Running Progress & Videos [7 Months after Resurfacing]

[BionicHip]

An update on my progress:

[Running]
- have been running/walking 3 to 4 times a week and try to go 5 to 7k in total
- past month I have been trying to run 4k consecutive
- the 4k distance feels good as long as I do not go too fast
- if I push the speed too much my leg tightens up and I have to slow down
- it's definitely improving because a few months ago the tightening would happen sooner
- have been working on increasing my cadence rather than stride length [recommended by petemeads]
- in another month or 2 I will start running 5k consecutive
- my fastest 1k is 4:18 and my fastest mile is 7:20
- still reluctant to really push the pace; will wait a few more months to be safe

*** running video 1 ***
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eV0l0rRK446BnUPBfgRCrRiFi41bUTzv/view?usp=sharing
*** running video 2 ***
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XNH781-OqfUDaLvJAQYkspUk6niDAFrf/view?usp=sharing

[Cycling]
- usually only cycle once a week and sometimes twice
- generally I go 30 to 35k but have gone up to 47k
- happy with 30 to 35k for longer aerobic workout than running
- try to push the pace uphill for some added intensity

[Weights & Stretching]
- generally try for 2 weight & stretching sessions a week
- usually workout for 45 minutes to an hour maximum [intense]
- with my stretching I also include martial arts kicks
- it's been around 30 years since I was involved in martial arts/kickboxing
- up until about 5 years ago would still do rounds on the heavy bag once or twice a week
- video of me was without much warmup so my kicks are not very high [not my gym]
- never had the flexibility of the "Van Damme" but if I warmed up I could kick a little higher
- pivoting on resurfaced hip still freaks me out a bit [there must be a lot of torque]

*** kicking/punching video ***
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VbVlH4jgEdEaikNLzQKxY_sEeo4JVEO6/view?usp=sharing

For those considering Hip Resurfacing I can only say that for me the result is amazing. I hope my Resurfaced Hip lasts a lifetime but there are no guarantees and you have to do your own due diligence. As I mentioned before; Hip Resurfacing surgery is a risk but so is Hip Replacement surgery.

Hope you can view the attached videos of me running and kicking.
[Used link from my google drive but not sure if it will work]

[LDub]

Hey BionicHip

Thanks very much for the video uploads. They are informative and inspirational. So it's been about 8 months since your resurfacing correct? Do you still notice a difference between the legs (particularly on the kicking).

You progress is pretty amazing. I have seen some of Dr. De Smet's other patients kicking the heavy bag pretty hard too. It can be a little unnerving to watch :).

Thanks for the run down on your activities also. Again it's informative to see your progress. I look forward to your next installment.

Cheers,
LDub.

[BionicHip]

Hey LDub,

Just past 7 months and I think my recovery is probably around 80 to 90%.

For the next few months I will probably just keep increasing my running distance up to about 10k and possibly run a 5k race.

In terms of kicking my operated hip seems a little tight but that is the first time I hit heavy bag in 5 years.  Normally I just stretch and practice my kicks in the air [wish I had a heavy bag] ... as mentioned, still worried about pivoting on operated hip; although, it seems fine.  At my age I do not intend to get into any organized martial art so it's not a big concern.

Thanks for letting me know you were able to view the videos.  Hope the videos provide encouragement to people who are considering Hip Resurfacing.

Also, heard some good news about getting a tax credit for out of country surgery for Canadians.  Probably not much but it's better than nothing.

My next update will probably be a while; maybe at 1 year.  I will be looking forward to hearing about your progress when you get your hip resurfaced.

Take care,

Ernie

[petemeads]

Hi Ernie, great to hear you are doing so well - and still being very sensible about progress. That 12 month update should be really impressive!
I, on the other hand, am currently struggling with sciatica. On June 1st I struggled to get out of bed with shooting pains down my spine and right leg, chiropractic adjustments and time has reduced this to a burning sensation in my right hip whenever I try to walk or run - even at 6 min/km pace. However, I can bike without pain and have been riding 100 miles a week, in blocks of 20 - 30, at good speeds, to try and maintain some aerobic fitness. Thought I had seen the back of hip pain - not yet!

Pete

[BionicHip]

Hey Pete,

Good to hear from you and really appreciate your advice.

Hope you have speedy recovery from your sciatica problem and are able to get back to running.  Keeping up your aerobic fitness by biking sounds like a good strategy.  You should be able to quickly resume your running speed once your sciatica heals.

Take care,

Ernie

[LDub]

Hey BionicHip

Could you elaborate on the tax credit you mentioned in your previous post?

Cheers.

[BionicHip]

LDub,

Somebody just mentioned to me that Canadians can get a tax credit for "Out of Country Medical Expenses"

I did a little research [google] and found some information about claiming this tax credit. Could not find anything really specific about Hip Resurfacing so when tax time comes I will definitely try to qualify for this tax credit.

The following links may provide some information:

https://www.cadesky.com/tt-10-31/

https://www.olympiabenefits.com/blog/how-does-the-medical-expense-tax-credit-work-in-canada

If any other Canadians read this post maybe they can provide some insight?

[LDub]

Thanks BionicHip. I will take a look. Let me know if you find anything else out. Any advice appreciated.

Cheers.