Post-surgery Final Week.

For the complete story please review my previous blogs on this subject:

The Surgery 

Post-surgery Week 1   Post-surgery Week 2   Post-surgery Week 3 

Post-surgery Week 4   Post-surgery Week 5   Post-surgery Week 6 

Post-surgery Week 7   Post-surgery Week 8   Post-surgery Week 9 

Post-surgery Week 10  Post-surgery Week 11  Post-surgery Week 12

Final Week Post-surgery

Day 85 (Thur) – Today was my final post-surgery doctor’s appointment, with Doctor Tingey:  He’s released me to return to living the running life (cautiously at first of course).  The doctor was initially very concerned that I’ve walk raced the last few weeks, far too soon to be exerting myself he said, but Charlene reminded him that I’m on day 85 not day 65.  He told us that he thought this was my 2 month checkup, not the 90 day final check.  He told us that I can begin running again, slowly at first, preferably on a run/walk program of some type until I rebuild my strength and conditioning. 

He also told us, after I asked specifically, that I do not necessarily have to have surgery on the right hip:  The femur head is misshapen, just as the left one was, but that alone does not mean that my right labrum is or ever will be torn.  He wants me to pay attention to how the right hip feels as I begin running and training but for now we aren’t going to mess with it unless it begins to hurt or somehow bother me.  If it does end up hurting I will have to meet with him again, get an MRI on the right side, and then decide if surgery is necessary.  I asked if we would positively have to get a new MRI on that side, they are very expensive, he said that he won’t operate without a clear picture of what is going on; I can’t blame him there. 

We discussed my physical therapy; how I felt about it, and whether or not I believed it helped.  I told him I am still getting a lot of benefit from it and that I am trying to be very diligent about doing it 3 times a week (2 at home, 1 at the Physical Therapy facility).  He was pleased with my time and work with the Physical Therapist, and recommended that I continue to go to PT until my insurance company stops covering it for this particular issue.

After we finished with the appointment, Charlene and I drove to Anahiem to begin our weekend adventure:  She had a day of Disney fun planned, my first run after surgery on Saturday, Charlene’s Avengers Half Marathon early Sunday morning, and then our quick return to Vegas for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas 10k. 

Day 86 (Fri) – While Charlene enjoyed her day in the park I walked around the local area a bit to warm up for my session of physical therapy in the hotel.  I couldn’t do all of the things I would have done at home but I simulated as much as I could.  I had to get creative a few times as the “total gym” door mounted resistance device I brought wouldn’t actually fit on the hotel room doors.  I was able to get a good workout so I can’t complain.

Day 87 (Sat) – ChiRunning lesson 8, titled “I’ve Got Rhythm”, actually relating to helping a runner keep a consistent cadence as opposed to anything dance related (thank God).  As I return to running I don’t doubt that I’ll need to pay attention to this again.  It’s very easy to waste valuable energy speeding up and slowing down when you aren’t paying attention to what you’re doing, or you don’t yet know what you’re doing.  Danny recommended we use a metronome app (or buy a physical unit) to take with us on runs, I’ll have to dig out the one I bought from the ChiRunning website a few years ago.  I used it during my first 3 Boston Qualifying marathons; I can tell you first hand that it helped a lot.  I still chuckle when I recall the races I participated in with the metronome running; some runners liked it and even fell into pace with me for a time, and some didn’t appreciate the noise (the beeping must have clashed with their playlist).  One of the more valuable lessons I learned over the years, when running with a it, was to set the beeping interval to a beat-pattern based on 3 as opposed to 1 or 2:  A beat pattern of 1 monotone beep per foot strike got monotonous and my mind would drift away rather quickly, a beat pattern of 2 (still 1 per foot strike but alternating between 2 different beep tones) would sometimes lead me to strike harder on my dominant foot as my body and mind became attuned to the pattern.  My preferred setting is the pattern of 3 (1 per foot strike with two beeps of one tone and then the third beep of a different tone): It ensures I don’t have a singular focus on one foot, the tones rotate due to the odd number.

I finally got to run for the first time since just before the surgery, it felt freeing.  Charlene and I found a small family park in one of the local neighborhoods near Disney; nice and grassy but also had a sidewalk that followed most of the perimeter.  We stretched and planned out the run while in the shade of a nice big tree:  She and I would run together at a slow, comfortable pace for the first lap (I on the grass and she where she felt most comfortable) and then I would finish up the mile running and walking at 1 minute intervals alone.  The second mile I would continue with 1 minute intervals but this time on the concrete pathway.  That way I’d start out with the cushion of the grass for a warm up and then get the feel of “street” running to finish it off (street running is my most common race setting).  I didn’t have any unusual pains or pulls during the run; there were some tight areas right around the surgical sites but nothing I didn’t already expect. 

