16 Weeks Post, Ran a 10k

[StretchL]

On March 31, two days shy of 16 weeks after my Ross Procedure, I ran the Monument Avenue 10k here in Richmond, along with 25,022 other participants. It was an absolutely beautiful day, and a thrill to be able to participate, especially since Noni, who hates to run, ran with me.

I'd not been able to run for a couple of years due to my formerly stenotic aortic valve.

My time wasn't anything to write home about, 1:09:02, with a split time of 32:00. I walked about a half a mile between mile four and five.

BUT, I think I may have finished FIRST in my division: "Men Over 40 Less Than Four Months After Open Heart Surgery."

Of course, it was a very small division.

But full of very good looking guys, just check the picture.

 

[ruth]

Wonderful!

Wonderful!

Stretch -

You are always such an inspiration! Wow, I'm impressed! Congrats on your 10K. m

All my best,
Ruth

 

[MaryC]

Stretch,
Being able to run again must have felt great! Thanks for sharing your accomplishment. Sounds like you won in your division!

 

[Phyllis]

Congratulations, Stretch! So glad all is so good for you- too bad you couldn't wear a tawdry shirt for your run!

 

[sylviayasgur]

congratulations!!!

congratulations!!!

hi stretch,
that is such wonderful news; put a big smile on my face!
i certainly hope that you emailed dr. stelzer with that great news!!!
hi to noni and keep feeling well.
all the best, sylvia

 

[KarenS]

Way to go, Stretch!!!

Very impressive!! Keep up the great recovery. I hung up my running shoes a few years ago as well......I am 4 weeks out, not running again (yet), but I feel stronger everyday and love to hear these inspirational stories! Thanks for posting.

Karen

 

[aussiemember]

Stretch - what a great photo - and such an encouragement for those of us in the waiting room - well done

 

[Susan BAV]

Very cool Stretch! Nice to read! Take care.

 

[WayneGM]

Way to go, Stretch! Well done!

 

[Wise]

Congrats on your great progress and your first race. Also great to hear you won your division.

 

[hensylee]

congratulations. amazing you could do this in only 10 weeks!

 

[lynn]

AWESOME!!! Good for you

 

[StretchL]

congratulations. amazing you could do this in only 10 weeks!

It was actually 16 weeks, Hens...

 

[StretchL]

I just realized I never finished my post! Can anyone say, "Pump Head"?

Here's how I meant to finish that...

Aortic valve replacement: $70,000

Registration for a 10k sixteen weeks post-op: $25

Relaxing in a hot tub with Noni after the race: PRICELESS.

 

[Superbob]

Congrats, Stretch! Was that the good 'ol Ukrop's 10K? (For non-Virginians, Ukrop's is a community-minded grocery store that sells a fantastic array of vittles.)

You should write up your adventures running a race post-OHS and send it to Runner's World -- along with lots of pictures, of course. (Long ago, I was a marathoner -- there is still a skinny runner trapped inside my Double XX body. )

Cheers,

 

[llewis34]

WAY TO GO! I hope to have the same success. I hope to be able to keep up with my daughter and run the Indy 500 Festival Mini Marathon again next year. She'll be doing it without me this year.

 

[Der Biermeister]

Yeah it was a great day Stretch - but as you know, the weather here in Richmond has sucked since then. (except for this afternoon -- man oh man, FINALLY)

Anyway -- YOU DA MAN -- a 10K no less!

 

[debster913]

Awesome! With envy here, wishing I could run...but so proud of you!

Debi

 

[debster913]

P.S. I still use the "pumpheaded" excuse. I hear it's good for up to one year post-op.

 

[Andrew'sMom]

Awesome! Good for you!!!!! And that is a well-deserved FIRST PLACE finish!