15 weeks
Today marks 15 weeks since the surgery. I feel like my gait is perfectly normal when i walk a comfortable speed. Dr told me I could start jogging as tolerated at my 13 week follow up. For about a week and a half after that i just jogged lightly in 10-15 yard increments between sets in the weight room. Yesterday i decided to amp it up and got on the treadmill. I kept the speed pretty slow and started out with my hands on the railings for about 30 seconds to get comfortable. My plan initially was a 5 minute jog at a comfortable pace but i felt pretty good so i decided to go a half mile which took 6 mins 50 seconds. Today i went a little faster and did my half mile in 6 minutes 10 seconds. Once i can comfortably run a half mile under 5 minutes I’ll start doing full miles. I have no interest in ever doing more than a mile as I truly hate distance running with a passion. I ran a sub 6 minute mile in 8th grade and probably haven’t run a single mile on 5 occasions since. I’ll take hill sprints, stairs, gassers, suicides 110’s or 40’s….anything other than distance…..but until I can sprint i’ve really got no choice.
August 9th, 2012 at 9:54 pm
Sounds like you’re further ahead in your recovery than I am. Congrats!
November 5th, 2012 at 4:24 pm
Good for you. I’m at week 14 and I’m back to running for enjoyment. Ran my first mile against everyone’s wishes at week 8, then after a very aggresive recovery regimen I have been able to run 3-4 miles a couple of times a week since week 12. Last weekend I ran the mile in on a hill course under 9 minutes (normally a 7 minute guy). I tore mine at a state level track meet running the 3rd leg of a 4×100. Along with the rupture I fell and broke my hand on the same side so as you can imagine I had to use a walker for weeks instead of crutches, complete nightmare. At 44 years old I know your fear of reoccurance but don’t forget to live. My Surgeon finally listened to me and gave me unrestricted release at week 11 which is far ahead of schedule but I’ve been recovering extremely quickly. I’ve been back to my kickboxing for the last five weeks, the first few were wearing the boot which made things impossible, one legged burpees are now a gym staple for my team. My current goal is to run an 8 minute hill mile in December and to be able to stand on my toes on the repaired leg for more than 5 seconds (todays threshold. You will get there too, never give up, you will be sprinting soon enough. Can you midfoot strike yet? That is my most recent accomplishment, I have been heel striking since my return which leads to really short striding and more quad pain than I wanted to tolerate. Now that I can at least get up on the ball of my foot while running the jogs and attempts at sprinting are much better. Anyway I hope you come through this well, take your time but also don’t panic, it can be done, you will return to your former self.