Saturday, June 30, 2007
Day Two; Aremd To Ouanskera
We had an 8am star this morning, and realised later that we were being broken in gently! We had porridge, bread, jam and cheese for breakfast and watched the local kids gather round the school for an 8am start. Most of the villages have schools, which all lok very similar- orange buildings with shutters. They have been provided by the government, and the children attend from 8am to 12pm, then 2pm til 5pm.
Our mules arrived, and we set off through Aremd. We descended on a rather rocky mule track by the river, and started out long, gradual ascent to Tizi 'n Tamertert (Tizi means pass). It was really hot, so a lot of us took advantage of a water stop to remove the zip off bottoms on our walking trousers.
Our route took us through a village, where we saw a lady weaving a traditional rug, and a young girl was carrying three black lambs into a field- they looked so young, they still had remnants of their unbilical cords dangling.
Our route to the pass was a long climb, but at a gentle, easy pace; I felt well able to keep up. We reached the top of the pass, to find a small brick and tin hut manned by a couple of young berbers selling bottles of coke and a selection of chocolate bars. Everything seems to be 10 Dirham (about 64p) and was very welcome! Although we only had day packs, it's amazing how much a fleece, set of water proofs, assorted medical stuff and 3 litres of water weighs- I'm going to have to get used to training with a much heavier pack for the MdS!
View From The Top Of Tizi 'n Tamertert
View Walking To Ouanskera
We climbed again and had a view of our village for the night- Ouanskera. Our Gite was basic but comfortable- me and Sandra's room had a patch where a large hole in the wall had obviously been made and hastily repaired, and when I tried the shower, the shower head promptly fell off and soaked my sandals. We had a colourful salad for lunch on the roof terrace looking out over the village.
There was the usual mosque with minaret tower and haunting call to prayer. We had an optional walk later up the valley to more villages. These seemed more primitive- small, squat cubic houses with no electricity. A kid followed us for ages, keeping up with us over the rocky paths effortlessly in his sandals, he couldn't have been more than five years old. Other children were playing games in the dust or driving livestock.
We passed through a larger village, with several 'shops'- hatches with bottles of coke, fanta and water displayed. The kids here were bolder, following us, saying "Bonjour" and the now familiar "Dirham? Un stylo? Bon Bon?"
We returned to Ouanskera and our gite for dinner and a read and relax as tomorrow was to be a longer walking day...
Ouanskera Village
Our mules arrived, and we set off through Aremd. We descended on a rather rocky mule track by the river, and started out long, gradual ascent to Tizi 'n Tamertert (Tizi means pass). It was really hot, so a lot of us took advantage of a water stop to remove the zip off bottoms on our walking trousers.
Our route took us through a village, where we saw a lady weaving a traditional rug, and a young girl was carrying three black lambs into a field- they looked so young, they still had remnants of their unbilical cords dangling.
Our route to the pass was a long climb, but at a gentle, easy pace; I felt well able to keep up. We reached the top of the pass, to find a small brick and tin hut manned by a couple of young berbers selling bottles of coke and a selection of chocolate bars. Everything seems to be 10 Dirham (about 64p) and was very welcome! Although we only had day packs, it's amazing how much a fleece, set of water proofs, assorted medical stuff and 3 litres of water weighs- I'm going to have to get used to training with a much heavier pack for the MdS!
View From The Top Of Tizi 'n TamertertAli provided mixed nuts and dates, and we sat for a while admiring the amazing view. We could see right down to the valley beyond, and the terraces used to grow crops, very similar to what I had seen in Peru.
We then had a long descent by road, before turning off on a rocky path through a village where women were washing their clothes in the river and drying them on large boulders.
View Walking To OuanskeraWe climbed again and had a view of our village for the night- Ouanskera. Our Gite was basic but comfortable- me and Sandra's room had a patch where a large hole in the wall had obviously been made and hastily repaired, and when I tried the shower, the shower head promptly fell off and soaked my sandals. We had a colourful salad for lunch on the roof terrace looking out over the village.
