Monday, May 28, 2007
Busy Weekend!!
Just got back from (not so) sunny Blackpool, good but hectic weekend with my older sis and her family.
Saturday, my sis, brother-in-law and me went for a walk... her two lads are now at the age when it is uncool to join in family activities and elected to stay home and hang out with their mates. We decided to 'do' Helvellyn, in the Lakes, as my sis hasn't been there. Plan was to ascend by Striding Edge, and descend via Swirral Edge, taking in Catstyecam.
We parked in Patterdale, amidst the Bank Holiday throng, and started to ascent the path zig zagging up the hillside. We had lovely retrospective views over Ullswater.
Ullswater
Striding Edge
Striding Egde is a famous scramble, a real sharp ridge (or Arete if I remember my geography lessons). There is a path just below the crest of the ridge, but bro-in-law insisted that we go more hardcore and walk along the very top of the ridge. At one point, there are two large rocks separated by a cleft; my sis managed to jump this, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it! Luckily there was away around. Well, I've only got short legs- that's my excuse!!
Classic view of Striding Edge
The summit of Helvellyn is very broad (and popular!) and so it is a trek to the edge to get the best views; most of the Lakelend peaks can be seen as it occupies a central point. We could even see into Scotland.
Me at the summit of Helvellyn (my hair is not really like that!)
Looking across at Striding Edge, we could see a queue of people across the ridge, particularly behind the bad step; you can just make them out on the photo below. My sis said it looked like a queue for a NHS dentist!!
Queue on Striding Edge
After a steep ascent and descent of Catstyecam (a cone-shaped hill which rises at the end of Swirral Edge) we picked up a lovely path back round the fell side to Patterdale. This was great; nice gentle descent with gorgeous views. I love the Lakes.
Path to Patterdale
Once back at the car, we called in to the cafe in the car park; 'Fellbites', for a coffee and wedge of cheesecake.
Sunday me and my sis had a riding lesson. This is good exercise as we always help out beforehand... this time of year the ponies are out most of the time, so one lovely job we had was 'poo picking'- literally picking up piles of pony poo out of the field using rubber gloves!
A regular was riding the pony I usually ride, so I opted for Bobby, a solid brown pony. I was warned he tends to take off like a rocket when he canters and bends round the corners of the indoor school like a motorbike on the wall of death! So I was actually quite nervous- but he wasn't that bad, he must have been having a lazy day!!
My legs and arms are aching quite a bit now though... not so much the walking, but a combination of the scrambling, plus the riding... good training though, particularly as I'm in Morocco in a fortnight! However, my walking boots are starting to split at the heel and sole, and I'm concerned that they may not last the Atlas trek... I need new ones but my washing machine decided to pack in last week, typically, so will have to sleep on it and decide over the next few days...
Saturday, my sis, brother-in-law and me went for a walk... her two lads are now at the age when it is uncool to join in family activities and elected to stay home and hang out with their mates. We decided to 'do' Helvellyn, in the Lakes, as my sis hasn't been there. Plan was to ascend by Striding Edge, and descend via Swirral Edge, taking in Catstyecam.
We parked in Patterdale, amidst the Bank Holiday throng, and started to ascent the path zig zagging up the hillside. We had lovely retrospective views over Ullswater.
UllswaterMost encouraging for me was the fact that I didn't find it particularly hard work, so the training must be paying off! My bro-in-law is very fit, he does a lot of mountain biking, and sis is also quite fit; they left me standing when we did a similar walk three years ago... but not today!!
There were quite a few walkers around, and it was quite satisfying to see them stop, gasping for breath, whilst we just walked by. We had our lunch stop just before the start of Striding Edge- what a view! We could see the bulk of St Sunday Crag and Fairfield, and make out the sea. I want a view like that every lunch time!
Then it was onto Striding Edge...
Striding EdgeStriding Egde is a famous scramble, a real sharp ridge (or Arete if I remember my geography lessons). There is a path just below the crest of the ridge, but bro-in-law insisted that we go more hardcore and walk along the very top of the ridge. At one point, there are two large rocks separated by a cleft; my sis managed to jump this, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it! Luckily there was away around. Well, I've only got short legs- that's my excuse!!
