Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Panther Watch?
Something quite strange happened to me over the weekend... Saturday evening I decided to go for a walk, and took my usual 5 1/2 mile cross country run route. It was another gorgeous evening- so not typical Bank Holiday weather!
I was just crossing the last field before East Goscote, when I notice movement by the hedgerow in the field next door... it was a large black shape, and when I looked closer, it was obviously a cat of some description, with a long tail. But it looked much too large to be a domestic cat!
It was some distance away, so cursing myself for not having brought my camera I crept closer, and it bounded off into the hedgerow. I didn't see it after that, but when I got to my mums, Katie said that there has been a spate of panther sightings nearby recently!
Thinking this was my chance for a bit of fame, Sunday at the same time I was back, complete with camera and binoculars; I really didn't expect to see it again... but when I looked into the next field, there it was- in exactly the same spot as last night!
I was actually shaking with excitement as I got out my binoculars, and managed to get a good look at the beast... well, let's just say there's not many panthers wearing a collar with metal ID tag... sure it seemed a lot bigger the day before! Ah well...
Went to Foxton Locks with my Dad and step mum yesterday, not really training related (apart from mooching around) but was interesting.
I ran 7 1/2 miles tonight, longest distance since the half marathon in April. As I was running Katie text to ask if I fancied a run, so I picked her up (my route goes past mum's) and she kept me company for 1 1/2 miles.
My legs were feeling a bit tired at the end, but no Achilles problems! I think I'm ok to continue to build up slowly.
I was just crossing the last field before East Goscote, when I notice movement by the hedgerow in the field next door... it was a large black shape, and when I looked closer, it was obviously a cat of some description, with a long tail. But it looked much too large to be a domestic cat!
It was some distance away, so cursing myself for not having brought my camera I crept closer, and it bounded off into the hedgerow. I didn't see it after that, but when I got to my mums, Katie said that there has been a spate of panther sightings nearby recently!
Thinking this was my chance for a bit of fame, Sunday at the same time I was back, complete with camera and binoculars; I really didn't expect to see it again... but when I looked into the next field, there it was- in exactly the same spot as last night!
I was actually shaking with excitement as I got out my binoculars, and managed to get a good look at the beast... well, let's just say there's not many panthers wearing a collar with metal ID tag... sure it seemed a lot bigger the day before! Ah well...
Went to Foxton Locks with my Dad and step mum yesterday, not really training related (apart from mooching around) but was interesting.
I ran 7 1/2 miles tonight, longest distance since the half marathon in April. As I was running Katie text to ask if I fancied a run, so I picked her up (my route goes past mum's) and she kept me company for 1 1/2 miles.
My legs were feeling a bit tired at the end, but no Achilles problems! I think I'm ok to continue to build up slowly.
Labels: achilles tendonitis, Panther, running
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Midweek Update...
Not been up to an awful lot since Saturday's trek. Monday I ran 4 1/2 miles, and picked up the pace a bit, and touch wood; still no Achilles pain, soreness or creaking- it really feels as though everything has suddenly gone back into place, but I am going to be very, very careful with it...
Tuesday I did some weight training at home, and used my cross trainer for an hour whilst watching Diet Doctors... excellent motivation!
I am going to see a friend tonight, so I will bike there, not sure how far it is but there are a couple of decent hills! I am having to pick up the pace a bit as I intend to enter the Dovedale Dipper and also the Bullock Smithy, which eluded me last year (damn chest infection!!)
I am also, very slooowly, catching up with my holiday blog- it just takes ages to upload the photos!!
Tuesday I did some weight training at home, and used my cross trainer for an hour whilst watching Diet Doctors... excellent motivation!
I am going to see a friend tonight, so I will bike there, not sure how far it is but there are a couple of decent hills! I am having to pick up the pace a bit as I intend to enter the Dovedale Dipper and also the Bullock Smithy, which eluded me last year (damn chest infection!!)
I am also, very slooowly, catching up with my holiday blog- it just takes ages to upload the photos!!
Labels: achilles tendonitis, Bullock Smithy Hike, Dovedale Dipper
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Grrr Problems!
I am trying to update my Morocco trek, but am having real problems uploading photos... 4 times out of 5, they won't upload, and I am getting an error message. I have just spent nearly an hour trying and have managed to upload two... god knows how I'm going to finish writing up my holiday! I freely admit I'm not the most patient person in the world an am having to control my natural urge to break something!
I have been really busy this week downloading music for a mate, amongst other things- plus, it's amazing how much time exercising can take, although I've not done an awful lot this week; didn't go to the gym Sunday, but I did run 3 1/2 miles Monday as instructed by my physio! The good news is, there was absolutely nothing from Mr Achilles- no sensation, no soreness, no 'creaking'- nothing!! I'm really hoping I've cracked it. I've ordered a little book on Achilles Tendonitis, and there are some great exercises in it for strengthening the Achilles, vital I think for when I increase mileage!
I have used my little cross trainer and stepper quite a lot the last two nights, well, I've built up a sweat anyway! Tomorrow I will go back to the gym, Friday I am going to see my mate but intend to run before I go.
Saturday I was thinking about a long walk, as the Dovedale Dipper isn't very far away! This might be the first year it's not hot and sunny for it...
In the meantime, I will persevere with the travel writing but there may be no photos!
