Getting back into running

[bothdone]

I did something today I've been thinking about for many months.    There's a walk I've been around many times which is about 4 and a half miles, with most of it being on small country lanes.   It is a route I've wanted to run round for a long time.  The problem is that it has several monster hills up and down.    

Today the weather was a couple of degrees warmer, the sun was shining and I thought "have a go".

Taking it steady, I was soon out along the lanes with great views across the fields.  There were cows in the fields, with the occasional pheasant sprinting for somewhere to hide.   I jogged past thatched cottages and even enjoyed the farmyard smells which wafted around (!).    I managed to get up and down the hills with no pain and no walking.    Time wasn't important.   I was just enjoying the moment and the freedom of running which my BHRs have given back to me.

[larry2458]

I did something today I've been thinking about for many months.    There's a walk I've been around many times which is about 4 and a half miles, with most of it being on small country lanes.   It is a route I've wanted to run round for a long time.  The problem is that it has several monster hills up and down.    

Today the weather was a couple of degrees warmer, the sun was shining and I thought "have a go".

Taking it steady, I was soon out along the lanes with great views across the fields.  There were cows in the fields, with the occasional pheasant sprinting for somewhere to hide.   I jogged past thatched cottages and even enjoyed the farmyard smells which wafted around (!).    I managed to get up and down the hills with no pain and no walking.    Time wasn't important.   I was just enjoying the moment and the freedom of running which my BHRs have given back to me.

that sounds like fun to me and exactly the sort of run with the right background
that i'd love.

keep it up ed
larry

[crofty]

That sounds like a great run bothdone, whereabouts are you from?
I'm at 12 weeks now and at long last my leg is starting to feel a bit more back to normal. I'm doing loads of long walks in the welsh hills and even had a very slow trot for about 100m today! I have booked myself into a trail race in october in the lake district, even if i have to walk a lot of it!

[buzzycrumhunger1000]

Hi,
   This is my first post....even though I've been reading this forum for awhile now. I just turned 50 last May, and had my right hip resurfaced in October. I've been a runner since my teens...on and off. Ran through the pain as long as I could. Slowed down, and lessened the milage, then had to stop. Resorted to the elliptical for the last six months or so before the surgery, just to keep from getting too out of shape.
   The operation went well and I'm very happy so far.  Unfortunately, I put on a bit of weight from inactivity for the three months following the resurfacing.  Started back with the elliptical and spinning as of a month and a half ago.  Slowly getting my wind back and shedding a few pounds. I wasn't planning on trying to run (jog) until about six months out, but....I couldn't resist, and have done a few easy runs on the treadmill. Did 4 miles a couple days ago. Nice and easy (8.5 minute/mile pace). Hip feels fine...it's the rest of me that's trying to adjust mostly.  FINALLY, here's my question...... am I starting up too early? Could I be hurting my hip by not letting it heal more first?  My doctor says I can do whatever I want now, subject to how it feels.

   By the way... just want to let y'all know....this forum was a tremendous inspiration to me in deciding to have this surgery, and continues to keep my spirits up when I think about returning to the running lifestyle.  Whether anyone responds to me or not.....this is a GREAT forum.  THANKS!

[bothdone]

Hi Crofty

I'm down in Devon with coast paths and country lanes close to where I live.  Hope the trail run goes well.

Hi Buzz

I left running until after 6 months.   My advice would be not to run before the six months is up.   As you've just turned 50 you've got plenty of time to do your running later.   Time getting recovered and ready to run is definitely well spent.   It took me quite a few months to get up to 4 miles.  It is rare for me to do much more than that in one go even now, neraly two years after my second BHR.

You are right about the effects of running all over the body.  It really shakes everything up.  I found trying to get my breathing right the hardest aspect.

Best wishes to you both.

Ed

[Pat Walter]

Hi buzzycrumhunger1000

Do you have a real name?  Maybe Buz?

Welcome to Hip Talk and glad you found your way here.

Personally, I would be a bit cautious before jumping into running activities.  Most surgeons have you wait untill 6 months before doing most activities.  Many want you to wait until one year for running.  Since you are doing so well and summer is not far away, maybe you should be a little more conservative in your recovery.  You body takes 6 months to heal to be active, but a full year to completely heal.  Walking on the treadmill is used by some, but I would just be a bit careful.  If any of the activities start to cause pain, I would be very cautious.

You have gone thru major surgery and everyhting is going well.  Why push it at this point, you have it made.  You will have a great summer.

Everyone wants to push the envelop of recovery.  There is little you can do to MAKE your body heal, you just need to let it do so at it's own rate. 

Enjoy the more gentle activities and stay in touch.  Better to be safe than sorry.  You have a great new hip, give it a little time.

Pat

[buzzycrumhunger1000]

Pat and Ed,
 
   Thanks guys for the words of wisdom. I had a feeling that would be your advice. As you know, it's tough to not want to use the new and improved part(s) as quickly as possible.  You're right, can't wait for spring and summer to run outside. (I'm in snowy Buffalo, NY.) I guess I'll take it back a notch for now.
I see the doc again in April. I'll see what he has to say then about pushing it a little more.

