Today, I finally managed to get outdoors for a 30 minute walk after 15 days of virtually no exercise. God, it felt so good to walk again! Overall the foot held up pretty well, it did feel a little tight (sprain like kind of feeling) between my foot and ankle, but no sharp shooting pains like I experienced these past few weeks. Hopefully, I'll never experience it again! Knock on wood.
I saw my physio today he was happy with my healing progress. We decided to slowly up my training program over the next weeks. For now, one day on, one day off and increasing the time along the way.
Today I mentioned to my friend Donna (who's coming on the walk) how my last Camino kind of felt like a race. So I came up with a saying 'piano, piano, arriviamo.' Translated: slowly, slowly, we will arrive. So as I was walking today, I realised prior to my tendonitis I was rushing my training walks and not enjoying the scenery (and it's so beautiful where I live). This injury has forced me to slow right down. I also left my ipod behind (only because the battery was dead) and as I began walking, I made a conscience effort to pay attention to each step whilst scanning my body for various sensations. For such a short walk, I felt like I really benefit from this practise. What a difference when you really bring your awareness to the present moment. Apparently they call this walking mediation.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Pain, pain, go away
It's been a little over 2 weeks since I was struck down with tendonitis in my left foot. Man, talk about a challenge! I thought my knee injury was bad, atleast with the knee I can carry on walking and attend yoga classes. Tendonitis on the other hand limits me to fewer activities like swimming and riding a stationery bike. I confess I've been slack carrying out these exercises this past week. Although, I am contemplating purchasing an exercise bike (as long as it doesn't aggravated my knee too much) like that I can continue training if the weather is crap or knock on wood, I injure myself again. Ohhh how I long to get back on the road again and walk amongst nature and hold a triangle pose. Not long now... :)
On the other hand, the good news is my Xray ruled out a stress fracture. My physio will be happy to hear this next week.
My healing techniques for foot tendonitis is taping, physio, anti-inflammatories, wearing shoes with orthotics, acupuncture (this is quite painful IMHO...lol) and plenty of rest. Having worked from home for the past 2 days allowed me to rest my foot and I gotta say, this has worked wonders for the healing process. Boni thank you for the tip. Today I noticed how much better my foot feels, still a little tender though.
It's weird trying to walk normal again, as the past 2 weeks I've been walking around with a limp. I'm trying to distribute the weight evenly but this in itself is a tough feat as I'm concerned the pain I felt several days ago will return.
Like the camino, one step at a time...
Lessons learnt: Do not rush or push myself too hard in training. Stretch before and after sessions. I really want to accomplish this walk injury free!
:)
On the other hand, the good news is my Xray ruled out a stress fracture. My physio will be happy to hear this next week.
My healing techniques for foot tendonitis is taping, physio, anti-inflammatories, wearing shoes with orthotics, acupuncture (this is quite painful IMHO...lol) and plenty of rest. Having worked from home for the past 2 days allowed me to rest my foot and I gotta say, this has worked wonders for the healing process. Boni thank you for the tip. Today I noticed how much better my foot feels, still a little tender though.
It's weird trying to walk normal again, as the past 2 weeks I've been walking around with a limp. I'm trying to distribute the weight evenly but this in itself is a tough feat as I'm concerned the pain I felt several days ago will return.
Like the camino, one step at a time...
Lessons learnt: Do not rush or push myself too hard in training. Stretch before and after sessions. I really want to accomplish this walk injury free!
:)
Monday, January 2, 2012
Boots
After purchasing 2 pairs of Merrell boots (Moabs and Chameleons) I was toing and froing between the two. In the end, I opted for the Merrell Moabs mid boot.
The difference between the two (in my humble opinion) is the Chameleons are very sturdy although they lack comfort. They are a stiff boot. Whereas the Moabs are very comfy more like a sneaker and lightweight. When I'm walking in Moabs it feels like I'm walking on clouds. They provide good ankle support and alot of cushioning. Although the downside to this boot the sole is not as sturdy as the Chameleons.
Reviews from the Camino de Santiago forum indicate people either love Moabs or they don't. The main reason is due to the sole not being sturdy enough and apparently you can feel the pebbles under your feet.
Everytime I've taken these boots out for a walk, they feel great! When I finally reach the time to commence pack walks, my opinion might change.