There was the usual mosque with minaret tower and haunting call to prayer. We had an optional walk later up the valley to more villages. These seemed more primitive- small, squat cubic houses with no electricity. A kid followed us for ages, keeping up with us over the rocky paths effortlessly in his sandals, he couldn't have been more than five years old. Other children were playing games in the dust or driving livestock.
We passed through a larger village, with several 'shops'- hatches with bottles of coke, fanta and water displayed. The kids here were bolder, following us, saying "Bonjour" and the now familiar "Dirham? Un stylo? Bon Bon?"
We returned to Ouanskera and our gite for dinner and a read and relax as tomorrow was to be a longer walking day...
Ouanskera VillageLabels: High Atlas, Morocco, Ouanskera
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Long Time No Update!
This week has been so busy plus I couldn't get an internet connection last night... but I thought I'd better make an entry on this, one of the most historic days Britain has seen for a while, one which may have an impact for years to come... yes, the Spice Girls are getting back together!!
Saddest news is, mum's dog Alex passed peacefully away in her arms on Monday night, at the caravan. It was expected, he has been slowly deteriorating, but still very sad. At least he went peacefully.
I have been doing a series of four runs, a 'Grand Prix' organised by Holme Pierrepont Running Club in Nottingham; we had a 10k Tuesday at the water sports centre, a 5k tonight at Wollaton Park, a 4 mile run next Tuesday at Ruddington Country Park and a 5 miler at Colwick Park next Thursday. I am doing this with two colleagues; the 10k on Tuesday was a good test for the Achilles. I wasn't expecting a brilliant time, as I hadn't ran for ages and hadn't ran 6 miles for a long time. It was quite demoralising as we could see the finish and hear the cheers for the lead runners when we were only just over half way!
I was pleasantly surprised to finish in just under the hour, better than I expected but the course was pretty flat. One colleague finished in just over 58 minutes and the other shaved over 4 minutes off her last year's time, so good effort all round!
Today's 5k was slightly tougher. It started to pour just as we were waiting for the start, and rained during the run. It was also quite hilly, the route taking us up to Wollaton Hall several times. Some of the route was over grass with pot holes and bogs! I managed to power up the earlier hills, but by the end of the race I felt completely done- I couldn't even manage a downhill sprint finish, and felt I was giving all I had. Maybe I started off too fast, but that was the first actual 5k race I have done, and the first time I have raced just two days apart. One colleague was just behind me, and the other, who thought she'd come last, managed to overtake somebody right on the wire! I finished in under 28 minutes, haven't yet got the times.
I will try to write up more of my Morocco trip, but it will probably be at the weekend... we had a bomb scare at work today which was quite exciting, and we have been told that we are expected to volunteer to help out in case of floods and associated evacuations this weekend, so could be quite interesting!
Saddest news is, mum's dog Alex passed peacefully away in her arms on Monday night, at the caravan. It was expected, he has been slowly deteriorating, but still very sad. At least he went peacefully.
I have been doing a series of four runs, a 'Grand Prix' organised by Holme Pierrepont Running Club in Nottingham; we had a 10k Tuesday at the water sports centre, a 5k tonight at Wollaton Park, a 4 mile run next Tuesday at Ruddington Country Park and a 5 miler at Colwick Park next Thursday. I am doing this with two colleagues; the 10k on Tuesday was a good test for the Achilles. I wasn't expecting a brilliant time, as I hadn't ran for ages and hadn't ran 6 miles for a long time. It was quite demoralising as we could see the finish and hear the cheers for the lead runners when we were only just over half way!
I was pleasantly surprised to finish in just under the hour, better than I expected but the course was pretty flat. One colleague finished in just over 58 minutes and the other shaved over 4 minutes off her last year's time, so good effort all round!
