Well I ran a marathon just before and just after the
procedure and without a doubt it improves circulation and allows for less pain
and heaviness in the legs during and after such events. It also seems to allow for a quicker recovery
time. However, without proper training
it doesn't, at least by itself, make you faster. In addition; if you, like myself, battle
cramps, don't expect them to resolve mysteriously either. I didn't run for about a month between the
surgeries and this last marathon, and although my half split was 1:47ish the
cramps started after mile 18 and pretty much tanked me after 20. I came in at 4:05 ,
about 20 minutes off where I should have been.
I had hoped that the improved circulation that I feel/felt certain
exists would decrease or resolve the cramps I battle so I didn't use the Hammer
salt capsules I have come to rely upon.
The cramps only relocated from my calves and quads to my inner thigh and
hamstring area on a course that was the flattest I had ever ran. Long story short; if you have venous
insufficiency, removal of the GSV will make you feel a lot better and allow you
to push yourself harder thereby potentially making you faster, but don't think
that it alone will do anything for your PR.
I plan to work pretty hard running up to my next marathon and will post
if the combination of the GSV removal and proper training allows for a new PR
or just for a more pleasant running experience at a non-improved pace. I will be happy either way, but hope for a PR
in the next 12 months, if not first quarter of 2014.