In the meantime, these boots were made for walking...
:)
The difference between the two (in my humble opinion) is the Chameleons are very sturdy although they lack comfort. They are a stiff boot. Whereas the Moabs are very comfy more like a sneaker and lightweight. When I'm walking in Moabs it feels like I'm walking on clouds. They provide good ankle support and alot of cushioning. Although the downside to this boot the sole is not as sturdy as the Chameleons.
Reviews from the Camino de Santiago forum indicate people either love Moabs or they don't. The main reason is due to the sole not being sturdy enough and apparently you can feel the pebbles under your feet.
Everytime I've taken these boots out for a walk, they feel great! When I finally reach the time to commence pack walks, my opinion might change.
In the meantime, these boots were made for walking...
:)
Sunday, January 1, 2012
When it rains, it pours
When you exercise excessively and over a short period of time injuries are bound to happen. Yep, that's what happened to me this week.
With the excitement of booking my flights and finally entering the 'Camino zone' my motivation skyrocketed (a little too much). I was out walking everyday and then suddenly, I was struck down with foot tendinopathy (tendinitous).. Boo hoo. As you can imagine my confidence was shattered.
On top of that, I also have a pre-existing knee injury (pattellofemoral pain syndrome) which flares up every now and again depending on certain (most) activities I participate in. Although, this week the knee is going great guns, thank God!
Thankfully, there's a silverlining and his name is Brad McIntosh, my awesome physiotherapist (Sydney Sports and Orthopaedic Physiotherapy). Using his expertise he instructed me to work on my butt muscles, apparently they are very weak..lol. By working on this area it will help realign my knees and feet. He also taped my foot and knee (looking a bit like a mummy these days) and instructed me to wear orthotics. Have you seen how ugly most orthotic shoes are? lol... Alas, with a bit of research I came across a few nice enough pair of orthotic shoes and sandals. (If your interested in orthotic shoes, check out online the 'Orthotic shop' and 'Peter Sheppard'). He also instructed me to continue exercising, but not at full gusto. One day on, one day off. My homework before my next visit is to plan my training program for the next 8 months. Once I have finalised my program I'll upload it.
Since seeing Brad my foot is feeling better. As much as I wanted to head out for a walk today, I reframed from doing so, Brad you would be proud! Looking forward to heading out for a walk tomorrow though.
Lesson learnt: This new injury made me realise how much I want to do this walk and remember: piano, piano, arriviamo...
2012 New Year resolutions: Obtain a rock solid butt and build my inner quad muscles.
Happy New Year everyone!
:)
With the excitement of booking my flights and finally entering the 'Camino zone' my motivation skyrocketed (a little too much). I was out walking everyday and then suddenly, I was struck down with foot tendinopathy (tendinitous).. Boo hoo. As you can imagine my confidence was shattered.
On top of that, I also have a pre-existing knee injury (pattellofemoral pain syndrome) which flares up every now and again depending on certain (most) activities I participate in. Although, this week the knee is going great guns, thank God!
Thankfully, there's a silverlining and his name is Brad McIntosh, my awesome physiotherapist (Sydney Sports and Orthopaedic Physiotherapy). Using his expertise he instructed me to work on my butt muscles, apparently they are very weak..lol. By working on this area it will help realign my knees and feet. He also taped my foot and knee (looking a bit like a mummy these days) and instructed me to wear orthotics. Have you seen how ugly most orthotic shoes are? lol... Alas, with a bit of research I came across a few nice enough pair of orthotic shoes and sandals. (If your interested in orthotic shoes, check out online the 'Orthotic shop' and 'Peter Sheppard'). He also instructed me to continue exercising, but not at full gusto. One day on, one day off. My homework before my next visit is to plan my training program for the next 8 months. Once I have finalised my program I'll upload it.
Since seeing Brad my foot is feeling better. As much as I wanted to head out for a walk today, I reframed from doing so, Brad you would be proud! Looking forward to heading out for a walk tomorrow though.
Lesson learnt: This new injury made me realise how much I want to do this walk and remember: piano, piano, arriviamo...
2012 New Year resolutions: Obtain a rock solid butt and build my inner quad muscles.
Happy New Year everyone!
:)
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