Chris - RBHR 1/10/2007, Dr. Clarke

Two years ago I ran what I thought might be my last road race ever. I was bone on bone with OA. It was a 15K (9.3 miles) in Schenectady NY. With the help of several Advil the night before and the morning of the race I managed to finish OK.

I got my right hip resurfaced 2 months later by Dr. Clarke. I started doing some running at and 8 months post op and have run and biked since then. I ran that race again 3 days ago with 2 strong stable legs and finished 30 seconds faster/mile than before and beat more than 1/2 of my age group (50-54). It felt so great to be able to be out competing again. There was no pain or discomfort during or anytime after the race. Had I listened to my original OS and gotten a THR I would have been on the sidelines cheering on several friends.

Anyway, I just had to share that.
Chris

Update October 11, 2010

Thanks to my BHR, I was able to complete my first marathon (3:53) yesterday at age 52. When I first was resurfaced almost 4 yrs ago, I thought I would do a little running along with biking, etc. I didnt want to risk screwing up the hip.

But as time passed, I developed more and more confidence that this hip was so strong and secure that nothing could hurt it. I started a training program 18 weeks ago and everything went very well. The only thing that bothered me a little after long runs was I think some tendonitis that was always better in a day or two. My daughter ran the half marathon the same day. It was great. Just thought I would share.

Chris Dr Clarke RBHR 1/10/2007

Update March 21, 2010

Hi Vicky, I am finally getting around to sending a photo of me crossing the finish line at a 1/2 marathon I ran this past Oct. I was almost 3 yrs post op at the time. My hip felt great the entire race and I finished well into the top half of my age group 50-54 male. Maybe a full marathon this year! Thanks

Chris Berninger RBHR Dr Clarke 1/10/2007