I have been really busy this week downloading music for a mate, amongst other things- plus, it's amazing how much time exercising can take, although I've not done an awful lot this week; didn't go to the gym Sunday, but I did run 3 1/2 miles Monday as instructed by my physio! The good news is, there was absolutely nothing from Mr Achilles- no sensation, no soreness, no 'creaking'- nothing!! I'm really hoping I've cracked it. I've ordered a little book on Achilles Tendonitis, and there are some great exercises in it for strengthening the Achilles, vital I think for when I increase mileage!
I have used my little cross trainer and stepper quite a lot the last two nights, well, I've built up a sweat anyway! Tomorrow I will go back to the gym, Friday I am going to see my mate but intend to run before I go.
Saturday I was thinking about a long walk, as the Dovedale Dipper isn't very far away! This might be the first year it's not hot and sunny for it...
In the meantime, I will persevere with the travel writing but there may be no photos!
Labels: achilles tendonitis, problems, trekking
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
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
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
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
Saturday, April 28, 2007
It's the Weekend!
I have been very good all week. Well, since Thursday! I went to the gym Thursday night, and did my usual 20 minutes on the elliptical and the stepper, 5 minutes rowing, 5 minutes on the bike, plus strength training... then I did about 7 minutes walking on incline on the treadmill, before going back on the elliptical for 10 minutes.
I discovered the ellipticals have different programs, and could set the resistance on it to simulate hills. They are a wonderful piece of kit, totally non impact so ideal for injuries. trouble is, everybody else thinks they are a wonderful piece of kit too!
I went out for a gentle 3 1/2 mile stroll last night and have been faithfully doing my exercises.
I have a bit of a dilemma though... I have entered the Valleys and Views walk tomorrow; a 25 mile LDWA walk. I have done it the last 2 years, it's fairly gentle, and I will be walking... the physio said it's ok to walk... ok, I didn't actually tell her about this walk, but she was very clear that it's the pounding and jarring associated with running that causes the problem...
I will chance it anyway, and wear my old running shoes, that may sort out the blister problem too! I may ice my Achilles when I get back and take it easy the next few days... touch wood, it's been fine.
I had entered the White Peak half marathon on May 19th with my colleague, but I don't think I will be able to do it. Even if I can run again in a couple of weeks, the physio advised me to build up slowly, and it wouldn'tleave me much time to build back up to 13 miles. Shame, but I don't want to risk a permanent injury and jeapardise my MdS chances...
I discovered the ellipticals have different programs, and could set the resistance on it to simulate hills. They are a wonderful piece of kit, totally non impact so ideal for injuries. trouble is, everybody else thinks they are a wonderful piece of kit too!
I went out for a gentle 3 1/2 mile stroll last night and have been faithfully doing my exercises.
I have a bit of a dilemma though... I have entered the Valleys and Views walk tomorrow; a 25 mile LDWA walk. I have done it the last 2 years, it's fairly gentle, and I will be walking... the physio said it's ok to walk... ok, I didn't actually tell her about this walk, but she was very clear that it's the pounding and jarring associated with running that causes the problem...
I will chance it anyway, and wear my old running shoes, that may sort out the blister problem too! I may ice my Achilles when I get back and take it easy the next few days... touch wood, it's been fine.
I had entered the White Peak half marathon on May 19th with my colleague, but I don't think I will be able to do it. Even if I can run again in a couple of weeks, the physio advised me to build up slowly, and it wouldn'tleave me much time to build back up to 13 miles. Shame, but I don't want to risk a permanent injury and jeapardise my MdS chances...
Labels: achilles tendonitis, physiotherapy, walking, White Peak half marathon
Thursday, April 26, 2007
I Have Achilles Tendonitis
It's official. I have Achilles Tendonitis. I had kind of diagnosed myself with it so was a pretty good self diagnosis!
I saw the physio today. I wasn't sure what to expect and was a wee bit nervous. When I went into her office, the first thing she said was "Wear did you get your trousers?" I took off my shoes and socks (should have changed my socks!) and she said "Your feet are terrible!" and then "Oh I am so rude!"
My feet are awful- my toes are all odd sizes and I have totally flat feet- I was born with them like this!
She made her diagnosis and gave me a massage (and I remembered I hate my legs being touched!) and I had some ultrasound.
And then she said not to run!!! Ok it does make sense... she said if we nip it in the bud now, it will be much better than leaving it and dealing with a possibly chronic condition. I am allowed to cross train, though, so will go to the gym tonight and give the elliptical trainer, stepper, rower and bike a good work out. No running. Honest!
I saw the physio today. I wasn't sure what to expect and was a wee bit nervous. When I went into her office, the first thing she said was "Wear did you get your trousers?" I took off my shoes and socks (should have changed my socks!) and she said "Your feet are terrible!" and then "Oh I am so rude!"
My feet are awful- my toes are all odd sizes and I have totally flat feet- I was born with them like this!
She made her diagnosis and gave me a massage (and I remembered I hate my legs being touched!) and I had some ultrasound.
And then she said not to run!!! Ok it does make sense... she said if we nip it in the bud now, it will be much better than leaving it and dealing with a possibly chronic condition. I am allowed to cross train, though, so will go to the gym tonight and give the elliptical trainer, stepper, rower and bike a good work out. No running. Honest!
I asked her what happens when it 'grinds' when you move it. She said that the tendon is housed in a sheath, and when under stress it swells, so there is not much room for it to run smoothly through the sheath...
I mentioned that I had entered an Ultra event on 2009 so of course she asked what it was. When I told her, her cheery response was "What on earth possessed you to enter that?!?" Although she did once have a client who had done the MdS... she didn't elaborate further though, but I did gather his injuries happened after the event and not during!Labels: achilles pain, achilles tendonitis, gym