Today's 5k was slightly tougher. It started to pour just as we were waiting for the start, and rained during the run. It was also quite hilly, the route taking us up to Wollaton Hall several times. Some of the route was over grass with pot holes and bogs! I managed to power up the earlier hills, but by the end of the race I felt completely done- I couldn't even manage a downhill sprint finish, and felt I was giving all I had. Maybe I started off too fast, but that was the first actual 5k race I have done, and the first time I have raced just two days apart. One colleague was just behind me, and the other, who thought she'd come last, managed to overtake somebody right on the wire! I finished in under 28 minutes, haven't yet got the times.
I will try to write up more of my Morocco trip, but it will probably be at the weekend... we had a bomb scare at work today which was quite exciting, and we have been told that we are expected to volunteer to help out in case of floods and associated evacuations this weekend, so could be quite interesting!
Labels: 10k, 5k, Alex, road race
Monday, June 25, 2007
Day One; Marrakesh to Aremd
Right... day one- Monday 11th June, Marrakesh to Aremd;
Saturday was spent travelling, after quite an uneventful flight I arrived at Marrakesh airport and met our tour leader, Ali, a local guy who spoke excellent English (as well as Berber, his first language, and French!)
There were 10 of us on the tour; me, Sandra, a very fit lady in her 60's who I met at Heathrow, four men, and two couples, one couple were from the states. All very nice people.
We had Monday morning free in Marrakesh, but couldn't go too far as we had to be ready for departure at 12.30pm. Me and Sandra had a walk around and found a park full of pretty trees and plants.
The traffic in Marrakesh is mad, and you take your life in your hands crossing the roads- eventually we were to learn that the most effective way was to spot the locals and follow them across the road! There are lots of cyclists and scooter riders, complete with helmets slung onto the handlebars.
Marrakesh; The City Walls
We were driven to a cafe overlooking the impressive Koutobia minaret for lunch, I am afraid to say I had omelette and chips! Then we faced a two hour drive, over switch back roads and hairpin bends, through the mountains to the hamlet of Imlil.
Imlil has a real 'Wild West' feel to it; tumbledown houses, mule hiring yards and locals riding mules and donkeys up and down the streets. We had around an hour's wals to our first night stop, Aremd. It wasn't hard walking, we had quite a gentle climb up to the road that led to the hamlet.
Aremd Village
Our first night was to be spent in the village 'gite'- basically a house with rooms, all with matresses on the floor for sleeping bags, a room for eating, a kitchen and showers downstairs, and a large roof terrace plus toilets upstairs. Basic and crumbling, but adequate. Once settled in, we had the first of many afternoon refreshments of mint tea; Moroccans love their mint tea, made with green tea and fresh mint, plus lots of sugar!
After this we had a mooch round the village... what an eye opener! Really does make you appreciate what we have in the West... the houses are very basic; just mud and brick walls, with crude wooden doorframes and ill fitting wood or metal doors. Often there are very small windows without glass, and flat roofs which form terraces for the houses above. Livestock is kept on the ground floor of the houses, and the women and children drive them to the fields to graze during the day. The women must also gather long grass, which they carry on their backs to be dried out on the roofs for winter feed.
There is often no electricity, running water or toilet facilities. Very few houses have tv's. There are no roads or streets, just rocky paths between houses. People use mules as we use cars. Most people are friendly, but quite often we were followed by children calling "Bonjour? Dirham? Un stylo?" (pen) we had been warned not to give them anything but some were quite persistent.
Berber Houses
View of Jebel Toukbal (right) from Aremd
Saturday was spent travelling, after quite an uneventful flight I arrived at Marrakesh airport and met our tour leader, Ali, a local guy who spoke excellent English (as well as Berber, his first language, and French!)
There were 10 of us on the tour; me, Sandra, a very fit lady in her 60's who I met at Heathrow, four men, and two couples, one couple were from the states. All very nice people.
