triathlete and Running.

[shoraztri]

Hi David,
Thanks for ya input and what you are hoping to achieve and also for what you have done Post Op. race wise. Is huge step in doing those distances after BHR , so my confidence is bouyed by what you have done.  :). How soon , time wise did you start actual running , and actual training for your events. ??. I realise that Swim and Bike disciplines can start way earlier than the Run .
Cheers , Kiwi Down Under.

[shoraztri]

Hi All,
I am now 4 weeks POST OP. LHBHR. 7/7/2014. Its great to reach this point in time and to be "in a good shape of mind and body". Big THANKS go to my Surgeon , Hugh Blackley here in NZ., for his Post Op. support and re-hab programme. As well his PA , Nikki is always there to answer the many questions from time to time . Its great being able to pick up the phone and ring here , on any matter, both Pre Op and Post Op.. [ Am a 5hr drive, 400km away ].Being a bit of a "borderline "case , due to my shocking buggered hip , age 62yrs,and worn area,  :-[ for this procedure , he has deliberately slowed down my progress and exercise programme. This is now paying big dividends , for I'm sure if I had my way , I would have done more , as seems the case with alot of Athletic Hippies . Its the PATIENCE that is the key!! :)
I am now able to do more walking without a crutch , but still use it a fair bit. Have started into Aqua Jogging in the Pool , with Swimming for 40:00 ++ to follow . I use a Pull Buoy for alot of the time . My Bike time is spent on an old CATEYE Windtrainer , so ride that at 20:00-30:00 at a session , easy gearing and just simple spinning. Oddly enough , I find driving to hard/restrictive , so are not at that stage yet.
As each new week ticks by , my confidence is growing and " pain "  levels are significantly lowered. Presently on morning "pain" med, and some nights as well. I am getting weekly Soft Tissue Massage work done on the affected area. This is a must and although it "fires "you off , its all good.
I am due for my 6 week check-up and X Rays with Dr. Blackley in 2 weeks , and are eagerly awaiting to see how I have " scrubbed up ". I can then plan on more SENSIBLE , CONTROLLED exercises based around my Swim , Bike , Walk and Aqua Jog disciplines. Listening to my body , not over-doing things and the brilliant support of my "Head Nurse " - the wife , :-* has allowed me to be in this happy position. Perhaps I'm converted from that Pitbull to a Poodle !!.
Cheers to You All , Keep those DREAMS ALIVE !! ;D ;)
Kiwi Boy from Down Under.

[Arrojo]

Aqua jogging is good.  I did a lot of that.  Dr. Su allowed me to start running on grass at 4 months. I graduated to the roads at 6 months and ran my first 5K 7 months post-op.  Listen to your surgeon in terms of when you are cleared to start running.

Here is a great resurfacing to 5K program:  http://surfacehippy.info/hiptalk/running-ironman-marathoner/resurfacing-to-5k-program/

[shoraztri]

Hi Arrojo,
AWESUM REPLY THERE MATE . I ABOUT TO HAVE X RAYS AND CONSULTATION , 6 WEEK OP. POINT , SO YOUR POST HAS ME "FIZZING ". WILL UPDATE IN A FEW DAYS WHEN BACK HOME AND RESULTS , ASPIRATIONS DESPARATIONS ETC ARE KNOWN , FOR THE FUTURE !!!.
Cheers , Kiwi Boy Down Under.

[shoraztri]

Hi All ,
Its now 7 weeks POST OP, LHBHR, 7 /7 /14. I went back to my brilliant Surgeon/Specialist, Dr.  Hugh Blackley,  for my 6 week check up and further X rays last Friday , 15 August 2014. Resulting from this was perfect news that my Re hab had gone fantastically !!!! and that my ROM had improved quite well. I must mention here that without the "better half " getting stuck into me , putting the handbrake on what I thought I could do , then I'm sure the X ray results and other matters would have given a dark picture.
Exercise wise I am only riding the faithful Cateye Indoor Trainer 45-60:00 , nice easy spinning. Walking is up to 40-45:00 and a very mild easy relaxed pace , about 13:00mins pkm. Swim pool work is about 45-60:00 also , but alot of pull buoy and drills being done. Am also Aqua Jogging some days at 30-40:00.
I discussed the option of when to jog a little, before starting to RUN . We decided that December was a good time to test out the legs , and to very carefully monitor PAIN/DISCOMFORT. All in all , pain/ discomfort levels are very very low , and can now get dressed better, drive easier and generally move about "free as ".
The support and help from everyone has really been the key to get me to this position . CERTAINLY PATIENCE , A TOP SPECIALIST, HOSPITAL CARE AND THE BEST OF RE HAB PERSONAL MAKE FOR A SUCCESSFULP BHR OPERATION AND RECOVERY TO A NEW BETTER LIFE.
I will slowly increase my activity time and build cautiously as the new weeks tick by. Its certainly a buzz to be back!! :D :D  Cheers , Kiwi Boy Down under,.

