i recently had my knee replaced and have not been able to do my normal exercise routines. Like most things in life we do not know how much we value something until we cannot do it anymore.
Be patient and persistent with your rehab and recovery. At 69, I had a knee replacement. I'm now 72 and am enjoying running, perhaps more than ever. It took about a year after the surgery to get back into my routine, and another year to recome competitive. Good luck to you!
I'm having knee replacement at the end of the year. I've read different opinions about whether you should run after a replacement. Did your doctor advise against it? It seems like those who oppose it are relying on conventional wisdom and old data.
Hey Doug. I was a pretty active runner before the surgery, but the knee was so twisted with arthritis that even walking was getting difficult. In a consultation before surgery, my doc asked what I wanted to achieve from the surgery. I told him I wanted to be competitive in running again - steeplechase and up to 50-mile ultra marathons. He told me that if I would be committed to the rehab and training, I would not be limited by the new knee. I have since been able to do both. My understanding is that with the materials being used now to replace the joint, the replacement isn't the point of failure. It's the God-given parts that have to be maintained. If you have specific questions about things to do prior to the surgery or afterwards, I'd be glad to share what has and has not worked well for me. leedukes1953@gmail.com
Going through some knee stuff currently, but nothing as serious as replacement surgery. Lee, thank you for the encouraging words. Good to know that a positive outcome is possible on the other side.
I ran semi-consistently for a decade, before blowing out my right knee in 2014. In 2006-2007 I rediscovered hiking. In late Jr. High I got my first weight set. While running is no longer in the mix (I say things like, “if I’m running try to keep up”, and “I don’t have to be fast, just faster than you.”), the act of walking/hiking has become a critical survival need.
Over the years, as melancholy and anxiety have beset me, walking has in a way allowed me to put a perceived distance between me and those moods. When all is well, walking helps to keep me well, and to keep me moving.
Weights have woven in and out for decades, but walking is the bare minimum, and the foundation of so much of what keeps me physically and mentally viable.
Motions is lotion. Movement is lubricant. And not only physically so.
One of the oldest ideas in philosophy is Aristotle’s observation that “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” Whether Aristotle said those exact words or not, the principle is true: the practices we return to day after day become companions in shaping who we are.
As a runner, I’ve found that exercise is one of the few constants in a world of constant change. Jobs change. Relationships change. Addresses change. Seasons of life come and go. Yet the road, the trail, the early morning run, or the evening walk remain waiting for us.
Your article reminded me of Marcus Aurelius, who wrote, “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” Some of life’s hardest lessons have been processed not sitting still, but moving forward one step at a time.
There’s also something almost spiritual about it. The body was made to move, and movement often clears the mind in a way few things can. Exercise may not solve our problems, but it has a remarkable way of helping us carry them.
Exercise isn’t merely an activity, because over time it becomes a faithful companion through every chapter of life.
I did enjoy it, yes. It is somewhat of a journal with introspection about aging, challenges, and life in general. The author is a writer and a runner, telling different stories from his life.
i recently had my knee replaced and have not been able to do my normal exercise routines. Like most things in life we do not know how much we value something until we cannot do it anymore.
Be patient and persistent with your rehab and recovery. At 69, I had a knee replacement. I'm now 72 and am enjoying running, perhaps more than ever. It took about a year after the surgery to get back into my routine, and another year to recome competitive. Good luck to you!
I'm having knee replacement at the end of the year. I've read different opinions about whether you should run after a replacement. Did your doctor advise against it? It seems like those who oppose it are relying on conventional wisdom and old data.
Hey Doug. I was a pretty active runner before the surgery, but the knee was so twisted with arthritis that even walking was getting difficult. In a consultation before surgery, my doc asked what I wanted to achieve from the surgery. I told him I wanted to be competitive in running again - steeplechase and up to 50-mile ultra marathons. He told me that if I would be committed to the rehab and training, I would not be limited by the new knee. I have since been able to do both. My understanding is that with the materials being used now to replace the joint, the replacement isn't the point of failure. It's the God-given parts that have to be maintained. If you have specific questions about things to do prior to the surgery or afterwards, I'd be glad to share what has and has not worked well for me. leedukes1953@gmail.com
Thanks, that's encouraging. I'll follow up with you.
Going through some knee stuff currently, but nothing as serious as replacement surgery. Lee, thank you for the encouraging words. Good to know that a positive outcome is possible on the other side.
I ran semi-consistently for a decade, before blowing out my right knee in 2014. In 2006-2007 I rediscovered hiking. In late Jr. High I got my first weight set. While running is no longer in the mix (I say things like, “if I’m running try to keep up”, and “I don’t have to be fast, just faster than you.”), the act of walking/hiking has become a critical survival need.
Over the years, as melancholy and anxiety have beset me, walking has in a way allowed me to put a perceived distance between me and those moods. When all is well, walking helps to keep me well, and to keep me moving.
Weights have woven in and out for decades, but walking is the bare minimum, and the foundation of so much of what keeps me physically and mentally viable.
Motions is lotion. Movement is lubricant. And not only physically so.
Thanks for sharing, Kate!
I didn't think this would make me cry but here I am 😭
This resonated with me deeply.
One of the oldest ideas in philosophy is Aristotle’s observation that “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” Whether Aristotle said those exact words or not, the principle is true: the practices we return to day after day become companions in shaping who we are.
As a runner, I’ve found that exercise is one of the few constants in a world of constant change. Jobs change. Relationships change. Addresses change. Seasons of life come and go. Yet the road, the trail, the early morning run, or the evening walk remain waiting for us.
Your article reminded me of Marcus Aurelius, who wrote, “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” Some of life’s hardest lessons have been processed not sitting still, but moving forward one step at a time.
There’s also something almost spiritual about it. The body was made to move, and movement often clears the mind in a way few things can. Exercise may not solve our problems, but it has a remarkable way of helping us carry them.
Exercise isn’t merely an activity, because over time it becomes a faithful companion through every chapter of life.
Recently finished reading Murakami's "What I Talk About When I Talk About Running". Quite a nice example of this :)
I hadn't heard of that book — do you recommend it?
I did enjoy it, yes. It is somewhat of a journal with introspection about aging, challenges, and life in general. The author is a writer and a runner, telling different stories from his life.
This is a beautiful perspective. Thank you!