We had Monday morning free in Marrakesh, but couldn't go too far as we had to be ready for departure at 12.30pm. Me and Sandra had a walk around and found a park full of pretty trees and plants.
The traffic in Marrakesh is mad, and you take your life in your hands crossing the roads- eventually we were to learn that the most effective way was to spot the locals and follow them across the road! There are lots of cyclists and scooter riders, complete with helmets slung onto the handlebars.
Marrakesh; The City WallsWe were driven to a cafe overlooking the impressive Koutobia minaret for lunch, I am afraid to say I had omelette and chips! Then we faced a two hour drive, over switch back roads and hairpin bends, through the mountains to the hamlet of Imlil.
Imlil has a real 'Wild West' feel to it; tumbledown houses, mule hiring yards and locals riding mules and donkeys up and down the streets. We had around an hour's wals to our first night stop, Aremd. It wasn't hard walking, we had quite a gentle climb up to the road that led to the hamlet.
Aremd VillageOur first night was to be spent in the village 'gite'- basically a house with rooms, all with matresses on the floor for sleeping bags, a room for eating, a kitchen and showers downstairs, and a large roof terrace plus toilets upstairs. Basic and crumbling, but adequate. Once settled in, we had the first of many afternoon refreshments of mint tea; Moroccans love their mint tea, made with green tea and fresh mint, plus lots of sugar!
After this we had a mooch round the village... what an eye opener! Really does make you appreciate what we have in the West... the houses are very basic; just mud and brick walls, with crude wooden doorframes and ill fitting wood or metal doors. Often there are very small windows without glass, and flat roofs which form terraces for the houses above. Livestock is kept on the ground floor of the houses, and the women and children drive them to the fields to graze during the day. The women must also gather long grass, which they carry on their backs to be dried out on the roofs for winter feed.
There is often no electricity, running water or toilet facilities. Very few houses have tv's. There are no roads or streets, just rocky paths between houses. People use mules as we use cars. Most people are friendly, but quite often we were followed by children calling "Bonjour? Dirham? Un stylo?" (pen) we had been warned not to give them anything but some were quite persistent.
Berber Houses
View of Jebel Toukbal (right) from AremdThere were wonderful views of Jebel Toukbal from the terrace; each morning was clear and sunny, and it quickly became very hot. Later on in the afternoon, the peaks would cloud over, but the cloud would clear again during the night. I didn't see a drop of rain all fortnight- then come back to Britain and gales, rain and flood warnings!!
Labels: Aremd, High Atlas, Morocco, trekking
Sunday, June 24, 2007
I'm Back!!!
I'm back from Morocco- just in the process of sorting out my (far too many) holiday snaps, then I will post a day by day account... it was, well, a bit of a culture shock- totally different way of life, and makes you realise just how much we take for granted in the West.
Good training though; several hours walking each day, with long ascents and descents, over often rough terrain, with quite a heavy pack (fleece, plus waterproofs, which weren't actually needed, plus 3 litres of water). I was pleased to note that on the climbs I could easily keep pace with the leaders, and even felt that I could go a bit quicker; I kept dropping back to take photos and catching up again quite quickly. Downhills were another matter though, as I am really sh*te at descending over rough terrain and have to pick my way down slowly and gently.
So- watch this space- I will try to post the first accounts tomorrow, right now I have loads of washing etc to do!
Good training though; several hours walking each day, with long ascents and descents, over often rough terrain, with quite a heavy pack (fleece, plus waterproofs, which weren't actually needed, plus 3 litres of water). I was pleased to note that on the climbs I could easily keep pace with the leaders, and even felt that I could go a bit quicker; I kept dropping back to take photos and catching up again quite quickly. Downhills were another matter though, as I am really sh*te at descending over rough terrain and have to pick my way down slowly and gently.
So- watch this space- I will try to post the first accounts tomorrow, right now I have loads of washing etc to do!
Labels: High Atlas, Morocco, trekking
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Off On Holiday!!!