[oldsoccerplayer]

Sounds like you're doing everything right. It can still be a roller coaster ride but like Sinatra said: "The Best Is Yet To Come".

[shoraztri]

Thanks for the support. Hope the roller coaster ride flatens out , to be just a "merry go round " of good luck. Cheers.

[shoraztri]

Hi All,
Its now that "magic" 13 Week, 3 month Post Operation of my LHBHR, 7 JULY 2014, and generally speaking all is "good to go". On a pain level - really discomfort I feel- its 1/10 so ultra minor. I still feel it in the top of the groin area when I bend over to put on walking shoes , work boots etc. Apart from that I am progressing well with my Massage work . Am very lucky here to have the AWESUM services of Roger Gooch at BodySmart here in my hometown New Plymouth, New Zealand . He is a SPECIALIST SOFT TISSUE EXPERT , and I have had weekly sessions with him , since week 2 of the Operation . He also gave me a simple, effective STRETCHING Programme , with has helped . My ROM has greatly improved , my Gluts and Abs actually now" fire up " , so its a positive feeling that I have now got . :)
Exercise wise , its fantastic to "train " without the pressure of the clock or prep. for the up coming Tri Season . I am Swimming well , INDOOR BIKING , and Walking with enthusiasm and control.Generally Swim 3 times a week at about 2:7km each session, Indoor Cycling 3 times as well , say 40km a session and steady Walking, 3 sessions, say 60.00mins each, at approx 10:20pkm. Because its all at the low key/heartrate effort , nothing untoward is causing pain or inflammation.
I am going to take the sensible , conservative approach and forgo our upcoming National Tri Series , 2014-2015-[Dec to April], as I am wanting to have the most optimal chance of the best recovery and rehab. Will now doubt go a bit "troppo" , looney , crazy as Dec approaches , but PATIENCE is the key . Hoping to go into hibernation !! somewhere so as to avoid a sneaky attempt at a race .
I am still very cautious about road riding , so will stay away from them for another 2 months - no rush to have a possible crash !!. My Surgeon has actually allowed me to start running 6 months Post Op. ,[Mid January 2015] but I really don't see the point, even though I hold National Tri Titles, so will take a back seat in top level Tri competition. I close off now , and are so GREATFULL, and THANKFUL for all the input and advice/help from you fellow Hippies. Big Thanks to you - Pat- a sterling job.  :D

[shoraztri]

Hi All fellow Hippies,

I am now at my 6 month Post Op. date [ was 7/7/14], and progress is slow , steady  and really good. Am still taking everything with caution , and had my 1st Jog/Trot/Run yesterday. Was a 07.00 minute effort ,per km,  on grass and in my HOKA Shoes. It felt great , fantastic and seemed to be "easy as ".  No pain or soreness at all. ;D :Previously was walking heaps and managed a fastest pace of about 08:45 per km. All my cycling was done Indoors , and now have moved to open country and on the road. Again , am taking a very easy pace and working on small rolling type courses. Am using easy gearing on the Tri bike and have no trouble or pain , when out of the saddle work is done.  :D ;) ;).
Swim wise , there are no issues here and can do approx 2:5km in my 1 hr. session.
Here in N.Z. we are into our Tri Season , but for me , its a "back seat "approach . I may partake in a small , local 500-20km-2km event in late January this year.  I have no plans to compete Nationally or have a crack at World Age Group Champs in Sept. 2015, Chicago. Will look at very slowly building up my kms on the road Bike , and on the Run. Have a heap of confidence that has come from a lot of the dedicated "seasoned " hippies out there- Dannywayoflife . Hernanu, Old Soccer player, Arrojo, David, Whyme etc. with their comments and support. 8) :).
I am sure as the next 6 months tick over that i will get better and better. My ROM has improved immensely !!!! ;D, so this in its own , is a massive boost. On the "pain/discomfort " front , I feel about 95% , and it is only very rarely that I have a problem here. Hopefully I can keep the "steady as she goes approach" keep talking PATIENCE , and all will be good .
It seemed like an eternity to get to 6 months Post Op. , but in reality , time has floated by nicely . Cannot wait until my 12 month -1 year date- of 7 July 2015 arrives !!.
Cheers to 1 and All , Have a Great 2015 .
Kiwi Boy from Down Under.  8) ;)

[shoraztri]

Hi all,
Just a further update on my progress regarding ROM [ Range of movement].
Prior to surgery I had , at best 5 degrees of PRONE LATERAL ROTATION ,on my knackered left hip .
I NOW HAVE POST OP.  30 Degrees !!!! PRONE LATERAL ROTATION, !!!!! ;D ;) which is absolutely AWESUM . My Soft Tissue Specialist has done a brilliant job on my Rehab and flexation. I still see him about every 10 days for a session.
Also have noticed that I can ride better and corner correctly !! when turning left - able to "hang out " the leg/knee .
Cheers ,  ;) Kiwi Boy Down Under.

