You could organise à ‘Get Back Soon, Rick’ virtual 5k! Lots of viewers, running a 5k for Rick, and recording a little message of support along their ways. The whole Running Channel community all out for a run on the same day to show our support
As a physio, it makes me happy to see you are doing all of your exercises as well as being very compliant with your restrictions such as weight bearing precautions. This is not to say that there will not the days, sometimes two or three in a row where are you feel like you are moving backwards. That’s a normal part of the process of healing. Sometimes you may feel pain or weakness in parts of your leg that you have not experienced before. Again, normal. Just take it week by week and you will see progress. As your surgeon said nobody knows exactly how full of a recovery you will achieve when all is said and done, but with a good team surrounding you like you appear to have as well as strict compliance with what they tell you to do, I have no doubt that you will achieve great things in your future. You got this Rick!
Thanks for the important work you do Luke! I can't say enough about the importance of buying into the process of rehab and applying the same intensity to healing as one does to training. Cheers!
Thanks for your wisdom! I am recovering from a 4a tibial stress fracture and lately, despite strength exercises and crutches, I feel like I am getting worse! But as you said, I am now experiencing aches and pains in other areas of my leg. It has only been a month since diagnosis and I have a long way to go but you have given me hope that I will be back to running in the fall.
I've never commented on a RU-vid video, but today's literally moved me to tears. Been there; done that. It totally sucks. I've been running for probably longer than you have been alive and I have been a frequent flyer at my physical therapist's office for years and am probably help him put his kids through college. Any downtime is difficult, but when it's an extended period of time, it's downright depressing, especially if you don't know if you'll run again. My last injury, which ended up in surgery, was the first time my physical therapist said I needed to look into other activities--and he wasn't talking about cross-training. What a bombshell! The odds of running again were very much against me. I read articles about what to do post-running, but they were all about what to do when it's a temporary thing. Maybe people don't want to talk about what it's like when you can't run. I couldn't find anyone I know who had had this surgery and ever run again. That didn't make me feel warm and fuzzy. I did have a lot of supportive people who were behind me (including my physical therapist), and you have even more. The not knowing part is hell. The setbacks along the way to recovery (which will happen) are scary: is it a setback or the end? I beat the odds and am running again. In fact, there are times when I am running better than before surgery. They aren't my younger-self times, of course, but those were never going to happen again anyway. It's left me with a newfound sense of gratitude, especially since it could easily have gone the other way. Recovery was much slower than I liked, but I was super careful because I didn't want to risk re-injury. Patience is key, and if you don't have it, you have to get it to make it through. You have to focus on the long-term: keep your eye on the prize at all times. The hard truth is you might not run again, or run as well as you did before. The other truth is that you have what it takes to have the best possible recover that you can and you WILL do what it takes to have the best possible recovery. You've also got a ton of support near and far. We all hope that you have a complete recovery and eventually come out of this even stronger.
Thank you so much for sharing your story and I'm sorry to hear it was such a long, scary road back to recovery for you. But it's so encouraging to know that you're back and you're running better now too! Well done to you for persevering! 💪
Some stories of support. I am a former Royal Marine, Aussie Army, West Aussie copper and now a fire fighter…….couple years ago I nearly cut my right knee cap off whilst dealing with some glass that ‘exploded’ all over me…..has it affected my running long term…yes…..BUT I can still run not the same pace as I used to but I CAN still run……one of the guys at my station suffered a spiral fracture of Tib and Fib couple years ago…. He is back to fully operational duties. One of our guys broke his back in a car crash and spent time in a full body brace, since then he had completed in the Australian ninja TV program and is a fully operational fire fighter. One guy broke his neck playing Aussie rules, again back to full duties……i could keep going but you get the idea. Rehab sensibly, listen to your body and you will be back. Don’t let little negatives ruin your total journey. 👍👍👍
Thank you so much for sharing this journey, your humility honors you. You truly are a good-spirited soul, smiling for the entire video despite the difficulties life has thrown at you. No wonder why you are a fan favorite. I wish you a perfect recovery, so you can play pain-free with your little one (or is it ones? I’m not sure, haha). And a big round of applause for your clearly supportive wife.