Day 88 (Sun) – This was a whirlwind of sights, sounds, and emotions for Charlene and I.  We started out very early, to get her to the Disneyland Avengers Half Marathon.  The morning was actually very nice for a long run; I don’t mind admitting that I was a little jealous.  The temps and wind were beautiful, especially compared to last year.  I’m proud to say that my sister had a solid run, good enough to earn 4^th place in her Age Group.  She even held back a little so she’d have the strength and energy to run the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas 10k.  After she finished the half, picked up her personal gear, and stretched out, Charlene and I hit the road to get back to Vegas early enough to beat the crowds on Las Vegas Blvd.  The good thing is, we arrived plenty early enough to get a good parking spot and beat the bulk of the runners due to be there; that bad part was that we were in such a hurry that we didn’t really give Charlene (or I for that matter) enough stretch stops during the multi-hour drive.  We both found it rather ironic that the weather in Vegas was to be much cooler and windier than we’d just left in Anaheim, almost exactly the opposite of last year.

It felt very good to be back on the race scene, as a runner.  I did feel a bit nervous at the prospect of doing a 10k as my second run in 3 months but I had confidence that I could manage it with a slow pace and keeping the plan of comfortable intervals.  My plan for the race was for 3 to 1 intervals, 3 minutes of running and then 1 minute of walking.  During the test run on Friday I’d discovered that 1 minute intervals for both never gave me a chance to settle into the run and establish good form; the 3 minute run would allow for that and for me to feel like I was running again with the one minute of walking would keep me from overdoing it.

We found a nice open place near the 10k start line to warm up; stretch, dynamic warmups, short conditioning runs.  While I was doing my short warmup sprints I started feeling the all too familiar hip pain on my right side.  A part of me immediately started planning for the next operation, that was now sure to happen but I put the thoughts aside for the race and got back to letting myself feel as much like a real racer as possible.  Even if the pain is similar or familiar doesn’t mean it’s caused by the same thing.  I can’t ignore the fact that I’ve not run in a very long time, and there are bound to be a lot of complaints being logged by my muscles and joints. 

There are few races I could have picked that would have matched the fun and experience of the Rock ‘n’ Roll race day here in Las Vegas.  I’ve run the marathon and half marathon distances with this group (here in Vegas) in previous years, it’s always been a memorable run; visually stimulating, highly energetic atmosphere, and a great bit of fun.  I didn’t have any real nerves or butterflies while waiting in the corral, it felt a lot like being at my best friend’s house during a party; lots of people with similar interests, a lot of buzz in the air that is generally friendly and interesting, plus a few shout outs when we spot people we know but haven’t seen in a while.  I wish we could have heard the playing of the National Anthem from corral 1 just before the starting gun, it’s important to me (obviously, being a Vet), unfortunately the start line/arch didn’t have speakers or they weren’t functioning properly for us.  Still, when we did finally hear the Anthem the corral went nice a quiet and most everyone turned toward the music:  there wasn’t a flag at the arch either or at least I couldn’t find one.  I got a big kick out of the runner’s cheering at the completion of the Anthem, which is always a welcoming sound.

I allowed myself start a little fast when the gun sounded (no actual gun, just a racing expression), I didn’t sprint and I knew I could allow myself to “celebrate” with a quick start since I’d be finishing the first interval pretty quickly.   Charlene started running with me shortly after my second running interval and stayed with me the rest of the race.  I was more than happy for her company and my controlled pace was a good fit for her needs after having a half marathon several hours earlier. 

One very cool thing I heard on the course was at one of the first water stations:  One of the volunteers called out to the other volunteers handing out water cups to back off of the race course, get closer to the water table, so they wouldn’t crowd the runners.  After running so many races across the country I’ve seen that problem so many times; the anxious and friendly volunteers pushing themselves more and more into the race course, eager to help the runners not really thinking about actually being a hindrance.    

