Won my 1st Triathlon!

[Manofword]

Sept 6-8 I ran a 5k, competed in a Spring Tri and took 1st in my age group. 1:25...not a fast time but I received an invitation from USAT to compete in the Age Group Nationals in Wisconsin next year because of my win! Not bad for 9mos post op. Then I did a 1/2 Ironman aqua-bike (swim-run only) the next day and then went back out on the course to help the last place bikers. (22mi out) Then went out on the run course and ran 7-8mi with the last place runner to help him finish! All on a brand new hip! I am so blessed. Sure I was sore thereafter. But it was a normal post-activity soreness not associated with my hip surgery.

My recovery route has been almost perfect. Not too fast, not too slow. Steady and listening to my body. This is one of the major reasons I had this particular surgery, so I could continue to compete. I love the healthy life-style. Next year I'll be in the 60-65 age group.  Should be a great season! Can't wait!

[evant]

Great recovery - you really worked hard on your fitness throughout so well done.

[Anna]

YIPPEE!! Well done you. That is amazing 

[luann again]

Woooooow!  Congrats!

[podgornymd]

congratulaions!! i know all the hard work it took to get there. Looking forward to hearing about your other races.

[sdunn4]

Great work!  I have competed in some triathlons and really admire you for getting back into it- what a commitment and show of strength!

[MikeF]

Wow, wow, wow! That's all I can say. You ARE an Ironman.   
Great work and what an inspiration.

[hernanu]

Great stuff, MoW!

Nice that you went back to help people too.

[Manofword]

Thanks for the encouragement everyone! I am only showing my chosen path to recovery. Most probably shouldn't do it the way I did. Although if you use your head and listen to your body, you'll probably be OK. Remember, I've been running with a completely "front" strike on my strides which takes the jolt out of the landing like a heel strike would produce. It does make a big difference.

So, now I have my 1yr follow up scheduled w/Phil Golnick on Nov. 7th. (actually the 28th is 1yr)

Should I let the cat out of the bag that I have been competing/running or just let him go ahead and release me for unrestricted athletic activity? I hope it doesn't void my warranty.......LOL

[lgbran]

All I can say is wow. What inspiring stuff. Though we are not all athletes it's great  to see another. Athletic success using this technique . Yep holler out loud and let the  world know.So refreshing to see you looking after the backmarkers . GreT stuff at any age. This procedure sounds like the key or the fountain of youth. As a former long distance runner , now a cyclist and a few years ago learnt how to sow I look forward to competing if only with myself. Well done , congratulations  and obviously you have put a lot of training to get to where you are.

[Arrojo]

Congrats!  I am running my first post-op half marathon in 2 weeks and am running as well as ever.

[Manofword]

OK, had my follow-up with Phil Golnick. It went great. My X-Rays were perfect and just as expected. He told me not to make physical activity decisions based on whether I thought my hip would handle it or not. I was released to ANY activity my heart desired. He started to tell me that I need to start my running mileage slowly and I couldn't help myself and started to laugh. I told him that I had been running for a while. He asked how long my longest run was. I said that if I told him, he would shoot me! He laughed and I told about my triathlon activity and how I eased into running etc. He stated how pleased he was with my results and stated that this surgery is designed for those like me who want to remain very active. He told me to go out and enjoy my life and come back in a year for another follow-up. I am following orders! I just played about 12 games of racquetball very aggressively this week. My buds can't believe how fast I am moving in the court now. Amazing what you can do w/o pain!

[whyme]

Wow, I think you're on high end of the HR scale, congratulations... It's great to know how active you can become again after this.
In my case, I also did triathlon and will be released to start running at 3 months, but I won't. And I decided not to cycle outdoors for a while yet.
As you said, it's a personal decision based on how you feel, and I just want to go slowly, wait and see. I'm in no rush to race again. But, things going well, it's on the cards...

[hernanu]

You've had a great recovery. It's great news to get the all clear. Keep it up.

[keepmovin]

I'm inspired!  Although, I don't see myself going down that road, it's great to hear that it can be done!

You're a great advertisement for resurfacing - you ought to think about a new career!