It was quite hairy, I'm not one of life's natural scramblers and at times it felt like we were clinging to rock with nothing below us. At rhe end is the famous and aptly named 'bad step'; a cleft in the rock, which must be navigated. Both me and my sis had assistance from my bro-in-law, and he then had the job of assisting another couple down; he should have hired himself out!
A fairly steep scramble brought us to a scree path and up onto the summit ridge. There is a large, star shaped shelter just below the summit, and we stopped for a second lunch, chatting with the couple we'd helped down the bad step.
Classic view of Striding Edge
The summit of Helvellyn is very broad (and popular!) and so it is a trek to the edge to get the best views; most of the Lakelend peaks can be seen as it occupies a central point. We could even see into Scotland.
Me at the summit of Helvellyn (my hair is not really like that!)
It was freezing on the summit, in fact it started to sleet, so we quickly descended vie Swirral Edge, which is another sharp ridge but not as pronounced or prolonged as Striding Edge. I am not as my best descending on steep paths with lots of loose rocks or stones! Good practice though...
Looking across at Striding Edge, we could see a queue of people across the ridge, particularly behind the bad step; you can just make them out on the photo below. My sis said it looked like a queue for a NHS dentist!!
Queue on Striding EdgeAfter a steep ascent and descent of Catstyecam (a cone-shaped hill which rises at the end of Swirral Edge) we picked up a lovely path back round the fell side to Patterdale. This was great; nice gentle descent with gorgeous views. I love the Lakes.
Path to Patterdale
Once back at the car, we called in to the cafe in the car park; 'Fellbites', for a coffee and wedge of cheesecake.
Sunday me and my sis had a riding lesson. This is good exercise as we always help out beforehand... this time of year the ponies are out most of the time, so one lovely job we had was 'poo picking'- literally picking up piles of pony poo out of the field using rubber gloves!
A regular was riding the pony I usually ride, so I opted for Bobby, a solid brown pony. I was warned he tends to take off like a rocket when he canters and bends round the corners of the indoor school like a motorbike on the wall of death! So I was actually quite nervous- but he wasn't that bad, he must have been having a lazy day!!
My legs and arms are aching quite a bit now though... not so much the walking, but a combination of the scrambling, plus the riding... good training though, particularly as I'm in Morocco in a fortnight! However, my walking boots are starting to split at the heel and sole, and I'm concerned that they may not last the Atlas trek... I need new ones but my washing machine decided to pack in last week, typically, so will have to sleep on it and decide over the next few days...
Labels: Helvellyn, horse riding, Lake District, scrambling, walking
Thursday, May 24, 2007
My 100th Post!!!
100 posts! Bit of a landmark, that!
Been a busy week, I am going up to Blackpool tomorrow too until Monday. My older sis lives their with her husband and my two nephews. They are all quite keen walkers/ outdoorsy folk so I think we are going for a good yomp around the Lakes Saturday. Doesn't give good weather this weekend (hey, what do you expect... it's a British Bank Holiday!) but Saturday is supposed to be the better day.
Been to the gym tonight, I ran for 20 minutes with 2 minutes of walking between, fairly gentle, touch wood no problems! Had to give a mate a driving lesson last night and biked to her house and back (about 16 miles). Tuesday night I walked my cross country route, I did use ankle weights but it seemed to bother the Achilles so I took it off.
So far so good I think...
Been a busy week, I am going up to Blackpool tomorrow too until Monday. My older sis lives their with her husband and my two nephews. They are all quite keen walkers/ outdoorsy folk so I think we are going for a good yomp around the Lakes Saturday. Doesn't give good weather this weekend (hey, what do you expect... it's a British Bank Holiday!) but Saturday is supposed to be the better day.
