There are so many of these about running that I’m going to create a single post and put the same one on each, just in case people only look at one or two. Sorry for the repetition – if you’ve seen this just skip it.
I was an avid runner in the past and quit due to my back, started up again and avoided the old back problems but developed right hip pain, and had the resurfacing surgery July 2011 at age 57. I worked very hard to get back to running. I did the 2011 Bainbridge Island Turkey Trot, a 5K run in November exactly four months after the surgery. It is now March 2012 and I run 35 to 40 minutes 3 times a week or so and plan to bump that up a bit now that Spring is here.
I completely changed my running style: I have a shorter stride and now run exclusively on my toes and mid-foot with minimal pick up and virtually no heel striking, even on steep downhill terrain (where I take tiny quick steps on my toes). I’ve kept a fairly quick gate and I’m pleased with my overall speed. I am using my old shoes but plan to get one of the new minimal impact “barefoot” styles like New Balance Minimus or Vibram 5 Fingers. The barefoot theory is really working for me – some achy feeling once in a while but no actual pain at all, and I’m limited by my wind and my stamina and not the hip.
I am thrilled with my resurfaced hip – so glad I did this instead of a total.