The wind and weather became rather crazy at times during the 2^nd half the 10k race (after we returned to Las Vegas Blvd running south towards the finish line); we ate dirt and dust a few times when the wind surged and waned, and the temperature seemed to follow suit.  The 3 minute run portions of my intervals let me establish decent form for the most part.  It was kind of on and off at times but either I caught myself and corrected it or my sister would see me and tell me I was off.  Surprisingly enough I still had enough muscle and form memory did help keep a cadence at/near 180 steps per minute (my trusty Garmin reported later), that was pleasing.  That was my standard cadence before being injured, a sign of being able to establish a level of comfort again.  I did have to keep making myself (and Charlene by extension) slow the pace throughout the race to conserve energy and strength, I definitely needed that by the time the finish line came into sight so we could finish strong.  It was a great relief to cross that finish line at a run, and a happy bonus to have my sister at my side crossing it.  I finally felt like a runner again, like I’d be able to explore my capabilities once again.

My right hip complained a lot during the run, especially with the interval change from walking to running which has always been a problem for me, and it kept letting me know it was unhappy after crossing the finish line.  I was also very tired after the race, almost marathon tired to make a comparison.  The weather didn’t help at all while we were in the finisher’s area, it actually turned rather nasty; the temperate seemed to take a big dive, the wind gusts got stronger and the sustained winds were somewhat brutal, and then a downright cold rain started.  We were going to wait a few minutes for a mutual friend finish the half marathon but when the weather turned and I started to get very sore we decided to grab a few post-race snacks, get our event shirts, get my finisher’s medal engraved as a reminder, and then slowly make out way into the foyer of the Bellagio Hotel and Casino (I had no more hurry in me even though we were freezing by then).  Thank goodness for our Rock 'n' Roll Mylar blankets, they're life savers.  Sis and I stayed in the casino long enough to eat a little and warm back up; I have to thank the Bellagio Staff for allowing a bunch of us runners to mill about in the foyer, most of us wouldn’t be giving the casino our patronage but we surely needed their hospitality.  After Sis and I warmed up a bit we made our way back to the car and began the very slow trip out of downtown to the freeway and then home.  I stiffened up pretty bad during that drive because it ended up taking almost (or just over) an hour to through traffic.

Day 89 (Mon) – My quads and hamstrings were really sore and stiff all day long.  I didn’t really push myself beyond hard racing levels but my muscles were telling me plainly that I’d pushed it a little too hard yesterday.  I was just thankful that my right hip felt great all throughout the day, it didn’t twinge or give any pulling sensations.  Even my session of home physical therapy felt great after work, the muscles seemed to appreciate the resistance training. 

Day 90 (Tue) – My quads and hamstrings were still generally sore but moved easier than yesterday.  My hips feel completely normal; not even a hint of the discomfort I had Sunday night.  The weather turned rather wonderful by the afternoon so I was able to get in a nice 2 mile track run during lunch.  I increased my interval time to 4 minutes running and 1 minute walking, but kept my speed low to avoid straining my legs further.  The run was very relaxing and with the 4 minute interval I could go almost 2 laps without walking so it felt more like training last year.  I didn’t have any issues at all this time, with my hip, no complaints during warm up or during the run itself: That was a big relief.  I stretched, foam rolled, and iced after returning to my office.  Until I’m in true running shape I know that I have to stay aggressive with my recovery activities to keep complications at bay.

Day 91 (Wed) – To help ease the lingering tightness in my hamstrings I started using my tiger ball while working at my desk.  It normally helps loosen my legs up so this is a good time for it.  Tonight’s home physical therapy wasn’t quite as easy as Monday but it still helped my legs feel better by the end of the routine.  It’s very cool that tired muscles respond so well.

ChiRunning Online School 

Post-surgery Week 10

For the complete story please review my previous blogs on this subject:

The Surgery
Post-surgery Week 1
Post-surgery Week 2
Post-surgery Week 3
Post-surgery Week 4
Post-surgery Week 5
Post-surgery Week 6
Post-surgery Week 7
Post-surgery Week 8
Post-surgery Week 9

Week 10

Day 64 (Thurs) – I didn’t get a lot of walking in today, just had too much work to day.  By the end of the day I could really feel the tightness in my hip and in my thigh.  The most exercise I got the entire day was the 10 minute walk from my office to the bus stop.  Thankfully that walk was a good enough warm up to stretch out during the 5 minutes we then spent waiting for the bus. 

I’m glad that being seated most of the day doesn’t cause me great discomfort but I can see that I have more healing yet to do because there is an amount of tightening and aching.