Been to the gym tonight, I ran for 20 minutes with 2 minutes of walking between, fairly gentle, touch wood no problems! Had to give a mate a driving lesson last night and biked to her house and back (about 16 miles). Tuesday night I walked my cross country route, I did use ankle weights but it seemed to bother the Achilles so I took it off.
So far so good I think...
Labels: achilles tendonitis, Blackpool
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Endurance Adventures in Bridlington...
Well, endurance adventures in pub meals eating and copious amounts of alcohol drinking… didn’t even run along the beach, I think my mate would have abandoned me if I did…
But did do a bit of mooching round the shops… found a camera shop with batteries in stock, so here are a few pics of sunny (and sometimes cloudy) Bridlington…(none of camera shy mates)
Our B & B
Bridlington Harbour
Looking towards Flamborough Head
So, am feeling less than fit at the mo after loads of food, alcohol and very little sleep. Funniest moment today was trying to smuggle a huge and very obvious pizza takeaway box from last night (alcohol makes you rather peckish!) past the landlady, as takeaways in rooms are strictly prohibited!
News on little sis is that she has the beginning form of Crohns Disease, which will hopefully be kept in check with diet, pills and regular visits to a consultant. She's not happy as she now has this condition for life, and she's only twenty, but at least it's been diagnosed before taking a real hold and causing more damage.
It's getting nicely dark outside so I think I'll try a nice gentle short jog and see how the ankle holds up. Then bed I think, as I'm knackered!
But did do a bit of mooching round the shops… found a camera shop with batteries in stock, so here are a few pics of sunny (and sometimes cloudy) Bridlington…(none of camera shy mates)
Our B & B
Bridlington Harbour
Looking towards Flamborough HeadSo, am feeling less than fit at the mo after loads of food, alcohol and very little sleep. Funniest moment today was trying to smuggle a huge and very obvious pizza takeaway box from last night (alcohol makes you rather peckish!) past the landlady, as takeaways in rooms are strictly prohibited!
News on little sis is that she has the beginning form of Crohns Disease, which will hopefully be kept in check with diet, pills and regular visits to a consultant. She's not happy as she now has this condition for life, and she's only twenty, but at least it's been diagnosed before taking a real hold and causing more damage.
It's getting nicely dark outside so I think I'll try a nice gentle short jog and see how the ankle holds up. Then bed I think, as I'm knackered!
Labels: alcohol, Bridlington, crohns disease
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Latest Physio
Well, I had my latest bout of physio today, and she gave me the green light to increase, gradually, the amount of running I am doing. I can gradually build up to 2 minutes running, 1 minute walkin, to 3 minutes running, then 4 and 5... when I am up to 1o minutes running, I can try a mile, and build from there.
Guess I won't be running a marathon any time soon!
She did say that it is healing, though. I asked her if this type of injury is common. She replied that she does see a fair few Achilles injuries, then added "Especially in people your age" before adding that as we age we are prone to ligament strains, well great I am officially in the age group to attract injuries!!
I am away to Bridlington Saturday for a mate's birthday so won't be doing much except for drinking, shopping and eating out, God, how will I stand the pace!?!
Better go get me workout done at the gym tonight then I suppose... with 2 minutes of running!!
Guess I won't be running a marathon any time soon!
She did say that it is healing, though. I asked her if this type of injury is common. She replied that she does see a fair few Achilles injuries, then added "Especially in people your age" before adding that as we age we are prone to ligament strains, well great I am officially in the age group to attract injuries!!
I am away to Bridlington Saturday for a mate's birthday so won't be doing much except for drinking, shopping and eating out, God, how will I stand the pace!?!
Better go get me workout done at the gym tonight then I suppose... with 2 minutes of running!!
Labels: achilles tendonitis, Bridlington, gym
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Life's Little Headaches...
As I'm off work poorly today I thought I may as well update...
... my little sis is in hospital. She has had a few problems lately; she was recently admitted with suspected strangulated hernia and was discharged with glandular fever! Work that one out...
Anyway, she was admitted at the weekend with abdominal pains, and they are now suspecting Crohn's Disease. She has to have a Barium Meal on Friday to confirm this, luckily she is allowed to keep her mobile with her so I have been able to speak to her.
