Read Kiwi Boy’s Complete Story Here

June 20, 2016

Recently I had my 2 YEAR POST OP. check-up with my Surgeon, Dr. Hugh Blackley, Auckland, New Zealand. Although 3 weeks ahead of the actual “Anniversary date” [ Op was 7/7/14] it was practical to do it then due to family and travel arrangements. I was very confident of getting the big tick of approval, as I had a slow, steady re-hab,+ took 1 year off from my Triathlon racing. [2014/2015 season]. This proved PERFECT, and upon reviewing these 2 years Post-Op. X Rays and Cobalt, Chromium levels , Dr Blackley was very pleased with the results.   

My range of motion is excellent on the LHBR leg, so after discussing everything with Dr Blackley and talking in general about competing back at top level, he was more than happy to see me returning to top level competition. Naturally nothing is 100% guaranteed , but I have a number of years left in me, so long as one races wisely !!! and trains accordingly. The morale of the story is basic, if it hurts      BACK OFF, REST AND RECOVER, and then start up again. Dr Blackley made this point very clear indeed. As it is winter “down under”, I will enjoy a few more weeks of easy as training, before getting down to the serious side of the real stuff.

The 2015/2016 NZ Triathlon season turned out to be a satisfying and rewarding accomplishment, so I look forward to cranking it along, come 2016/2017 season. I have been lucky enough to have a fantastic wife behind me in my quest to race at National level, along with a dedicated Soft Tissue Therapist, Roger Gooch, who spent many a session “panel-beating” [LOL] my hip so as to address the scar tissue concerns. A number of “hippies” neglect this work and costs, but I’m positive that in missing it, it is well to the detriment of a strong and successful recovery.
From a Swim-Bike-Run perspective, at Olympic and Sprint Distances, I have found that my Swim is still as good , the Bike is very similar and in the Run, I have dropped a little in times. This was always to be expected, regards the Run, but at least I’m out there “doing it”.

To all fellow “hippies” out there, THANKS for the support, news and encouragements- they sure make a BIG Difference.  
Top Regards,
Cheers   ,     
Shorty, Kiwi Boy Down Under.