Day 65 (Fri) – I started the morning out with sore muscles in both legs and hips.  Despite that I still looked forward to going to Physical Therapy. 

The drive to the PT facility was rather entertaining: It was such a beautiful morning that the hot air balloon companies were out in force (I saw 10 of them either flying or launching). 

The Physical Therapy session was a real strain to get through; my muscles felt weak, stiff, and rubbery.  Thankfully the therapists took me in for a session of A.R.T. and massage.  My physical therapist paid special attention to my left IT Band again she was determined to get it to relax.  I’m still surprised that the IT is so tight: I can feel it when the therapist digs their knuckles in a Graston imitation but I don’t feel any tightness on a day to day basis.  I didn’t feel any pain or discomfort due to my IT band throughout the rest of the day which is probably why I forgot to foam roll it later in the evening.

Day 66 (Sat) – Today was BBSC’s 2015 Pumpkinman Triathlon, 10k, and 5k.  The race company (BBSC) has been hosting the Pumpkinman Triathlon since at least 2006 (all in the Boulder City/Lake Mead area I believe): This year they’ve decided to include 10k and 5k races for runners.  I’d been waiting 2 years to participate in this event, it figures that when they open it up for runners I am stuck having to walk it. 

I prepared for the race by watching my ChiRunning Lesson 5 video and downloading the companion audio file.  We covered the proper use and placement of your arms while walking and/or running.  It may seem a simple thing but I know that I and many other runners have a tendency to finish a race with sore and tight shoulders.  Watch runners as they cover the miles and you’ll see many shake out their arms, roll their shoulders, and shrug them up and down.  That’s a good sign that they aren’t holding their arms and shoulders in a relaxed way while running.  Look again after they shake out, you might just see their shoulders creeping up towards their ears again. 

The race was held in Boulder City, NV; a nice little, homey town south and east of Las Vegas.  We started (and ended) at the final triathlon exchange point, their transition from the bike to run, at Wilbur Square, and then ran (walked) into the residential area of town on a comfortable out and back route.  Both the location and course were new to me, which made it that much more enjoyable, and the weather was just beautiful. 

The first half of the race was generally downhill which made it a very easy start.  I let myself sink into the movement while listening to the lesson 5 audio file; it’s the closest I’ve felt to running since before the surgery. 

Lesson 4’s coaching of moving with stable shoulders and having them focused toward my goal combined with the arm swing and placement from lesson 5 actually gave me the sensation of a comfortable gliding run several times on the downhill.  The control and power I got from the rearward elbow swing helped me climb back up to the finish line without losing any speed or focus.

The only unfortunate part about it, and really a mental tipping point for me, was that I came in so late that I’d missed my sister’s 3^rd place finish and our fellow Las Vegas Track Club member (and friend) winning the 5k.  I felt no physical challenge from the race, no sense of accomplishment.  The moments of contentment I’d had earlier evaporated with the heat of annoyance that filled me after I crossed the finish line.  Walking has its place in my life, even an important one for what I need of it, but it’s not my joy or relief. 

Day 67 (Sun) –I got up early this morning to ride my stationary bike and to watch football online.  I only had luck with one of those; the more important one, physically.  On the plus side, the stretching I did after the ride felt great:  Life’s little joys.

Day 68 (Mon) – I was able to get out of the office a few times today, for a quick walk around the building.  I also took a little extra time to get in a solid 1 mile walk and get another book of bus tickets.  Nothing like satisfying two needs with one solution.  It really helped that the weather was a little cooler today. 

My home PT session felt much better than Friday’s, a good sign that my body is getting stronger from the exercises.

Day 69 (Tue) – Today’s walk at work took me to the medical office to receive my blood work report, drawn last week, which is part of the information my medical insurance is requiring.  They cloak it under a “discount” but in actuality they are making us get a minor physical or they’ll raise our rates.  Thankfully all of the blood tests measured well within range except for my cholesterol levels; both the LDL and HDL are slightly below recommended levels.  Considering my normal preferred foods it’s not really surprising.  Still, I need to try to make an adjustment because cholesterol is important to us.

Day 70 (Wed) – Technically, I only have 20 more days of restricted recovery to go.  I wish I could be excited about it but I’m not.  I’m actually feeling more than a little negative about going through all of this:  I’ve been down for much longer than just 70 days, save for a few bright moments I’ve been unable to run or live pain free since the middle of February.  On top of all of that, I’m going to have to go through surgery and recovery again for my right side in just a few months. 