Right... this is it... in just a few hours I will be boarding the National Express to Heathrow, to catch my flight to Casablanca and ultimately Marrakech!
I have had a major panic over packing- my four season sleeping bag is really bulky! (And I have realised what FUN it is going to be, stuffing the thing back into it's stuff sack every morning...) I have ended up with my canvas bag for the trek, plus rucksack as hand luggage (as long as it's not to big/ bulky!) which isn't too bad... not sure what I'll do if I end up buying anything though!
Our tour itinary is as follows;
Day 1; Arrive Marrakech, check in hotel
Day 2; Morning in Marrakech, drive to Imlil, walk for approx 1 hour to Aremd
Day 3; Trek to Ouanskera over Tizi n'Tamertert into the Imenane Valley, walking approx 4 hours
Day 4; Demanding day's walk, starting with steep ascent, to Iabessene, via Tachedirt and Tizi n' Tachedirt, walking approx 6-7 hours
Day 5; Walk to Oukaimeden, via Tizi Mzlee, Agounss and Tizi n' Ouatter, walking approx 7 hours
Day 6; Free day in Oukaimeden, with optional walk up Jebel Oukaimeden (4 hours round trip) for stunning panoramic views
Day 7; Demanding day walking through Amskere through juniper forests. Head up to the Tizi-Aguersioual, walking approx 7-9 hours
Day 8; Head for Tizi-Oussem after crossing the pass at Tizi-Oudite, relaxing afternoon with the possibility of a short walk up the valley or visit to the village Hamman (think this might be a Turkish Bath!)
Day 9; Trek to Aremd via Tizi Mzik, rest of afternoon free in Aremd
Day 10; Trek to Toukbal Refuge up the Mizane Valley, via Sidi Charamouch, walking approx 4-5 hours Day 11; Optional attempt of Jebel Toukbal, North Africa's highest peak, (4165m)
Day 12; Walk to Aremd and Imlil, drive to Marrakech
Day 13; Free in Marrakech
Day 14; Come home!
No idea how to pronounce the village names!! Morocco is an hour behind us, time wise... I've looked at the weather site, weather for the next week appears to be warm (24-26) and sunny! Actually I hope it is hot- be good practice for 2009!
I really hope I get to the top of Jebel Toukbal. I am now worrying that everybody is going to be much fitter than me!! Poor Lucky is not going to be happy as Katie will need to take her to the cattery Friday- they are going to Norfolk while I'm away.
I doubt whether I will be able to update this before I return- so I will give a quick outline when I get back and go into more detail for each day. With photos!
See you when I get back!
I have had a major panic over packing- my four season sleeping bag is really bulky! (And I have realised what FUN it is going to be, stuffing the thing back into it's stuff sack every morning...) I have ended up with my canvas bag for the trek, plus rucksack as hand luggage (as long as it's not to big/ bulky!) which isn't too bad... not sure what I'll do if I end up buying anything though!
Our tour itinary is as follows;
Day 1; Arrive Marrakech, check in hotel
Day 2; Morning in Marrakech, drive to Imlil, walk for approx 1 hour to Aremd
Day 3; Trek to Ouanskera over Tizi n'Tamertert into the Imenane Valley, walking approx 4 hours
Day 4; Demanding day's walk, starting with steep ascent, to Iabessene, via Tachedirt and Tizi n' Tachedirt, walking approx 6-7 hours
Day 5; Walk to Oukaimeden, via Tizi Mzlee, Agounss and Tizi n' Ouatter, walking approx 7 hours
Day 6; Free day in Oukaimeden, with optional walk up Jebel Oukaimeden (4 hours round trip) for stunning panoramic views
Day 7; Demanding day walking through Amskere through juniper forests. Head up to the Tizi-Aguersioual, walking approx 7-9 hours
Day 8; Head for Tizi-Oussem after crossing the pass at Tizi-Oudite, relaxing afternoon with the possibility of a short walk up the valley or visit to the village Hamman (think this might be a Turkish Bath!)
