So many inspiring updates, I will add mine:
The short version is that everything is going well. I am running every other day up to 10K. My paces are getting faster. I swim four times a week and my strokes feel more natural and fluid, including the undulation of breaststroke and fly. I walk, lift, bend, jump, leap, do all the things a person does in every day life without a thought about my hips. There are still niggles and weaknesses and I do warn security of my metal hips when I go through a metal detector.
The long version is that my running times have dropped from 12 mm to 10:20 mm. I have run two days in a row, but don't think it is a good idea to do this consistently, at least not yet. I am about ready to see if I can increase my distance to ten miles over the course of the summer. My right knee is a weak point. It swells on the outside when I overdo things whether through too much running or too much lateral motion. It does better when I ice and when I take the time to lift weights to strengthen my quads, glutes, ab and adductors. I haven't really worked on getting faster, it has just happened. As my glutes get stronger, I think I will continue to improve.
Swimming and spinning continue to be fine. As mentioned, I am more supple so I can undulate better in some strokes.
I have done some Zumba/dance classes and have taken some Boot Camp/CrossFit type classes with people half my age. Those classes have been eye opening because 1) I can do them, can keep up with the young folks and 2) I find some weaknesses. My first time in the fitness class, I struggled to do those mountain climbing exercises you do that work on lower abs. I couldn't find my lower abs! (Rest assured I found them.) I was pleased at my ability to jump on one leg and to hop laterally, however.
I am nervous about riding my road bike. I ride the cruiser around town, but am afraid of falling on the other bike, which puts me in a more aggressive, aero position. To see if I can overcome this fear or if I need a new bike (!), I put my road bike on the trainer and am riding it in front of the TV. We will see.
I will confess that I haven't been as focused on running/swimming etc. My kids have left home and my husband and I have the chance to travel. With new hips, there have been no limits on what we can do. We walk for miles in NYC, take trains to the airport because I can take the stairs and carry my luggage now. (The cheapskate in me loves to pay $12 for the train vs $70 for a cab/Uber) I have been hiking and snorkeling and have jumped off high points (high enough to think "why and I doing this?") and hit the ocean below.
I have had a variety of experiences with airport security, including one screener who insisted I just take my hips out! (Her English wasn't very good. She kept asking if they were sharp, too.)
I do think I am still improving and look forward to updating you all in another six months. For example, we are back in NYC. A month ago after walking as much as we were walking (30k steps, according to H's device), I was happy to put my legs up. My right knee needed a rest due to those weak rotators. Now it isn't an issue.
Best of luck to you all.
Topic: Year and a half update (Read 3109 times)
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