Continuing On…

I am a regular reader of the HipRunner site but I don’t frequently post.  In a recent comment by Hip Brother Tom, he encouraged posts from not only those who have successfully resumed running but also from those who may not have.  I find myself somewhere in the middle with some success but also challenges.  Mind you, my new hip is now 2 years old and is great.  I was experiencing some discomfort until recently, but through rigorous hip strengthening exercises, I can finally say that it feels like “my own” hip. I did resume light running at about 9 months and completed a half marathon at 1 year.  My new hip performed flawlessly.  During the last year however I have done little running and have worked out almost exclusively on my Zero Runner.  At 66 years old I find myself plagued by newly developed knee discomfort, nagging pain in my old hip, and frequent back pain.  Yes, arthritis flares it’s ugly head.  The lure of running still draws me but the discomfort of running and working out is a constant reminder of my age and underlying conditions.  Am I ready to throw in the towel?  Hell No!  But I do find it is a delicate balance between enough and too much.  It’s particularly hard to work toward longer distance and greater speed.  I’m also not anxious to push until I need additional joints replaced.   So I’ll continue on, doing as much as I can and incorporating as much running as I can without doing additional harm.  And I’ll keep coming to the HipRunner site for inspiration and encouragement.  Thanks again to all who post and be safe out there.

Mark Klein