[Woodstock Hippy]

Shoraz, it's great to see that you are doing great.  Keep training, keep racing!  I'm three years out of bilaterals and I'm loving every swim, bike, and every run.

[shoraztri]

Hi Woodstock Hippy,
Great news on your re hab and what you are now able to do. Gives me plenty of confidence to return back into Triathlon , without any worries etc. Cannot wait to get back on the race track "full on " but PATIENCE is the clue , so just bide my time , and then I be off the leash.!! ;) ;D 8).

[shoraztri]

Hi All Fellow Hippies,
I am now a 9 month Post Op.,"apprentice" and all is very good and well.
My pain levels are virtually non existent , and only rarely do I get a bit of inflammation . This only lasts a few hours and comes after a Bike and Run session. Am sure it is mostly due to the Run.
Its just bliss so to speak ,without every day pain etc. I am back into easy running , [started 3 months ago], and continue to Swim and Bike without a restriction or pain . I do find some days , that when on the Aero bars , when riding , I feel abit of pinching at the top of groin/hip area. Soon alleviated by NOT getting into the Aero position , and carry on riding on the H/Bar Drops.
The next 3 months should breeze by and I don't see any problems or complications . 
for those contemplating BHR, GET IT DONE!!. :D. You will get a whole new active life back. Thanks to everyone for their input and advice. It sure means alot. ;)
Cheers ,
Kiwi Boy.

[toby]

Excellent buddy-at 9 months it's still early days so you will go from strength to strength and I'm sure also overcome all niggles. I didn't start running until 11 months (following Mcminn guidance) and was close to full strength around 18 months-so clearly you are doing brilliantly.
Best
Toby

[shoraztri]

Hi Toby,
Thanks for ya post  :). Have boosted my confidence up another notch. Am looking at running "full on " come July this year , as is 12 months Post Op. Perhaps target ? my 1st Tri in early December , as that is the start of our N. Z. tri Season . [1:5km,40km,10km.]
Would be GREAT to get back to somewhere my original Pre Op., Run times , but I guess thats an unknown quantity. ??. PATIENCE is hard but the REWARDS are BETTER.  ;)  ;D.
Cheers.

[hernanu]

Congrats and keep it up!

[shoraztri]

Hi hernanu,
Thanks , the support and encouragement certainly lifts one. :)
Cheers. :D

[shoraztri]

Hi all Fellow Hippies,


Finally  :) ;D 8)  I have arrived at my 1 Year Post Operation ANNIVERSARY. !!! ;D :P . For a time there I thought it wouldnt arrive, and found alot of respect and admiraration for my fellow Hippies who helped me thru it with their advice.  ;)
As for the exercises that I have got back into, everything is just great. Being a very compeditive Triathlete [ now approaching 64yrs young], I have slowly built into my Swim, Bike and Run routine. Its now our winter here in New Zealand, so will not be able to "test" out the body until December this year. Currently I am easing into the Swim and Bike , but still holding off a little on the Serious part of running- its more of a fast jog, and at 05:40pkm efforts. Can actually hang in there for about 8km, with no real issues on the Hip. ;D ;) .
Have found that my ROM is just great , with the Operated hip side having nearly as much ROM, as my better left side,. This is very encouraging. I have been very active and regular with my massage Therapist, and this has been a major factor in how I have "scrubbed" up overall. Even after 12 months , I still have work done on the hip ever 10-12 days.
With regard to Swimming, I find a small ache occurs if I do to many Kick sets. For Biking, there are no real issues, I find no real problems here- good spinning, hill and speed work does not affect me. My only wee concern is when I do up my shoes and/or bend over to far. I can still feel a "niggle " in the Hip/Groin area. This soon melts away within a couple of hours or so.
I look back now on all the extreme pain and suffering I endured, prior to my Operation, I say to myself -"Why the hell didnt I get it done earlier". To have virtually a pain free hip now is an incredible feeling, and not to mention the fact that I have my Tri career resurected [and general health and well being] , is testament to anyone thinking about BHR,   GET IT DONE.  ;) :) . Cheers to One and All.
Kiwi Boyo from Down Under.

[MPH]

Hi Shoraztri!


Well done, I'm following you along the tri path! Got really into my swimming on the recovery road I don't want to waste it. I'm 6 months now but been jogging a bit on the treadmill for a few weeks with no issues apart from a calf twang! That's an age thing. Looking forward to the warmer weather to do some sprint tri's before the 5150s in the New Year. Hip is awesome and I echo your sentiments, don't suffer, get it done!

[petemeads]

Hi Kiwi Boyo - great report, congratulations on getting to your anniversary without any ill effects from all the exercise you have been doing!
I still have not tried swimming, I don't much like cold water or indoor pools, but biking and running are going well for me too - just a bit slow, and that is probably more due to age than the BHR. Have run 16km as an experiment but backing off at the moment to an hour as my long run. Maybe all the warnings have started to sink in...

Will look forward to your first race report in December!

Pete