James Gardner

My Journey from Injury to Ultramarathon Comeback

As I crossed the finish line of the 2018 Lake Waramaug 100K ultramarathon in second place overall, I felt amazing. I had finally figured out the type of running (ultra distances) that I enjoyed the most. Running has always been my passion - since high school, through college, and into adulthood, I’ve competed at every distance, from 5Ks to marathons. After turning 50, I set my sights on ultramarathons, pushing my limits and achieving some of the fastest times in North America for my age group at both the 100K (62 miles) and 100-mile distances.

But in the summer of 2018, at age 53, everything changed. A sharp pain in my right knee appeared out of nowhere, threatening to end the sport I loved. My local orthopedist diagnosed me with two articular cartilage defects. At first, I managed to keep running with the help of a dedicated physical therapist, but as the pain worsened in late 2018 and early 2019, my training suffered. The prospect of microfracture surgery loomed - a procedure I was hesitant to undergo.

When physical therapy was no longer enough, I asked my therapist for advice. I wanted to explore every possible option before giving up on running. That’s when I was introduced to Dr. Riley Williams III, a top sports medicine surgeon at HSS. From my very first call, I felt hopeful again.

Dr. Williams recommended mosaicplasty surgery to repair the cartilage defects in my right knee. In December 2020, I underwent the procedure, followed by a second surgery in June 2021 - a partial synovectomy, patellar release, and fat pad resection. Recovery was tough. There were days when progress felt slow and setbacks tested my resolve. But the support I received from Dr. Williams and the HSS physical therapy team, led by Snehal Patel, made all the difference. Their expertise, encouragement, and personalized care kept me moving forward.

Rehabilitation was a journey in itself. Each milestone - walking without pain, jogging for the first time, building strength - felt like a victory. With patience and a gradual approach to training (and a few bumps along the way), I returned to running in late 2021. By December 2023, I was back in ultramarathons.

Fast forward to 2025: At 60 years old, I’m running the way I did before my knee procedures. Last year, I logged over 2,600 miles and ran top 10 times in my age group in North America at both the 100K and 100-mile distances (according to ultrarunning.com). It’s amazing to be running again, even more so to compete at the same level as before my injury.

Looking back, I’m grateful for every step - both the setbacks and the victories. HSS gave me the chance to reclaim my passion, and I hope my story encourages others to keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles. If you’re struggling with injury, don’t give up - seek expert help and believe in your ability to recover. You might just find yourself back in the game, stronger than ever.