New Hippie here

My surgeon was against me returning to running as well. I negotiated with him and agreed I wouldn’t return to long distances, would keep it to 10ks and maybe an occasional 10 mile race… (the cherry blossom 10 miler in DC is one of my favs… I will miss halfs but I digress) I also agreed that I would not start “running” for 6 months postsurgery. His greatest concern for me was impact fracture in the femur… I started back slow with walk/run intervals in Dec, got up to full miles with intermittent walk breaks in Jan and now as of 1 year later (today is my one year anniversary) I am running 5 and 10ks, still working on my speed but listening to my body. I have a 7 mile “race” on sunday but plan to walk the hills and take it easy on the downhills.

I started running 3 months post op. But had built up my walking til that point. Started easy jogging straights on track, walking curves. I was growing a horrible beard until I could run 3 miles so probably did that sooner than I should have. My Dr. was totally against me running at all also. But he knows I’m going to! I probably didn’t feel really good running til 9 months post op. I’m now 3 years and could probably run nearly every day but I’m opting to be careful and just run occasionally, so I’m cycling to be fit and healthy. Running is easy and painless! Just be careful is my advise.

I’m 10wks post op walking between 10000 and 15000 steps per day I’ve just started in the last 2weeks very slow ‘jogs’ just up to 1.5miles at a time! My surgeon has never said I can’t return to running and was very confident I could ! Not sure what distances I will be able to get back up to but I have a half and full booked in for next year!

I had a right resurfacing in June 2014 and, after building up carefully pretty much as you describe, was “running” again by September, very slowly. A Scottish friend called it hirpling*. By the November I was up to 5 miles in around 50 minutes – my surgeon had said absolutely no more than 10k for races and sticking to a limit of 12 miles a week on alternate days. All was going well until I got knocked off my bicycle by a van in December 2014. I spent the next 3 months in traction in an attempt to save my now wrecked resurfacing but this didn’t work. It was converted to a THR in May 2015 and I did it all again! It’s proving longer and slower this time but I’m getting better. Managed a <30min 5k the other week.
As an orthopaedic theatre nurse, I'm being very careful. I'm lucky in that my surgeon is a friend who understands my need to run. It helps that he's a runner.
I think that you're doing it properly. It is a risk to your new hip, but you know that. I avoid running on any surface where there is a risk of slipping leading to dislocation.
Have fun. It's doable but your goals and targets will be changed.

*Hirpling, hirple
A word of unknown origin, first recorded in Scots sources from the late fifteenth century; but probably from Old Norse herpast (“to suffer from cramp”) the middle voice verb. Compare the Icelandic herpa (“to contract, to draw together”).

Doc told me I could give it a try after 3 months. It took me about 16 months before I started feeling “kinda” normal. Listen to the hip and give it a rest if/when it tells you. If you listen…..you will run. I think that was a movie quite.

Yes, a suggestion: Do it!!

I started shorter distance at 3 months 2-3 times a week and built up from there. At 6 months I was able to do a half marathon. Your hip will be your guide. Listen to what it’s telling you. I also iced my hip post run. I actually still do 2 yrs later. You shouldn’t have to give up on distance. I average a half marathon a month and 1 full a year and I run about 20 miles a week. My hip is great. You got this. Just take it slow. Best of luck!!

Two days after my 75th birthday ran a 1:48;18 half-marathon at Scunthorpe,UK on May 7th
Had my hip-replacement in 2014

Wow Ken! That is awesome!

Hi Nancy…. I like your story. I’m glad your new hip is working well for you. I’m having a THR in the next six months. What type of hip replacement did you have? Do you have more information? – Kelly

That’s incredible Ken!! Congrats!! – Kelly