     Thanks again. I'll keep you posted. (Maybe shoot for a Half in October?)

     Sorry about the name thing. I realized I forgot it moments after I sent the last post.

                         Ken
   

[bothdone]

Hi Folks

I thought I'd add an update as its a few months since I've added anything on this thread.

I'm still running.  Usually two or three days a week, averaging about 9 or 10 miles each week, though a few lower mileage weeks when I tweak muscles, one way or another.  Speed varies from slow jogs around 9 minute miling, to faster runs under 8 minute miling.

This week just ended was a heavier week for me. I ran on four days, with a total of just under 14 miles in the week.  Today i warmed up then ran 5000m on the treadmill in 24.23 (that's 3.1 miles at 7.50 @ mile pace).

I'm happy doing the level I'm doing.  Some days it is hard work, but ask any runner and that will be true for them.  Other days it feels great to be running along with no pain and just enjoyment.

For info, I'll be 57 later this year so any running is a bonus for an elderly bod like me. ;D.    My left hip will be 6 years old on the 25th of this month:the right hip was 2 in March.

All the best

Ed

[gary2010]

Ed,
Thanks for the info, I haven't my op yet but the story is familiar, I last ran my regular weekly 10k circuit around Bournemouth on new year's day 2009, at the age of 46, the pain next day was enough to discourage me from doing it again. I had a similar experience walking down from a Welsh mountain last month, made it to the top but coming down was probably the hardest thing I've ever done. Running has always been an important part of my training and I'm determined to go back to it. My goal is to run the same mountain path in 12 month's time, which should be perfectly feasible if all goes well, based on what I have read of others' experience. I will let you know!
G.

[stano]

Ed, just became a member read your post, thank you. I just posted my own story and hope you also read it.
-Stano

[toby]

Hi Ed,
I've followed your posts pre- HR and throughout my recovery- found them informative, insightful and inspiring. I'm now 11 months  excellent all round but although considerably better than pre-op still working on hip flexion (suggestions from hip friends would be most welcome). Although my surgeon Prof Cobb said I was ok to start running after my 6 month check up-I thought I'd take the more conservative Mcminn approach of 1 year. I was previously a Ihr 18min half marathon runner. Gave up 4 years ago- became impossible-severe OA(caused by femur fracture 30 yrs previous)-LLD-dreadful gait/limp/pelvic mis alignment etc all of which also caused me to have 3 knee op's-cartilage tears. Just before calling it a day on the running I started taking a close friend out on some cross country over the Heath-in fact I've created a monster! He's now a sub 3 hr man-runs altra distance events too-his wife's a marathon widow.
Anyway, I had a pact with my buddy that I'd go out with him for my first run post HR  for my birthday on Saturday 18 December. This was the day of the huge snow fall over London-sure enough he phoned-so I had to go (despite having been totally inactive in past 3 weeks from virus and work pressures etc). It was powder snow- vg grip-beautiful  experience and to be able to run again! I ran about 2 miles(10 min mile pace) felt great, BUT since then had a very mild ache in lower back-any idea what it might be??
Happy New year To all
Toby

[bothdone]

Hi Stano

I'll be adding a longer post later on.

Hi Toby.

Hope your running goes well.   1.18 half marathon was my pb as well... happy days.  From my running days and from my coaching experience, the two things which go quickest when you stop running and which you notice most when you start running again are breathing and lower back.   I think the lower back problems are just a result of holding your body upright and in one position as you run.    It usually goes once you get back into it.

Ed

[bothdone]

31 Dec 2010

Its been a long time since I put an update on here.    Since my last update my running has not gone well.  I’ll select some dates to highlight what’s been happening:

May   
I ran 6 miles continuous at 8m30s pace.    That was the longest distance I’d done and the limit of what I wanted to do.  I had no pain during or after the run.

I started to get some aches in my left leg during runs â€" not on every run.

13 June   
I ran 4 miles at 8m10s pace, again with no pain during or after the run.

Aches continued to get a bit worse on some runs.

12 July
I tripped over a low step which I didn’t see.  I landed on my left hip.  First thought was to hope that I hadn’t damaged the hip.   I think I strained soft tissue around the hip. 

I reduced the distance of my runs to a maximum of 2.5 miles to see if the aches stopped and then in August down to 1.5 miles.   I did no runs at all for 7 days and then tried again.   Not every run ached.

1 October
I saw a local physio who diagnosed that my gluteal muscles were not firing.  She gave me a series of exercises designed to get them working.  After a few days I did some very small jogs on a treadmill.  No ache/pain at all.    Continued the exercises.

20 October
Ran 2km (1.3 miles).  Fine during the run but very aching afterwards.  Decided to take a 4 week total break from running while continuing the exercises

19 November
0.5 mile easy jog.  No ache

30 November
1.4 miles easy jog.  No aches

3 December
1km easy jog.  No ache during but left hip aching for weeks afterwards.   No runs since then.     Ache was worse when going up stairs (putting all weight onto left hip when it was on the higher stair)   Ache is a dull pain not a sharp pain.