Hey Rick. Just sending you good thoughts. Hope you keep getting stronger everyday. As lots of sports coaches like to say, “trust the process” (but don’t rush the process). We look forward to your next video. Best wishes
Am so with you Rick. 10 months into my own injury journey. Patience fella, thoughts are with you. Also, thank you for sharing your experiences, as it’s good to see the other side of things, as in the early days of my own injury I had to come off social media as the only running posts you tend to see are PB’s and glorious scenery x
I'm so sorry to hear what you are going through Rick! But you are still going and keeping a positive attitude which is super hard to do so really well done! I wish you all the best with your recovery!
When I had a hip replacement about 4 years ago the hospital made the same noises about getting some form of normality back into my life. What they don't realise is that for people like us running is part of "normal life". OK, the surgery wasn't as radical as you have obviously gone through and I was out of bed and moving about (with a zimmer frame!) within hours of the procedure but with effort and a bit of desire on your part you WILL run again. Take rehab very seriously, work on any exercises you are given with extreme diligence, give it time and things will work out. Best of luck!
You're so right! I destroyed my ankle with a fall during an impromptu ice climbing session. PT with their questionnaires about reaching normality in life... walking to the car ISN'T a recovery back to normality for active people! I finally found a PT that specializes in athletes, though I'm NO pro, and the support, understanding, and difference in the PT itself was amazing.
You are young, you have good condition, you will be running but have to be calm. Built your upper body, arms etc. Follow all your therapy. I had both knees and I am running at my 55. Sooooo keep going!!!
I definitely feel this. In 2019 I tore my hip flexor, and was out for a long 3 months. Sticking with the recovery program from my physiotherapist, I was back out stronger than I was before! Stick to the recovery, you’ll get there 👍
You will be back, I broke my ankle two years ago and detached the ligaments, it was a slow process of surgery and physio but taking it steady and sticking to what the surgeon and physiotherapist told me has seen me come healthier than ever. Keep your mind busy and focus on a positive outcome, good luck.
It's a tough road Rick but we're all behind you. I suffered a rotational fracture of the distal fibula in 1998 and spent 10 weeks in plaster before a second op to remove a stasis screw. The NHS physio available was limited and it took me about a year to really get active again. I was 35. I think that you can get there but do it better than I did - make a plan, progress steadily, don't overdo it and look forward every day. Best wishes Sir.
Praying you get better soon! I haven't seen part 3, but I'll check it out. My mother had the same thing about 10 years ago. After surgery, it was rough for a while. But she recovered fully and has been able to run, cycle, and stay active with a number of activities - even now at age 70. Thanks for sharing your journey with us. We're cheering you on!
Thankyou for your honesty and directness. This must be very difficult for you especially as a younger man. However, your complete lack of self pity and enormous determination. are just simply inspiring. With my very best wishes to you for a speedy recovery.
Cheering for you Rick from the US. Wishing you nothing but the best. Keep up with the physical therapy and be patient with your recovery. Loved the video and I can tell how much you miss running.
Suffered a complex degenerative medial meniscus tear at the end of January. Meant I could only walk about 1/4 mile before the knee gave way. Consultant advised on having surgery but there would have been a 100 week wait due to Covid, so have gone down the non-surgical route. Plenty of rehab leg strength and balance work and patience. Started a walk/run programme and I am now running for 40 minutes with 4 x 10 minute running/1 minute walking. Stay positive and patient and put in the rehab. Really feel for you and wish you all the best in your rehab and recovery 💪
I'm with you, Rick. I know what it's like to be injured to the degree where even the smallest thing seems like moving a mountain. It is scary and very humbling. Take your time, try not to lose heart. You have my best wishes.
I really cross my fingers for your recovery. My advice to you, having battled problems with my left knee and severe achilles tendonitis on both legs and now being almost complete rid of problems and able to do even 100K trailruns is, WALK a lot as part of the recovery and use your BIKE a lot, to activate the joint without straining it. When you start to run, run a lot slower and a lot less than you really want to ! Set some goals along the way. Despite doctors and experts, I always knew (being an elite trainer) that I knew more about what the body is actually capable off, if done properly. And loose just a little weight. Yes it means a lot to your knees !
Stay strong mate, I know all injuries Are different but I had an Arthroscopy on my left knee to remove a section of cartlidge and rebuild of my right knee after a lower section 'inadvertent 2-axis negative rotation'. Both of these were within the space of 18 months. Since then I have gone on to compete in Triathlons (upto 70.3) Duathlons, Night trail races, half marathons. The best thing I can rocommend is Cycling (heresy for this channel I know!) but the low impact nature allows your body to remember firing each muscle and allows you to build endurance and stimulate blood flow prior to running.
