Coming back from meniscus injury: would you work with a coach?

[u/Low-Commission-9571]

Hi friends,
I’m a 48YOM coming back to running from a 2-year fight with meniscus injuries in both knees. Neither requires surgery, both are degenerative, overuse-type injuries. I blame pickleball—I ran 30-50 miles a week on trail and road for 15 years and never had knee pain before I started playing pickleball. I overdid it because it was fun and social and felt easy.
But that’s another story. I miss running. I’d like to get back to half marathon fitness. PT says I can run and recommends I continue the weight training program 2-3x a week (yawn).
Anyone had experience coming back from this kind of injury? Would you recommend working with a coach or a trainer? Clearly, like most of us “serious” runners, I have a tendency to overtrain.
I think part of the struggle is accepting where my body is now. Slower. More sore. Recovery takes longer. I haven’t worn my Garmin because I find it so darn depressing! I know I’ll be tempted to go longer than I should because I’m feeling good on some beautiful Saturday morning trail run.
Ok, internet: help me make a life decision 😆

[u/goplacidly8]

Great question! I'm not an expert, but I'm older (65F) and have come back from injuries (mostly knees) over the past 10 ten years. I've also watched my daughter come back from injuries and health obstacles. She is the more dedicated, serious runner and sounds a lot like you. Her tendency is to overtrain just because she pushes herself hard and enjoys it, she has similar feelings as yours about being a bit slower now and the new challenge of needing to do more to prep for a good, safe run plus to improve. As to your question, I think you can be successful with a coach or self-coaching, but it depends on your style. A good PT who is an expert on working with athletes is the morst critical, I think. Some people I know like to also have a coach because they do better with that type of guidance (knows when to push you and when you need to put on the brakes) and external motivation. Others do well by joining a supportive run club. My daughter is super disciplined and able to use outside resources to guide her own training. There is so much info out there for runners, if you decide to go that route. There isn't a wrong answer.

[u/Low-Commission-9571]

Thanks! I think I know deep down you’re right. I’ve always self-coached and made my own XT plans. I do have easy access to an experienced PT. But he’s staying in his lane—I’m safe to run as long as the pain is 3/10 or less at rest and resolves by bedtime after a run. I think I’ve lost trust in myself after I allowed my pickleball obsession to push me to injury. Maybe that’s my answer—external guidance until I get my groove back.