You can run any distance that you put your mind to. Use common sense, pay attention to how you feel, and make sure your cardiologist gives you clearance.
I ran marathons before my surgery, keep in mind you'll need to train for at least 6 months. A group of Cardiac Athletes
(cardiacathletes.org) are traveling to Baltimore next week to run a relay, the 1/2 marathon, and a couple are running the full marathon. This will be my first 1/2 marathon since valve replacement, planning on two more in early 2013.
There are several valvers over at CA that run marathons, Tom Price, Spartangator, Echoguy and Bean Counter are ones that come to mind. Sign up and then sign in to read their threads. :thumbup:
I don't run as many events anymore, choose ones that I am interested in. My running history includes 4 Marathons, lots of 5ks, 10ks, 1 - 1/2 marathon.
Post Op:
Peace of Mind 5K, 6-14-2008, 7 months post op
Silicon Labs Austin Marathon and Relay, 9-21-2008, 10 months post op; 7 mile leg
Army 10 Miler, 10-5-2008, 11 months post op
Race for the Cure, 5K, 11-2-2008, not quite 1 year post op
Turkey Trot, 5 miles; 11-27-2008, 1 yr, 1 wk post op
Harrisburg Marathon and Relay (I ran the relay), 11-14-2010, 4.6 mile leg