This Sunday’s half marathon went remarkably well. It was my first since being injured training for a full marathon at the end of 2011. My surgery was almost exactly four years ago. I did not run for nearly 2 years and then very slowly began running again and building miles. My first organized race was a 4 miler on thanksgiving of 2014. This Sunday I finished 13.1 in 2:15 – which is the slowest of my running life but not as slow as I had thought it would be. My pace was consistent over the course of the race and I have to say it was pretty easy. I felt soreness during miles 8 -10 in the back of my knee, but not the front. By mile 11 I was so happy I picked up speed and forgot all about any discomfort. It was not particularly painful and did not alter my gait. I was stiff the next day and did not run (hopped on the elliptical instead) but was able to run by Tuesday with no difficulty. I can’t believe that I am actually running distance again and I can’t be more pleased. I will definitely do another… So for all those folks out there wondering if it was all worth it — MOST DEFINITELY. With that said, I must warn that the knee is not “normal”. I still feel stiff when sitting long periods and the quad is still smaller than the non-operated leg side. But, I really did not think it would go as well as it did. Pretty fun all in all. I can confirm what my doctor told me, and that is, that the knee would continue to improve over the course of as much as 5 years. At year four I can say I am much better than in the three prior years and notice the difference from this time last year. Life is good.
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desperate2run 
after you had this surgery. sometimes when you were running did you ever have pain and discomfort when bend and extend your leg?
Yes. Not sharp pains but stiffness and uncomfortable.
your blog has helped me out so much its great. i had the same surgery done exactly this time last year. i play professional in germany, and i was worried i wouldnt be able to perform the same, but as time went on after the surgery things felt much more normal than expected, and now im set to be playing again soon.. and i think now the last stages of my recovery are just mental cuz ive been out for so long and every little thing going on in my knee i get scared. But there is never any swelling and the surgeon said my cartilage is fully connected. And the sorness your describing is what ive been feeling and sometimes i get scared, but reading your blog helps me reassure myself everything is all good!!! youre the best<33
I am glad you have found these posts helpful. And congratulations on your recovery. I am guessing you are a young person – because you recovered quickly. Just be careful out there and listen to your knee. If it gets very sore, take a break – even for just a day- and make sure it is not trying to tell you something. My doctor tells me it continues to improve for up to 5 years! I am so glad you have had success and wish you the best as you continue to recover!
soccer
I love your posts. I commented this past summer after my son had his ACI. As I said at that time. he is a professional footballer (soccer) in Germany. His rehab has been intense but he has not skipped a day. However, as you know the psychological injury is at times a greater challenge on the body than the physical injury. But I am grateful to you for sharing so he is able to hear from another who has gone through this . It has been so hard and thankfully he has passed every test exerting tremendous amounts of force on the knee, now sprinting ,quick changes of direction and soon ball work. The cartilage is superb & appears as if nothing every happened. It is a long process almost 2 years. Well, it was last June when he had the surgery and his last game was Nov. 2014. This upcoming season will be so sweet and his first game will be blurred out by my tears of joy . He knows that success is the fruit of hard work through tough times. Thanks agiain for sharing your experience while ‘Desperate 2 run’.
I am so happy to hear that. For young folks the recovery can be much quicker and it sounds like he has worked hard to get back at the game. I hope he continues to improve and has wonderful success in his career. CONGRATS!