I’ve another race this coming Saturday, on Halloween morning.  Knowing it’s not going to be a physical challenge is really making me question doing it.  I think I’m going to ask the race director about upgrading to the 10k, when I see her on Friday at packet pick up.  I know that I can do the distance, I’ve already done more than 7 miles in one day, but at least it’ll be a challenge to keep up a pace that feels good.

ChiRunning Online School 

Post-surgery Week 9

For the complete story please review my previous blogs on this subject:

The surgery
Post-surgery Week 1
Post-surgery Week 2
Post-surgery Week 3
Post-surgery Week 4
Post-surgery Week 5
Post-surgery Week 6
Post-surgery Week 7
Post-surgery Week 8

Week 9

Day 57 (Thurs) – I’ve felt pretty good this week.  I know the physical therapy is really helping me get stronger but unfortunately I also know I’ve a long way to go.  I’m looking forward to what tomorrow’s PT session brings.

Day 58 (Fri) – Physical Therapy was pretty fun this time (a little annoying too):  We added two new exercises and I had localized A.R.T. and massage session on my left IT band.  The physical therapist who worked on my leg today actually surprised me by saying that my primary PT had instructed her to work on the IT specifically because he’d noticed it being very tight back in the beginning of the month.  I need to add some stretches and foam rolling to help get that IT to relax. 

I met Charlene after my PT session; to get to packet pick up for the Danny Gans Memorial 5k race and to get our weekly grocery shopping trip done.  One of our local track club members was at the store where packet pick up was being held:  Seeing and talking to him reminded me to appreciate my surgeon and my good fortune of the repairs he’s done for me on this left hip.  The track club member had hip surgery quite a long time before I received mine and he’s still moving very painfully and awkwardly.  I wish him the best and I hope my recovery continues to go well (and completely).

Day 59 (Sat) – My routine lately has been to get up early, check my email, log into my ChiRunning lessons, watch the lesson and download the audio lesson, and then head out for an running/walking even with my sister.  I enjoy this routine; it engages my mind and body, and it helps me focus my mental energies somewhere other than inward.  This morning’s ChiRunning class was to teach us about stabilizing and relaxing our shoulders while walking and running.  Keeping your shoulders stable keeps you from expending extra energy and it helps keep your balance control in your hips (in your core).  With my walking and running style, the mental focus of “feeling” of being pulled from my sternum is a great fit.  I put it to practice in today’s race; it felt perfect especially traversing the bridge over Interstate 15.

This morning’s racing event was the Danny Gans Memorial 5k and 1 mile walk/run.  I had my concerns about the weather with all of the rain and cool temps but it turned out pretty darn good.  My sister Charlene, my nephew Eli, and I arrived early so we didn’t have to stress over parking and so we had plenty of time to get warmed up.  I took advantage of the shopping center’s open air layout to weave between buildings as well as walk up and down stairs to the second story stores.  I need this warm up time to ensure I don’t strain my recovering hip and core muscles; it also lets me listen to my ChiRunning/walking audio lesson (via the file I’d downloaded to my phone) and practice the lesson I’d be applying.  I’ve run this particular route many times with other races so I knew what was coming and could sink into my lesson and enjoy the activity.  I set myself a stronger pace than at last week’s Operation Jack walk, shooting for anything less than 15 minutes per mile (I even passed a few people, whoohoo).  I did have a moment of concern when we came to a hairpin turn; my left thigh’s abductor muscle spiked an instant of pain and felt very weak.  Once I competed the turn and began a more balanced straight walk the pain and weakness didn’t continue or return.  I need to remember to tell the Physical Therapist about that.   My sister, who finished long before me (and took 3^rd place Female masters), met me at the 3 mile mark to complete the final .1 miles with me.  I should have appreciated it more, we’ve done as much for each other many times, but I was still very much focused on my ChiWalking lessons and maintaining a good pace.  I ended up finishing with a 14:30 pace which was a full minute per mile faster than my previous race, I’m cool with that.   

After I took my family home and returned to mine I felt very restless and a bit irritated.  To expend some of that extra energy I got back into my race clothes, strapped on a pair of my retired Altras and headed out to the local mountains for a fast paced trail walk.  Applying ChiWalking disciplines to rough trail walking is quite a challenge but fun too.