The problem is, she is in hospital in Welwyn Garden City, as she is studying in Herts. My mum and stepdad went down Monday, and have been staying, which means that I have had to look after their two dogs, one of whom is very ill with kidney failure and both of whom tend to suffer from incontinence in times of stress and uncertainty! Plus their ancient cat, Rosie, who has a tendency to become very lonely at 5am and cry at the top of her voice for some company!
So I got my 5am wake up call this morning, and my head was so bad it felt as though the top of my head was coming off! There was nothing I could do to relieve it, and I honestly started to think it was the onset of Meningitis... I do tend to panic a little...
It has gone off a lot now, although still feeling rough. But driving the 22 miles to work and concentrating on the computer wasn't an option.
On a lighter note, I now have my access to the competitors' section of the BOM site for the MdS... it's quite daunting to see, in huge bold letters, the words "Stephanie Cooke, 2009 MdS Competitor", time to get serious!!!
I had a light jog to my mum's and back yesterday, plus used my mini stepper and cross trainer, watching "How to Look Good Naked" (hmm, maybe Mr Wan could make an alternative program... "How to Look Good When You Have Run 150 Miles Across The Sahara, Wearing the Same Clothes For a Week, Sweated Almost Constantly and Stink to High Heaven...")
So far so good re my Achilles, I await to see what my physio will say tomorrow...
... my little sis is in hospital. She has had a few problems lately; she was recently admitted with suspected strangulated hernia and was discharged with glandular fever! Work that one out...
Anyway, she was admitted at the weekend with abdominal pains, and they are now suspecting Crohn's Disease. She has to have a Barium Meal on Friday to confirm this, luckily she is allowed to keep her mobile with her so I have been able to speak to her.
The problem is, she is in hospital in Welwyn Garden City, as she is studying in Herts. My mum and stepdad went down Monday, and have been staying, which means that I have had to look after their two dogs, one of whom is very ill with kidney failure and both of whom tend to suffer from incontinence in times of stress and uncertainty! Plus their ancient cat, Rosie, who has a tendency to become very lonely at 5am and cry at the top of her voice for some company!
So I got my 5am wake up call this morning, and my head was so bad it felt as though the top of my head was coming off! There was nothing I could do to relieve it, and I honestly started to think it was the onset of Meningitis... I do tend to panic a little...
It has gone off a lot now, although still feeling rough. But driving the 22 miles to work and concentrating on the computer wasn't an option.
On a lighter note, I now have my access to the competitors' section of the BOM site for the MdS... it's quite daunting to see, in huge bold letters, the words "Stephanie Cooke, 2009 MdS Competitor", time to get serious!!!
I had a light jog to my mum's and back yesterday, plus used my mini stepper and cross trainer, watching "How to Look Good Naked" (hmm, maybe Mr Wan could make an alternative program... "How to Look Good When You Have Run 150 Miles Across The Sahara, Wearing the Same Clothes For a Week, Sweated Almost Constantly and Stink to High Heaven...")
So far so good re my Achilles, I await to see what my physio will say tomorrow...
Labels: hospital, Marathon des Sables, migraine
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Phew- Knackered!!
Phew! Decided to bike to Melton Mowbray today, as I had a routine contact lens check. I had originally intended to buy some new bike tyres, but when I contacted Halfords I was informed that they won't fit then for you at weekends, which isn't handy.
I didn't go the main road way, as it's very busy, instead I cut through the villages of Rearsby, Thrussington, Hoby and Asfordby. Going it was fine- the only real tough bit came just outside Asfordby; after passing the area known as Asfordby Valley, there is a real, humungous hill up to the aptly named Asfordby Hill. God, it was a monster! I was determined not too walk at all, though, and although my legs were burning, I made it!
All was fine with my eyes, but had to take my contacts out and ride back in my glasses. It seemed much harder coming back, mind you the wind was quite strong, and was against me all the way back. And when I got to Hoby, the heavens opened! And the wind- it suddenly turned into a gale- or felt like it!
