Tom – July/August New Members

Well this is it.  My final post before I take part in the Hood to Coast relay this weekend.  I run with a group of guys called the “Dirty Half Dozen”.  Great guys.  They have been running together since High School.  I got onto the squad when I ran XC in college with one of them.  Here’s an article about them...they are just good dudes.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever gone through these thoughts before a big race:  “Wow…my back aches”, “Sheesh, my knees really hurt….they’ve never hurt like this before”, “I think I have a cold – perfect, just before Hood to Coast”, “Man I am tired”, “Man it is hot”,  “Leg 2 of Hood to Coast?  The first leg is COMPLETELY downhill.  Are you nuts? How will you get through the 2nd and 3rd legs with a leg like that?”.  🙂  It always happens like this to me before a big race.  And each time I remind myself “Argue for your weaknesses, and they are yours”.  So instead I flip it.  “Hey, my hip feels great!”, “I don’t have a cold, its just my silly summer time allergies”, “You’re tired because you did a major system upgrade at work”, “It won’t be hot on the mountain – you’ll run faster”, “Leg 2 is great!  I’ll be the 2nd one completely finished….more beer for me while the rest of the team is still running”, “It’s all good”.  We Hip Runner’s have to stay positive.  We have to live on optimism.  If we don’t the waiting will kill us.  (Read Julie’s post below….she needs to wait a little longer before she can run).  The waiting can sap the energy out of you.  The best way to get through it is to “flip it”.  Find some good in the bad, keep your head up and stay positive.  Hood to Coast!  Here I come!

Wow.  Has the summer gone by super fast or what?  So fast in fact that I have an overflow of new runners to introduce…..

Steve D – I am just wondering if there is a contest for people such as us who have had bi-lateral hip replacement and are now other-wise in great health. Thanks, Steve

Al W – Hi everyone, I’m a 62 yo male, post traumatic hip fracture that occurred on July 30, 2014 due to stupidity (cycling accident – my fault), with THR the following day. My PT convinced me the long term psychic reward of completing my 38th consecutive Philadelphia Distance Run (Half Marathon) coming up in mid-September, if even possible ?, would not offset the long term consequences of potentially loosening the orthotic currently reminding me that it’s a part of me. I’m following his advice. Good decision?

I’m satisfied with my progress (not quite cane free & without a limp) but wondering what long term impact it will have on running, cycling, hiking and other activities I enjoy. For example, when hiking recently, I spent most of my time looking at the ground. I suppose this was because of my concern about falling and the constant awareness of my new parts. When does the over cautiousness subside and when do the new pieces feel natural, if ever?

So far, the one plus I’ve come up with is that accomplishing new goals keeps my motivation level up; something that had subsided as an older runner.

Thanks for creating this group. BTW, I love the name!

Stuart P – I was never a runner but began as I took up triathlons. It was while cycling that I was hit by a car and fractured my left hip. The first surgery was a failed attempt to repair the hip. Six months later I had a total hip replacement.My goal is an ironman Triathlon in 2016. Swimming and cycling are going fine but still struggling with the run. Doc says I can go for an Ironman Tri on two conditions:

1. I must learn a new style of running away from my current heal strike to a more gliding style (like Chi).

2. I get one shot only at an Ironman, finish or no.

So that’s my story.

Robert B – Having left hip replacement in 2 weeks.  (That would mean that he should be having it sometime next week)

Gord M – My surgeon was pretty clear running was not a good idea. Running has been a big part of my life since university. Completed many marathons and lots of triathlons including 3 Ironman. Not tuning has Ben tough and it has been very inspiring reading the blogs. If anyone has any comments in going a gaisnt the advice of the surgeon would love to hear them.

Brian G – I have a 7 year old RBHR and now LTHR from same surgeon so I have quite a bit of experience in running and other activities.

Rick C – I had my hip resurfaced in 2010 by Dr. Michael Mont, Sinai Medical in Baltimore. I run 2 or 3 miles four or five times a week. On the other days I work out on a either an exorcise bike or an elliptical machine.

I do some form of stretching each day. So far so good. Before the surgery I ran 18 marathons and numerous smaller races. My marathon and heavy duty days of running are over, but I love to be out in the morning on a crisp day just running and not thinking about anything else.

Mac M – I had a hip “resurfacing” 10 years ago and it had become increasingly more painful and limiting. During the last couple years, the other hip went south as well. I’m told I have “dysplacia” and likely would have had hip problems earlier in life had I not been a runner for 20+ years. Over the past three months I’ve had left then right THR (posterior.) Due to hip pain, I haven’t run in about 7 years. My surgeon (not a runner)said running is “out of the question” since it would cause increased wear and shorter a life for the hardware.

I’m doing post-op PT now and walking with just a minor limp. My incision was dry and closed at about 7 days – I credit our high antioxidant/anti-inflammatory vegan diet with that success.

I am really thrilled to see so many people discussing running after total hips. I still dream of running and I know now, though just 3 weeks out of surgery for the second hip, that I can at least try running in the not-too-distant future. I don’t plan on any marathons or PRs, but I am really excited by all your amazing stories!

Sondra M – So encouraged by your site! Two years since my RTHR and four since my LTHR – always been active and just trying to run again. Been having IT issues – all about stretching and rolling. Agree with the prior posts on core exercises and would add in any exercises for balance – making a big difference!

Kathy P – I am writing a book about my SuperPATH hip surgeries. I would like to put other anterior and posterior stories and surgical scar photos in the book too. Could you post about this and put my email or a link to it? Could I use your photo and story? I used to run a mile a day but now swim

Jeff R – Wondering if there are any additional members who have tried a Cortisone injection for relief of hip pain and if so what was the result?

I will be getting these runners added to the club soon…..