Sending good vibes your way, Rick-way to keep moving forward in spite of the frustrations and uncertainty (that’s the mark of a great runner for sure!)...you are inspiring me to keep getting out there and making my own progress toward better health. Keep fighting the good fight!
Wishing you all the best Rick and a speedy recovery. We are all here cheering you on. And you will get there. There will be light at the end of this dark tunnel 👍
I just got into running as a serious hobby and lost 25lb- and then found out I need major abdominal surgery. Going in Monday- so can really sympathize with you!
Sorry to hear this Hannah - wishing you a speedy recovery! Lots of Running Channel videos to watch whilst you're recovering too! Let us know when you're back up and running 😊
Good luck for your recovery! Had a meniscus surgery in Feb and I am back to running. Don't be sad If there are steps backward. And be patient with your muscles build up and back to strength.
Know the feeling, just had kidney transplant that took two surgeries 5 weeks ago after a year of dialysis, can finally walk around the block. One day at a time. Can’t wait till I can run again. It is mentally draining. Best of luck, hang in there. 🤘😎👍🐝🇨🇦
Cheering you on, Rick! Between your determination and Manni, I am so confident that you’ll be able to recover! I’m praying for your recovery and excited for what’s coming. Let’s go!!
I can't bring myself to like this video because I am in tears and so sorry for Rick. You are a rockstar and your positive attitude has gotten me through some really tough times when I felt like I just couldn't cut it as a runner because I'm too slow, too weak, etc.. I'm running my first half marathon on May 30th for you, Rick!
Very brave to share this journey with us all Rick. Keep up the fantastic effort. There will be hard days but just keep that end goal in focus. 👏👏👏🏃🏃♀️
Keep up the good spirit! And believe in your own body. I do think that Confidence in your body and positive additute towards your recovery makes miracles happen. Maybe watch the movie Running for Good if you haven't seen it already Fiona Oakes running and winning Ultras without a kneecap! Seeing other people (in my mind) do impossible things might help you believe in your own recovery as well. And you have all your running channel colleagues behind you as well as all your viewers!
Our hearts go out to you Rick. As hard as it for you to go through, your recovery will be helping all those who have had to go through bad injuries. You're an inspiration. Wishing you all the best!
Finally getting around to watching this one. It brings back my sesamoid break last summer and all the intense feelings associated with recovery. At this point the only advice I would give is don't sign up for any races - the pressure will absolutely kill you - it really freaked me out. Manni and all Physios are God's great gift to runners. I wouldn't have come back at all without the guidance and more importantly the encouragement. Buy into the rehab process and stay in touch with other runners. We all know what you're feeling and are sending you all the best, mate.
Just as I'm starting to feel good about Rick's recovery you put that coming soon trailer in and we know that there may be tears and a tough watch next time. Hope it keeps going well Rick
Thank you for explanation about your recovery Rick! Good to see the support MANI is giving to you and his expert advise about your recovery and is promising. Waiting to see you run again.
Praying for your continued healing. I know this whole process can be scary and frustrating, while still being hopeful for the future. I have been down for about 9 months and just had surgery to repair a rectus adductor tear 3 weeks ago. Hang in there and take the time to heal and recover properly. We're all with you and wishing you a safe and full return to activity when the time comes. 💪🙏🚶♂️🏃♂️💙
Hi Rick, It's great following your recovery journey back to full fitness, and it will be full fitness. Be patience and concentrate on building those muscles up around the knee to ease the impact. We are all routing for you.
Work the rehab and recovery the same way you would a training plan. Take it as an opportunity to focus on form and control that you otherwise may have not. Day by day
Stay strong and stick to your rehab but don’t overdo it. I had a bucket handle tear in my lateral meniscus so had almost the entire thing removed, plus some ACL damage from a football injury. It’s been fine since I took up running and I’ve run up to marathon distance with it (ok, maybe I walked a bit of it!) so there’s definitely light at the end of the tunnel. One tip, make sure you’re doing exercises on both legs as I ended up with an imbalance from the rehab so had to sort that!
Having just had major abdominal surgery which means 6-8 weeks of sitting on my bum, I totally get your frustration. I am spending time trying to eat well and concentrate on my recovery and planning for when I can actually do something.
I totally understand your frustration, Tina! I enjoy reading running books and planning my next adventures during this downtime. Hope your recovery goes smoothly 😊