Day 60 (Sun) – The recovery period is nearly complete, just 30 more days to go.  I feel that my patience is being tested more by not being able to run in these races more than it is by the various aches and pains I still have.  I try to put aside what I could do at the beginning of the year; I’m not that runner anymore.  This process, and the one to come, has changed me in ways that I’ll have to learn.  On the positive side I have a lot of training to fall back on but I can’t ignore that my body has been irrevocably altered.  What the future brings, who knows.  I hope that I become a better runner from this (and a faster one); it’s why I am going through all of this. 

 

Day 61 (Mon) – The best part of a work day is when you’re so busy you don’t notice the passage of time.  The worst part of a work day when you’re recovering from hip surgery is when you get so busy that you can’t get up at least once an hour to walk around and stretch cramped muscles out.  Thank goodness for home physical therapy.  

Day 62 (Tue) – My left knee felt uncomfortable today, thanks to the tight IT band.  The inner part of my knee has ached periodically through this recovery period but I hadn’t mentally tied it in to the IT band.  I’m not running but I am learning.  I had another busy day at work so I didn’t get a lot of walking in again; the best walking session was after work on the way to the bus stop.

Day 63 (Wed) – I had a follow up appointment with my company’s medical facility, at the work site.  They wanted to know how my recovery was progressing, if they needed to advocate for me with my boss in case I needed relief from work activities, and they wanted to know if there was anything they could do for me to help in general.  It’s nice to have that level of support at work, especially so far from home.  The company doctor that visited with me did take the opportunity to tell me (again) how much he loves having had his hip replaced and how good it feels for him now.  I’m very happy for him but I’m hoping that these surgeries I’m having will allow me to keep all of my original parts for the balance of my life.

ChiRunning Online School 

Post-surgery Week 8

For the complete story please review my previous blogs on this subject:

The Surgery
Post-surgery Week 1
Post-surgery Week 2
Post-surgery Week 3
Post-surgery Week 4
Post-surgery Week 5
Post-surgery Week 6
Post-surgery Week 7

Week 8

Day 50 (Thurs) – While I’m not close to running again, I think I am getting closer to being healthy and whole.  I find myself passing the days without having to be attentive to how I move or how I walk:  I can’t quite take walking and moving for granted but it is closer. 

I think that I am at the point where I won’t see a lot of big or obvious changes going forward, everything will probably be subtle and quietly sneak up on me.  I know that I will have minor aches and pains which will come and go, I’ll feel strong some days and weak others, but that’s just kind of “life”.  Returning to a sense of normalcy is good in my mind, so long as I also continue to learn and improve myself.

Everything I’m doing now is so close to how it felt while I was marathon training, except the running part.  The hardest part to deal with is I feel so close to being healthy that I want to run, just lean into it and feel the air rush around me.  Of course I won’t do it:  I may feel that I’m ready but I know my body isn’t.  I also won’t go against my doctor’s orders just to fulfill my own desires.  Just because you “want” something doesn’t mean it’s something you actually need or that it’s truly in your best interest.  Better to be left wanting sometimes than to cause more damage.  I guess I’ve entered the 40 days of frustration period of my recovery.  Heh

Day 51 (Fri) – I had physical therapy today.  You wouldn’t think I look forward to going to these PT sessions but I do:  It gives me a measurable example of my progress in recovery.  Today was another positive step forward; I was given a few new exercises to do, we increased weight on a few of the existing ones, and the physical therapist gave me an A.R.T. session (A.R.T. means Active Release Therapy). 

I picked up my sister after the sessions, since my PT facility is only a few minutes from her house.  We went out to get some grocery shopping done and then have a nice lunch.  It’s nice to get back to the old race routines like this; an easy relaxing day before the coming stress.

I called it an early day after that due to the race tomorrow, even walking it is going to be a big push for me.

Day 52 (Sat) – Today was the Operation Jack Elimination Challenge and 3 hour Challenge.  Though I signed up for the 3 hour challenge I knew I wasn’t going to try walking for that long; I didn’t even want to be out there that long.   

I was able to walk for 1.5 hours (including a 10 minute rest break) and racked up a little over 5 miles.  That’s my longest “single” walk since before my surgery.  The real treat was that I finished with an average pace of approximately 15:30 min/mi.   I’m pleased with that especially with the design of the race location. 

The race was held at the Kellogg-Zaher Sport Park, around the many soccer fields on a nice paved track for pedestrians and bicyclists.  The track is laid out as a big loop, literally up one side of the various fields and then down the other.  The elevation difference is only 100 feet from the top of the loop to the bottom but at 8 tenths of a mile for each up and down it was a good challenge for me.