Day 9; Trek to Aremd via Tizi Mzik, rest of afternoon free in Aremd
Day 10; Trek to Toukbal Refuge up the Mizane Valley, via Sidi Charamouch, walking approx 4-5 hours Day 11; Optional attempt of Jebel Toukbal, North Africa's highest peak, (4165m)
Day 12; Walk to Aremd and Imlil, drive to Marrakech
Day 13; Free in Marrakech
Day 14; Come home!
No idea how to pronounce the village names!! Morocco is an hour behind us, time wise... I've looked at the weather site, weather for the next week appears to be warm (24-26) and sunny! Actually I hope it is hot- be good practice for 2009!
I really hope I get to the top of Jebel Toukbal. I am now worrying that everybody is going to be much fitter than me!! Poor Lucky is not going to be happy as Katie will need to take her to the cattery Friday- they are going to Norfolk while I'm away.
I doubt whether I will be able to update this before I return- so I will give a quick outline when I get back and go into more detail for each day. With photos!
See you when I get back!
Labels: High Atlas, holiday, Jebel Toukbal, Morocco, trekking
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Mad Panic!!
Phew, not sure how I'm going to get everything done... I have laid stuff out on the spare bed and am having the usual 'what to take' dilemmas... work is very busy, so have that to deal with too!
This week has been a kind of taper; Tuesday me and my sis went to Bradgate Park for a 2 hour yomp around the hilly parts (and were overtaken by a large running club!) I wanted to get used to my boots, and- touch wood- they were fine... I did have a small pack on with about 2 1/2 litres of water and some shoes (for the weight!!)
Today we are going to take the dogs for a gentle stroll across the fields, think Alex is deteriorating slowly bless him...
Gym tomorrow with a lighter work out, then I think I will just do a gentle walk/ bike ride Saturday as I will probably get quite enough exercise charging around the house, attempting to pack...
This week has been a kind of taper; Tuesday me and my sis went to Bradgate Park for a 2 hour yomp around the hilly parts (and were overtaken by a large running club!) I wanted to get used to my boots, and- touch wood- they were fine... I did have a small pack on with about 2 1/2 litres of water and some shoes (for the weight!!)
Today we are going to take the dogs for a gentle stroll across the fields, think Alex is deteriorating slowly bless him...
Gym tomorrow with a lighter work out, then I think I will just do a gentle walk/ bike ride Saturday as I will probably get quite enough exercise charging around the house, attempting to pack...
Labels: Bradgate Park, gym, walking
Monday, June 04, 2007
New Boots!
I have had to succumb and slap a new pair of boots on the credit card... my old ones had started to break away at the heel; I thought they would maybe be ok, but after last weekend's walk in the Lakes they were slightly worse... my sis's boots suddenly decided to part body and soleso you never know quite when they are going to go... if they suddenly broke in the Atlas Mountains, I would be pretty well stuffed... I decided it's just not worth the risk...
... so I grabbed a couple of hours off work, went to the Black's store in Nottingham and bought a pair of fabric boots which hopefully won't need breaking in much! They are a make I haven't heard of before- Technicals- but seem very comfy so far (although I've only worn them around the house!) and have a strong, Vibram sole. Just looked on Google, it appears that they are Black's own make.
I did an extra tough workout at the gym yesterday- 20 minutes running, getting up to 6.3mph, 20 minutes warm up on ellipticals, 15 minutes resistance work on ellipticals with 3 mins cool down, 20 minutes on stepper at higher resistance than usual, 10 minutes on bike, 10 minutes walking on incline, 3 minutes rowing plus my round of strength training! Think I was in there longer than anybody and was certainly sweating more!
My theory... if you're not sweating... you aint working hard enough!! (That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.)
I went out later yesterday evening and ran/ walked (but mostly ran) 5 miles, but think it was a bit much as I've felt that Achilles slightly today walking into town. I might just have a gentle walk round the village to start breaking my boots in...