I finished the ride totally soaked, uncomfortable, half blind (rain and glasses are not a good combination!) and in dire need of a caffeine fix.
I've no idea how far it was, took me about an hour each way, not too bad as it's only the third time I've been out on the bike in the last 8 months!
I didn't go the main road way, as it's very busy, instead I cut through the villages of Rearsby, Thrussington, Hoby and Asfordby. Going it was fine- the only real tough bit came just outside Asfordby; after passing the area known as Asfordby Valley, there is a real, humungous hill up to the aptly named Asfordby Hill. God, it was a monster! I was determined not too walk at all, though, and although my legs were burning, I made it!
All was fine with my eyes, but had to take my contacts out and ride back in my glasses. It seemed much harder coming back, mind you the wind was quite strong, and was against me all the way back. And when I got to Hoby, the heavens opened! And the wind- it suddenly turned into a gale- or felt like it!
I finished the ride totally soaked, uncomfortable, half blind (rain and glasses are not a good combination!) and in dire need of a caffeine fix.
I've no idea how far it was, took me about an hour each way, not too bad as it's only the third time I've been out on the bike in the last 8 months!
Labels: cycling, Melton Mowbray
Friday, May 11, 2007
Tentative Steps...
Well, I had physio yesterday... she poked and prodded my Achilles, and heard her say "It's very minor, isn't it" which was quite encouraging. After the usual massage/ poking/ ultrasound, she brought in a mini trampoline and told me to jog on it for a few minutes.
It was great fun. I was rather hoping she'd leave the room so I could have a bounce, but she didn't. The purpose was to see whether the springing motion set anything off, but it didn't.
She told me to try, over the next week, walking for five minutes to warm up, then jogging for a minute and then walking for a minute, repeated five times, then finally five minutes walking to cool down. She told me to make an appointment next week, and we will see how this trial goes... then added "For what you want to do, you are going to have to watch this like a hawk in future".
I tried the running/ walking last night at the gym. I felt a slight sensation, but no pain at all. My heel has been a bit 'grindy' last night and this morning, but physio seems to cause that anyway. It's quietened down now.
I am a bit concerened... reading the MdS forum, it appears that folks are getting emails from Best Of Morocco regarding registration to the official site etc... but not me!! I've had nothing yet- even checked my spam filter but nada.
I have decided- if nothing has come by Monday, I'm gonna email them...
It was great fun. I was rather hoping she'd leave the room so I could have a bounce, but she didn't. The purpose was to see whether the springing motion set anything off, but it didn't.
She told me to try, over the next week, walking for five minutes to warm up, then jogging for a minute and then walking for a minute, repeated five times, then finally five minutes walking to cool down. She told me to make an appointment next week, and we will see how this trial goes... then added "For what you want to do, you are going to have to watch this like a hawk in future".
I tried the running/ walking last night at the gym. I felt a slight sensation, but no pain at all. My heel has been a bit 'grindy' last night and this morning, but physio seems to cause that anyway. It's quietened down now.
I am a bit concerened... reading the MdS forum, it appears that folks are getting emails from Best Of Morocco regarding registration to the official site etc... but not me!! I've had nothing yet- even checked my spam filter but nada.
I have decided- if nothing has come by Monday, I'm gonna email them...
Labels: achilles tendonitis, gym, Marathon des Sables, physiotherapy
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Mid Week Blues
Ohh, I wish it was the weekend! That's the trouble with Bank Holidays- that extra day off makes it so much harder to go back to work!
Went to Sherwood Forest on Monday with my mate, we had a bit of a bike around and saw the Major Oak, supposedly where Robin Hood hid... you can't get near it now, but when I was a kid I remember queuing up and actually standing inside it- it has a hollowed out trunk.
I went to another mate's last night- she is learning to drive, so I am doing the sitting-and-supervising bit whilst she gets some practice. I decided to bike there as it only takes around 25 minutes. Really back into biking, but must get some new tyres or else I'll be walking...
