Mt Whitney Zone Forums General Discussion Even older now, PLUS brand new hip

Last time I posted a query, it was a request for advice on adapting your training as you get older. (I was in my early 60's.) I since managed a couple of day hikes to the summit successfully.

Now my query is about "summiting when you're older plus you're now equipped with titanium where bone used to be." I"m about a year and a half out from a total hip replacement, and pretty much at the point now where I can do serious training / hiking again.

Any experiences to share? I don't want to entertain illusions of doing anything that's not realistic, but if 4 year-old twins can summit (July 29), maybe I can, too?

I had a TKR (knee) in January, and my knee is way better than before. I was up on Mt Whitney in June, and the knee did well. My surgeon was a bit surprised that I went so soon.

Now, the other weaknesses in my bones are showing up -- arthritic ankle. But the knee seems to be as strong as the other one.

You should do everything you want up to whatever limits your doctor places on you.

Oh... one more thing: buy the lightest equipment you can find!

I'm in my early 70's and although I have not needed hip surgery (yet) I can definitely notice I'm slowing way, way down on my hikes and backpacking trips and I can't carry quite so much in my pack. I just take note and adjust. Next week I'll be spending about 8 days in and out to Mt. Whitney using the Cottonwood pass route. This is my third backpacking trip on that route although I haven't made it all the way to the peak. But I'm going to give it a real good try this year.

Don't let the age thing get in your way and adjust for whatever physical challenges you might have. Just enjoy God's creations the best you can.

When one of my leg parts gives up and they have to put in a replacement, I'm going to ask for shock absorbers to put a little spring in my step.