Bloody hell, this time next week I'll be in Marrakesh!!
... so I grabbed a couple of hours off work, went to the Black's store in Nottingham and bought a pair of fabric boots which hopefully won't need breaking in much! They are a make I haven't heard of before- Technicals- but seem very comfy so far (although I've only worn them around the house!) and have a strong, Vibram sole. Just looked on Google, it appears that they are Black's own make.
I did an extra tough workout at the gym yesterday- 20 minutes running, getting up to 6.3mph, 20 minutes warm up on ellipticals, 15 minutes resistance work on ellipticals with 3 mins cool down, 20 minutes on stepper at higher resistance than usual, 10 minutes on bike, 10 minutes walking on incline, 3 minutes rowing plus my round of strength training! Think I was in there longer than anybody and was certainly sweating more!
My theory... if you're not sweating... you aint working hard enough!! (That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.)
I went out later yesterday evening and ran/ walked (but mostly ran) 5 miles, but think it was a bit much as I've felt that Achilles slightly today walking into town. I might just have a gentle walk round the village to start breaking my boots in...
Bloody hell, this time next week I'll be in Marrakesh!!
Labels: gym, Morocco, walking boots
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Thank God For Weekends
Considering it was a short week I am knackered! My friend thinks it's because we end up cramming all our week's work in four days instead of five. She has a point...
Been a quiet week; I used my stepper and cross trainer Tuesday, and did some strength training at home. Wednesday I tried a gentle 3 mile run, so far so good; no Achilles pain, but some 'grinding' later that night and the next morning...
Thursday night I went to the gym, and ran three lots of five minutes with walking in between, plus all the other stuff. I have incorporated the elliptical trainers twice into my routine... once to warm up, and again later for resistance work- really works those glutes!!
I had physio yesterday, she seems to think the heel is ok, and it's a matter of building up gently and monitoring it, thank god! I mentioned the grinding, and she said that she doesn't think it's Crepitus (when the tendon swells within the sheath) but caused by movement of the Achilles- which doesn't sound quite so bad! She said that she got her thumbs well in there and that it should help!
I'll have to start thinking about packing soon for my Atlas trip... at least it will be extended walking uphill over rocky terrain day after day- so has got to be good training! This time I am more confident about my fitness than previous treks I've done.
At the time of writing, Rich should be on his way to France to complete La Trans Aqu- good luck to him, I'm sure he will be fine though, he has done loads of preparation and training.
I have a very arduous afternoon today... going shopping with a mate and having a chinese! (although I did walk to the next town this morning, and will run later, oh and gym tomorrow...)
Been a quiet week; I used my stepper and cross trainer Tuesday, and did some strength training at home. Wednesday I tried a gentle 3 mile run, so far so good; no Achilles pain, but some 'grinding' later that night and the next morning...
Thursday night I went to the gym, and ran three lots of five minutes with walking in between, plus all the other stuff. I have incorporated the elliptical trainers twice into my routine... once to warm up, and again later for resistance work- really works those glutes!!
I had physio yesterday, she seems to think the heel is ok, and it's a matter of building up gently and monitoring it, thank god! I mentioned the grinding, and she said that she doesn't think it's Crepitus (when the tendon swells within the sheath) but caused by movement of the Achilles- which doesn't sound quite so bad! She said that she got her thumbs well in there and that it should help!
I'll have to start thinking about packing soon for my Atlas trip... at least it will be extended walking uphill over rocky terrain day after day- so has got to be good training! This time I am more confident about my fitness than previous treks I've done.
At the time of writing, Rich should be on his way to France to complete La Trans Aqu- good luck to him, I'm sure he will be fine though, he has done loads of preparation and training.
I have a very arduous afternoon today... going shopping with a mate and having a chinese! (although I did walk to the next town this morning, and will run later, oh and gym tomorrow...)
Labels: gym, physiotherapy, running
