Can I Do a 6-mile Race 8 Weeks After Tummy Tuck?

You probably have a line of sutures in your muscle fascia. Why risk breaking them? Wait at least three months and start off slowly. 1 mile/day for one week. 2 miles/dayfor another week, etc. Maybe in 4 to 6 months you'll be up to more.

For an athlete or a runner there can be nothing worse than being sidelined for recovery, especially during racing season. We have waited all winter to begin running and racing but healing takes time. Recall that even a taper in your running schedule will cause a falloff in strength that will take twice the training time to regain.After tummy tuck, we encourage walking immediately and allow patients to resume non-impact aerobic activities after two weeks, such that by two to four weeks after your procedure you can expect to advance to a stationary bike, recumbent bike, or even a swim to build aerobic fitness. At six weeks, you can add gentle runs though you may find it still more comfortable to cross train to increase endurance and prevent soreness. As with any injury if you become stressed, tired, sore, or suffer from poor form cut back and cross train. You may be comfortable at six weeks with a two to three mile run. Remember to add mileage slowly, and when you hit your target distance, say 10K for your longer runs, then begin to run fast (speed work).A 10K race, eight weeks after your tummy tuck, is "safe", but wouldn't it be better to listen to your body, follow a training schedule, and run well with confidence?Best of luck,peterejohnsonmd