Walk a marathon 9 mths post-op?

[Duds]

Anyone here have any advice for walking a 21K marathon 9 months post op? I know I am in no shape to run but I haven't stopped walking since leaving the hospital post op!!! Longest walk so far has been 14K in approx 3.25 hrs. My cardiologist thinks 9 months is too soon. Advice anyone?

 

[tprice54]

Ok, first, I am not a medical professional, so, getting that out of the way
You should be able to prepare yourself to walk a 21k (half marathon...a full marathon is 42k). I ran a full at 9 months post op, but that is me, everyone is diffferent. As long as your 14k went well, keep at it!

 

[tommy]

I would follow my cardiologist's advice. That being said, a lot may depend on how fit you were before surgery. Rebuilding to a former fitness level is a lot different that starting from scratch. Congratualtions on the will and the ability to exercise to the level that you are. That is outstanding!!!

 

[kodi]

And I have to agree with what both Tom and Tommy had to say. I ran a marathon one year and one day post surgery. But that being said, I had been running continuously for 27 years and had many marathons on this old body of mine. My cardiologist never put any limitations on me. I would try to find a 1/2 marathon training program (check out Runnersworld.com) and follow it from the beginning. Nine months is certainly enough time for anyone to train for that distance. Good luck and keep up posted.

 

[Duds]

Hello All,
Just wanted to give a quick update. Yesterday I walked a half marathon, my first race EVER and only 10 months post op!!! I was pleased with my time 3:43:52. My cardiologist had me do an exercise test a month ago so he did give me the green light to do the race. I'm sending him a picture taken at the finish line with my medal around my neck as proof! You guys are a great inspiration and I am seriously considering learning to run now that I've had a taste of what racing is like! Best wishes to you all on this Thanksgiving Day! Cheers~

 

[kodi]

Congratulations on the finish. Time is pretty impressive for walking the distance. Glad you got the bug. Now you have to work into the running slowly and build a little more each week. Basically you want to start off by doing your walk then run/jog one or two minutes, then walk a couple more. Alternate for the distance you decide to go. Every time you're out for your run/walk, increase the run distance by 15-30 seconds. I'm sure Tom will have better and a more definitive program for you.

 

[Guest]

Congratulations on your finish! All it takes is 1 race to hook you, then you want to go again. As Kodi says, ease into running slowly, and make sure your cardiologist is ok with it.

22 years ago, I started out by walking and running around the block where I lived, progressed from there, then hung out with other runners who introduced me to racing. When I was bitten by the race bug, I made sure I had the right shoes for running, found Bob Glover's "The New Competitive Runner's Handbook", and followed the guidance in the book. It has all kinds of good info on training, schedules, and time charts.

I still use the book and the charts today.

 

[scott.eitman]

To me, this has nothing to do with surgery, it has everything to do with you. Listen to your body and let it take you where it can go. I think that as long as you have the nutrition, going from 14 to 21 K should not be a problem. What, a couple more hours.

I might have to ask a few question about the 21K compared to the 14K. Is it hillier? Will the temp be about the same? In otherwords, besides the distance is there anything else to be concerned about?

Scott