Thankfully, my ChiRunning lesson today really helped me walk that long and far.  The lesson was about not using your legs to try powering through a walk or run; you should be using your mind and gravity.  I definitely couldn’t have powered through today’s event, especially for such a long walk so soon after getting off of crutches.  I let my lessons in ChiWalking help me establish and maintain good form, coupled with the right amount of leaning to use gravity I was able to go much further than I could have by trying to push through. 

The Top of my right calf started to cramp this afternoon after I got back home.  I thought I’d had enough water while walking and after but evidently not.  It was much hotter this morning than I thought while on the course, that and extended exercise really irked my calves.  Hopefully ice, stretching and essential oils will deal with the muscle pain before it goes too far. 

 

Day 53 (Sun) – I’m happy to say that there isn’t much to say about today:  I stayed home all day and relaxed.  The only things I did, other than riding my exercise bike, were laundry and watch football. 

I did give some extra attention to my cramping calves; they seized up a lot overnight.  I massaged them with essential oils again, stretched them both out as much as I could, and treated them with Heat and Ice.  I also drank a lot of electrolyte fluids as well as took electrolyte pills.  It all helped a little over the course of the day but man this stuff hurts.

Day 54 (Mon) – It’s difficult to appreciate how much (and how little) 20 pounds is until you have to start counting water bottles and salad mix for work, just to be sure you don’t exceed the limits your doctor has set while you recover.  Just so you know; a 1 liter bottle of Seltzer Water (unopened) weighs 2.5 pounds.

While thinking about my pesky calf pain I realized today that my left hip and leg feel very good right now.  I haven’t been feeling any odd aches or phantom pains, I’ve felt pretty normal.  I haven’t even felt a need to ice them, other than after the long walk on Saturday and that’s just standard race practice for me.  Saturday’s long walk didn’t leave me sore or weak at all.  My biggest problem right now is the lingering cramping in my calves.  I’ll take that progress. 

Day 55 (Tue) – I walked around my building quite a bit today, in hopes of working the tightness out of my calves.  I even did a backwards loop once to change the muscle groups and use.  The walks felt good, except the darn calves.  They actually ache more at rest than they do while walking: They’re at their most painful when I change from sitting to standing.  I wish the calf cramps would release and just go away; thankfully it hasn’t affected my hip. 

I’ve been using my ChiWalking techniques, even for short talks, to ensure I don’t walk funny just to favor the sore muscles.  At the moment the only thing that my calves are interfering with is my ability to stretch out the left hip.

Day 56 (Wed) – Week 8 is behind me now, only 4 more to go (Plus a few days).  I feel mostly positive and healthy after all this time.  Granted, I’ve had my days (I’ll have more, it’s just life) of being down but they don’t define me or how I feel about this entire process.  I’m getting stronger, I like that.

I feel like my hip needs to pop; no way I’ll do that though, not at all comfortable with the idea. 

I’m always analyzing how I feel and what makes me tick, it’s a habit.  I noticed this week that my left foot is starting to go pigeon toed again.  I was pigeon toed as a child but I trained myself out of it during my preteen/teen years.  Now I’m wondering if my femur defects caused me to be pigeon toed to start with.  Twisted femurs are one reason people become pigeon toed.  While my femur wasn’t twisted it was improperly shaped and therefore didn’t move correctly.  I’m going to have to train that out of myself again.  Oh joy.

I had my body fat was measured at work today as part of a general health assessment.  Our insurance company requires a basic physical (including blood work) every year so we can maintain a “Discounted” enrollment rate.  We’re not stupid enough to believe that, the insurance company is actually threatening to raise our rates if we don’t give them what they want.  The machine our medical clinic uses reported that my body fat is currently at 5.6%.  That was rather surprising: Humans need between 2 to 5% body fat to live and function, elite athletes are between 6 and 13%.  My body fat measured low last year but I’d been marathon training for almost 3 straight years, it wasn’t really surprising.  Now that I’ve been down for essentially 8 months I expected it to be much higher:  I need it to be a little higher, I’ve literally no fat reserves to help my body fuel its own recovery.  In the future, when I begin running and training again, I’ll have to take this into account for my run fueling strategy.  I initially trained myself to run using my fat reserves as fuel, I don’t have those anymore.

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