Tom – XC Season

With XC Season in full swing, I have been forced to take a break from running competitively.  It is a nice break.  In my last post, I indicated my knees were really really sore.  I am getting PT for it and they are getting better.  I was given some new stretches so that my hips will be more flexible.  And surprise surprise, these stretches have kind of started making my hip hurt a bit.  I am sure it is because I am working the joint more than I have been, so I am not too alarmed….but for now, I am just in maintenance mode with my running.  XC season will be over at the end of this month and I will re-assess my situation.

Today, the following message was posted by a woman named Robbin under ‘The “Hip” Runner’s Club” Page….

I had a RTHR March 2013! Having worked as a Orthopedic nurse helping others recover from post-op procedures, I never imagined I would go under the knife. I was a 7 mile a day runner and I thought I was going to die not running. All the other cardio equipment at the gym did nothing for me. After I found this site, I started to RUN and boy do I feel GREAT! I just started running two months ago and complete 3 miles at 5.0 every 2 days. I gained 30 ponds after my surgery, so I’m working hard to get my weight back down.

We should unite at an annual conference! Cheers!

Isn’t that the case for anyone who gets a hip replacement?  When all you’ve ever known before was running….it is so easy to add the weight afterwards when you have to give up the running.  The same thing happened to me when I was first diagnosed with arthritis in the hips.  I gained weight.  For many, the options are 1) Stop running….and possibly gain weight (if you don’t find an alternative way to burn calories) or 2) Keep running, stay in shape and risk a hip replacement down the road.    I chose option 2.  I am an experiment.  I am only 3 years in.  Was it the right choice?  That is the reason for this Blog; to report how our little experiments are going.   For now, I am enjoying staying relatively fit.   Robbin is right.  We ARE getting big enough that we SHOULD find a place to meet up….a road race event of some sort.  That would be fun.  Hip Runners Unite!