 years later, we're both on a journey to see if there's still more in the tank.
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Whether you want to chat about entrepreneurship, feature me on your podcast, or grab some running tips, I'm only a click away.