Physio tomorrow, that should be interesting; I may be able to start running again!!
Must go- there's a bag of chips calling my name...
Went to Sherwood Forest on Monday with my mate, we had a bit of a bike around and saw the Major Oak, supposedly where Robin Hood hid... you can't get near it now, but when I was a kid I remember queuing up and actually standing inside it- it has a hollowed out trunk.
I went to another mate's last night- she is learning to drive, so I am doing the sitting-and-supervising bit whilst she gets some practice. I decided to bike there as it only takes around 25 minutes. Really back into biking, but must get some new tyres or else I'll be walking...
Physio tomorrow, that should be interesting; I may be able to start running again!!
Must go- there's a bag of chips calling my name...
Labels: chips, cycling, major oak
Monday, May 07, 2007
I Love Bank Holidays...
Every weekend should have one!! Trouble is, that extra day of just seems to make it harder to go back to work!
Right... let's get organised here (for a change)... exercise totals for this week just gone.
Running
None. But I've got a sick note!
Walking
5 1/2 miles cross country with ruck sack
5 miles brisk
Total 20 minutes inclination work on treadmill
Other
40 minutes elliptical trainer easy
38 minutes elliptical trainer (hard- increased resistance)
20 minutes bike
40 minutes stepper
8 minutes rower
(all over two gym visits)
Strength training
50 minutes on home mini stepper
Not that great, I'll admit, but hopefully after my next visit to the physio I'll be able to push things on a bit. Achilles has been ok, slightly creaky after the gym yesterday but I iced it.
I am going on a bike ride with my mate today, I don't think we will be going that far, probably to the nearest pub for a pub lunch!! Perhaps just as well, my bike tyres are so bald they are down to the canvas in places...
Right... let's get organised here (for a change)... exercise totals for this week just gone.
Running
None. But I've got a sick note!
Walking
5 1/2 miles cross country with ruck sack
5 miles brisk
Total 20 minutes inclination work on treadmill
Other
40 minutes elliptical trainer easy
38 minutes elliptical trainer (hard- increased resistance)
20 minutes bike
40 minutes stepper
8 minutes rower
(all over two gym visits)
Strength training
50 minutes on home mini stepper
Not that great, I'll admit, but hopefully after my next visit to the physio I'll be able to push things on a bit. Achilles has been ok, slightly creaky after the gym yesterday but I iced it.
I am going on a bike ride with my mate today, I don't think we will be going that far, probably to the nearest pub for a pub lunch!! Perhaps just as well, my bike tyres are so bald they are down to the canvas in places...
Labels: cycling, gym, walking, workout
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Weekly Totals
Right, weekly totals for last week, as I am very bad at remembering to post them...
Running
5 1/2 miles slow, cross country
Elliptical Trainers
20 minutes easy
10 minutes increasing resistance
50 minutes on home cross trainer
Steppers
20 minutes
50 minutes on home stepper
Bike
5 minutes
Rower
5 minutes
Strength Training
Walking
40 minutes easy
7 minutes on incline on treadmill
26 miles challenge walk!
Not a great deal, it will be better when I am running again. I had thought about building up to running the challenge events, but having read that walking and running use different muscles, and that people walking some of the MdS are struggling as they are only used to running, I think that the long walks are still going to be essential. Let's face it, I will not be able to run all of the MdS!
Had a nice day today, a friend paid for the adoption of two shetland ponies, at the Blue Cross Rescue Centre at Rolleston-on-Dove for Christmas. We went to see them today, and got to groom them. They are called Misty and Star- you can see them here. No piccies from me, though, as Asda had ran out of batteries for my camera! My mate took some, but she hasn't yet explored the realms of digital photography, so I may have to wait a while before I see them.
Went to the gym last night, it feels strange not running. At least the elliptical trainers give the illusion of running without the impact. When I adjust the tension I can really feel the muscles in my glutes etc working which may not be a bad thing! I love the ellipticals... unfortunately so does everybody else, and as there is only two, this can cause a bit of a problem for me!