Four things I’d like to mention:
1.   I can cycle, use a cross trainer and a concept 2 rowing machine at quite high intensity with no aches or pains.  I also walk briskly a few times a week.
2.   I’m 57 years old.    Some of my aches and pains are obviously age-related but I’m sure there is something wrong with my left leg when running. 
3.    I intend to try to get a full diagnosis of what is wrong in 2011 and then get treatment if it is treatable.   If I definitely can’t run pain-free again then I can accept that.  I have no intention of running with pain.
4.     I have no regrets at trying to get back into running.  I’ve enjoyed the running I’ve done post-BHR.    I’d suggest that anyone thinking of running post HR needs to give it some thought and make their own mind up.

I’d be interested in any suggestions on what might be wrong with my left leg.  It might just be that I strained something and didn’t give it time to recover.   (I’m working on that idea at the moment by not even trying to do small jogs)

On a more positive note….

Today (31 December) I did a brisk 4.9 miles walk in just under 90 minutes.  It was along country lanes and across fields, with lots of hills.  It was cold and breezy.  I had my MP3 music player on shuffle.   I really enjoyed the walk.   Four hours after I finished, I’m sitting here with no aches or pains (and not having used any anti-inflammatories or painkillers) 

Happy New Year.   8)

Ed

ps.   I hope you don't mind this amount of information.   I can see that there have been a lot of views of this thread and I think it would be incomplete without the above post.  It has also been a good exercise for me to get my thoughts in order before seeing a doctor again.

[toby]

Happy new year Ed,
Thanks for the updates on your running  always interesting to see how you've approached things and thanks too for your experience re- my early start lower back issue.
Your left leg problem certainly seems impact related, as we know running puts a significant loading (well beyond walking) through the joints. But what 'instinctively' do you feel the problem could be? Who are you planning on seeing re- diagnosis?
bw
Toby
ps I'm out on a 20 mile bike ride with my buddy tomorrow (but he'll be running!)
My plan now is to let things heal, lose the half stone I've gained in recent weeks, adopt a more disciplined strengthening programme before running again and then build up slowly (whilst checking your initial posts/progress).

[bothdone]

Hi Toby

I'm not sure what is wrong with my left leg.   I suspect it might be impact related but in what way I don't know.  My intention is to see my doctor, get some x-rays and hopefully meet with my surgeon.  I'll probably also try some different physios to get some other opinions.  If teh bottom line is that I have to stop running to prevent pain and preserve the hip then fine.     But first I'll explore what's going on.

Hi Gary

Thanks for your interesting link.  I've saved it as a favourite and printed it out so I can go through it slowly and maybe try some new things.

Ed

[larry2458]

Happy new year to all,
I havent started running yet - I'm at 16 weeks, but you might find this useful:
http://www.hipresurfacingsite.com/Patient-Articles/20090405422/Patients/Running-Cory-Foulk/menu-id-62.html
Dr Foulk's tips on running with a BHR, and he was doing about 85 miles a week last I heard! It seems it's all in the warm up.
Regards, G.

gary
thanks for that link.its probably the most informative annd useful article on surface hips and running or any sport that i've read.
especially on the piriformis, which before my hip problems, i'd never heard of.the other part which was very interesting to read was the part about doing leg extensions whilst sat down.i didn't know, either that the 2 parts of the resurfaced hip weren't symetrical.
amazing
a more informed larry

[gary2010]

I'm not sure about the symmetry thing, I've been told that both components are spherical, but of course they are different sizes, so at rest there will be a point of contact and the gap widens out from this to the edge. So the 'lifting' effect still applies.

The diagram comes from the smith and nephew website, and it does look as if the cup is parabolic, but most likely they've just exaggerated the difference in radius to make it visible.

However, Cory being one of the most experienced distance runners on the planet, I would trust his empirical findings.
G

[einreb]

As I understand it... the bearings are spherical.  The radius of the sphere is just slightly different.  As the joint is in motion and fully lubricated, the 'gap' between them is uniform.

Those graphics are greatly exaggerated

[larry2458]

I'm not sure about the symmetry thing, I've been told that both components are spherical, but of course they are different sizes, so at rest there will be a point of contact and the gap widens out from this to the edge. So the 'lifting' effect still applies.

The diagram comes from the smith and nephew website, and it does look as if the cup is parabolic, but most likely they've just exaggerated the difference in radius to make it visible.

However, Cory being one of the most experienced distance runners on the planet, I would trust his empirical findings.
G

sorry gary, when i typed symmetrical what i  meant was that the two radii were different sizes.if only slightly

[stano]

Gary,

Went out and gave it a try, 5 miles at a walk / run pace. There is no doubt that my feet normally go too  far out front so I tried to adjust as I went. It was not one of my better days but I will try again in a couple of days. I am sure it will not come over night.

thank you

stano