Training Log Archive: dlevine

So, this was it. The first real acid test of the replacement knee. After eighteen months of a balky knee and several months of COVID delay, I had a total (left) knee replacement on June 2. The surgery and rehab went well (until I stepped in a gopher hole on my front lawn while walking with the septic inspector the day after rehab ended - and four days before my move) Since then, lots of short to intermediate walks in then nearby nature preserves. I did do one 0.9 mile trail run before the doctor bit my head off and more or less extorted a promise not to try that again for five years...

So, this was the "way too large and stupid for a first real acid test" hike. Started in Pinkham Notch at the base of the Nineteen Mile Brook Trail. Headed up to Carter Notch and onto the AT northbound. Skirted one of the two lakes and decided to skip the trip to the (closed) hut. Struggled up Carter Dome and had lunch (just before the five-mile mark; hence the dramatic shift in pace). Then over to Mt. Hight for some views. On the way down to Zeta Pass, my hamstrings started complaining about overwork, but once the grade improved as we got to the Carter Dome Trail, that problem abated. With 0.75 miles to go to the car, I did manage to step on a rock that rolled a bit and hyperextend the knee, but that's a muscular - not a structural - concern, so all is good.

24 hours later, I'm only slightly sore and I give the surgeon (and my PT's) an A for the work that was done! [I'll take a little credit for being a dedicated and - until yesterday - restrained rehab.]

C • Congratulations! 1