MILO BRYANT: New hip won't stop avid runner
Folks, it's Q&A time again. Keep those questions coming.
Question: Mr. Bryant, I had hip-replacement surgery seven years ago. Prior to this I was an avid long-distance runner (7.5-10 miles a day. Every day. Sometimes twice a day). I was hooked. I absolutely loved it.
Since my surgery I have chosen not to run. I have tried other types of exercise and was not hooked like running hooked me. I tried bicycling and found it to be boring and in no way compared to running.
My question: Can I start running again if I lower the distances to 3 or 4 miles a day? What would be a good schedule to follow (distance or time) to renew my running career?
Answer. OK Scott, that's 25 push-ups for breaking the "Mr. Bryant rule." I'm not THAT old yet!
Now, to your question: I think you'd be hard-pressed to find an orthopedic surgeon who will say it's all right for you to run.
Well, I'm not a surgeon. I say go for it, understanding a few things.
First, tell your orthopedic surgeon what you want to do and ask for all the negatives, knowing there might be plenty - including the need for another replacement.
Remember that artificial hips have a finite lifespan, and the jarring from running will shorten it.
What you want to do is largely uncharted territory. Many active folks find relatively nonjarring ways of satisfying their need to move. I don't know the exact surgery you had, but regardless, make sure all the supportive muscles, tendons and ligaments are as strong as they can be before taking that first running step.
It's going to hurt - a lot. But mentally, if running takes you to that special place, you have no choice but to try to do it.
Q: I read your article weekly and your advice is great. But, what about people with physical handicaps? I have arthritis in my knees and wrists, which makes push-ups, squats and lunges very painful. I am a runner but have had to slow down considerably because of my knees.
I would like to stay fit. What exercises would you recommend for the legs, mainly inner thighs? I do not belong to a gym. Thank you.
A. Thanks for the compliment. Hopefully this advice is great, too!
If you can afford it, get a membership to a place with a pool. The city has pools and water aerobics programs. YMCAs have pools and programs, too. Both are relatively inexpensive. Water exercise will take a lot of impact pressure off your joints and simultaneously help you improve strength and range of motion.
As for those inner thighs, sit on the edge of a chair with a roll of toilet tissue between your knees. Use your knees to squeeze that tissue as flat as you can. You'll certainly feel those inner thighs.
Milo Bryant has two National Strength and Conditioning Association certifications and he appears on KOAA's Comcast Channel 9 most Wednesdays at 4 p.m. You can contact him by e-mail at milo.bryant@gazette.com or read his blog at milobryant.blogspot.com.
