After similar errands he was forced to lie flat on his back and wait hours for the pain to subside.

He had been told for years that he would need to have both of his hips replaced. Never a sports enthusiast, except for downhill skiing and some tennis, when Selbiger moved to Rehoboth seven years ago from the metro Washington, D.C. area, he sought the counsel of Dr. Wilson Choy from Orthopeadic Associates of Southern Delaware.

As a young man he had tried many ways to alleviate the chronic pain, and after moving to Rehoboth in his adult years he waited to see a surgeon until the pain became unbearable.

After his first hip replacement and physical therapy, Selbiger opted to have Choy replace his second hip at Beebe Medical Center six months later.

Selbiger worked with sports trainer Paul Schnupp at Gold’s Gym and Midway Fitness to build up his overall muscle and physical condition. He never ran, but he worked out on the typical elliptical trainer to increase his cardio fitness level and lifted moderate weights.

Approximately eight weeks ago Selbiger decided to begin a training program to run a 5K.

Starting slowly and jogging on a treadmill, he alternated with weights and bicycle training. He ran his first 5K - The Giggle Medic 5K Run/Walk in Lewes Oct. 11. He ran the race sponsored by the Seashore Striders in 28.59 minutes.

“I was pleased with my time and actually just for finishing. I wanted to be under 30 minutes and I did it,” said Selbiger.

Selbiger will continue to run several times per week and hopes to compete in additional 5K races in the future. “I am considering a once-in-a-lifetime trek in Nepal next spring,” said Selbiger.