Running
5 1/2 miles slow, cross country
Elliptical Trainers
20 minutes easy
10 minutes increasing resistance
50 minutes on home cross trainer
Steppers
20 minutes
50 minutes on home stepper
Bike
5 minutes
Rower
5 minutes
Strength Training
Walking
40 minutes easy
7 minutes on incline on treadmill
26 miles challenge walk!
Not a great deal, it will be better when I am running again. I had thought about building up to running the challenge events, but having read that walking and running use different muscles, and that people walking some of the MdS are struggling as they are only used to running, I think that the long walks are still going to be essential. Let's face it, I will not be able to run all of the MdS!
Had a nice day today, a friend paid for the adoption of two shetland ponies, at the Blue Cross Rescue Centre at Rolleston-on-Dove for Christmas. We went to see them today, and got to groom them. They are called Misty and Star- you can see them here. No piccies from me, though, as Asda had ran out of batteries for my camera! My mate took some, but she hasn't yet explored the realms of digital photography, so I may have to wait a while before I see them.
Went to the gym last night, it feels strange not running. At least the elliptical trainers give the illusion of running without the impact. When I adjust the tension I can really feel the muscles in my glutes etc working which may not be a bad thing! I love the ellipticals... unfortunately so does everybody else, and as there is only two, this can cause a bit of a problem for me!
Labels: Challenge walks, gym, Pony Sponsoring, running
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Physio Again...
I had my second physio session today. I followed her into the room, she sat down, looked at her notes and said "Oh, you're the mad one! The one who's going to run aross the Sahara!"
I had more ultrasound and massage- she said that she could feel where the Achilles tendon has thickened. She advised me not to run for another week, but feels things are on the mend... I have another session booked for next week, and she said that we can look at starting off by running and walking. My mum had panicked me as she told me that a friend of a friend's Achilles snapped, and she spent 12 weeks in plaster! I asked her if mine was in danger of snapping, and she said 'No', but then told me not to sue her if it does! Seriously, she said that it's likely to snap if it's very sore and 'grindy' constantly for quite a long while. Which it's not- the only time it's bothered me is after the Valleys and Views, and even then not for long.
I told her about the Morocco trek, she said that she doesn't think that will harm it.
I did my usual 5 1/2 mile cross country route last night- but walked it! I did wear my rucksack with 2 filled 2 litre water bottles and a heavy pair of shoes for a bit of an extra workout. I usually go to the gym Thursdays, but will go tomorrow, as I was later home from work today. May be an idea to rest the heel as the physio seems to make it slightly 'grindy'. I think I'll use my mini stepper and cross trainer and watch last night's apprentice (don't tell me who got fired!!)
A trip to the local garage may be in order... I seem to have developed a chocolate craving today and may just have to obey it!!
I had more ultrasound and massage- she said that she could feel where the Achilles tendon has thickened. She advised me not to run for another week, but feels things are on the mend... I have another session booked for next week, and she said that we can look at starting off by running and walking. My mum had panicked me as she told me that a friend of a friend's Achilles snapped, and she spent 12 weeks in plaster! I asked her if mine was in danger of snapping, and she said 'No', but then told me not to sue her if it does! Seriously, she said that it's likely to snap if it's very sore and 'grindy' constantly for quite a long while. Which it's not- the only time it's bothered me is after the Valleys and Views, and even then not for long.
I told her about the Morocco trek, she said that she doesn't think that will harm it.
I did my usual 5 1/2 mile cross country route last night- but walked it! I did wear my rucksack with 2 filled 2 litre water bottles and a heavy pair of shoes for a bit of an extra workout. I usually go to the gym Thursdays, but will go tomorrow, as I was later home from work today. May be an idea to rest the heel as the physio seems to make it slightly 'grindy'. I think I'll use my mini stepper and cross trainer and watch last night's apprentice (don't tell me who got fired!!)
A trip to the local garage may be in order... I seem to have developed a chocolate craving today and may just have to obey it!!
Labels: achilles tendonitis, chocolate, physiotherapy
