Boston Marathon?
Running After Knee Surgery?
I was sad when I lost that shirt. Fond memories. I want to run Boston again!
Hell, I qualified for the Boston Marathon (2009), only two years after the last of three knee surgeries (split meniscus, both sides, Baker’s cyst, bilateral inflamed plicae).
Still doing Ironman training, and running after knee surgery, seven years later. In spite of overcoming ITBS and plantar fasciitis (2x), a displaced pelvis (bike wreck), followed by dry needling (ouch!).
I just love life and training.
Keeps me out of assisted living!
FitOldDog, aged 10 (right), in Brighton, England, with his Mom, younger brother and sister. Mom taught us to appreciate an education from an early age.
Two of these surgeries were a direct result of my approach to running (heel strike).
I was reminded of this experience, while working with a client of my First Ironman Over 50 Mentoring Program.
An ex-High School, Cross Country runner, wanting to run again in his early 50s. BIGGEST DANGER -> memories, thinking he can run just like he did in High School - forget that, old man!
I have strong opinions about High School education, including running, but that’s another story!
I saw all the signs of impending knee damage. I ran through the issues with him (there were lots of them). This great guy is now on his way to learning how to run safely.
He isn’t a teenager anymore, but he sure wants to run (and bike and swim, safely and well).
How did I overcome my running-induced knee damage.
In my mid-60s?
Three things, apart from patience and a love of Ironman:
Body awareness training! Lots of it! Feldenkrais, Continuum, Gyrokinesis, Pilates, Yoga, etc.
Chi Running: I met Danny Dreyer one day, and he was the same guy as on his videos. Just a regular guy with no ego. I like that, and I like Chi-Running as an approach to low impact progression across the surface of planet Earth.
A gifted coach: Chris taught me many things, one of which was to keep pushing during the race.
Pretty simple really.
Now I’m working to pass it on, and save people from the mistakes I made.
Lots of them.
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Happy Trails,
FitOldDog (training for the Louisville Ironman, at age 72 - well, I’ll be 73 on race day).
Life is good.
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