Spent most of last week taking it easy still resting the Achilles Heal with gentle stretches, a bit of massage and a swim. On Thursday evening I went to an interesting lecture on how altitude affects fitness. Although I have no real desire to go to 8000m either now or in the future it was still interesting to hearing about how our physical and mental abilities deteriorate at height and always amazing to hear other peoples stories. The lecture was followed by a screening of 'Himalaya' by Eric Valli which was one of the most beautiful and moving films, based on mountain culture, that I have seen so far. If you have the chance to watch it - do - the mountains...the snow.....the yaks(!).....and the struggle between the old and the new/ youth and wisdom - fascinating.

By the weekend I was feeling more than restless. I'm aware that in order to be able to tackle Ben Nevis comfortably later in the year I need to be able to increase my general stamina and distance. I've also been offered the chance to tackle some long distance routes in the summer which mean will mean walking many miles over many days, something I've never done before. So...I scoffed down some Oatabix, pulled on the walking boots and headed off on my longest walk so far. The route was a kind of figure of eight with various 'escape routes' on the way, either by turning back at different points or by catching the bus or train. The first half was mainly beach/shingle and pavement. After the first 2 hours I felt great and was bouncing along quite happily. In order to protect my knees/ankle I decided to try out my new walking poles (a much welcome gift from some friends). To start with I felt like a complete idiot, 'skiing' along the beach, and the less than polite jibes from the football thugs in town were far from encouraging. Still, I didn't give in to vanity and kept on with them. Once I'd got into a rhythm and stopped tripping myself up I found them very useful and very welcome. After 4 hours and 11 miles I stopped for lunch, easing myself onto the warm shingle and enjoying the view of the much loved kite-surfers. Half an hour later, when I wanted(?) to move off again I had to struggle to my feet and the first few paces were hard going. I did wonder what on earth I was doing and almost gave up and went home. But I didn't, and after a few minutes was back in my stride again. My right foot was giving me a warning sign as I could feel the makings of a blister but I ignored it and carried on - foolish I know, but hey, I am a novice! 6 hours walking and I was now beginning to feel it, but I was still grinning and the afternoon was beautiful - sunny, warm and dry. I spent most of the day walking in a T-shirt (and trousers of course!) and applying sunblock every now and again through fear of a freckle outburst. The hardest part of the walk was the last 2 hours when I turned 'round to face the long flat sea path that leads back to home. You can see where you're heading to in the distance but it never seems to get any closer - like that bit in Monty Python and the Holy Grail when the knights keep storming the gates of the castle but never actually getting any nearer until suddenly...Bham! You're there. Despite the embarrassment factor I resorted to using my poles on the pavement as well to tackle the last couple of miles. 6PM - 8 hours and 21 miles after setting off I was home again and collapsing in a big heap on the bed. But what did I learn from all of this? Well......first, if you start to feel the makings of a blister - deal with it then and there - don't leave it. I didn't see to mine and now I've a huge bubble attached the side of my foot. If I'd have stopped and put a plaster or some kind of protective layer on it earlier it wouldn't have developed to this stage. What else - oh yes, salt and minerals. As I was walking I began to feel that horrible ache in the joints, especially the hips, which I've had before and I'm now convinced is a build up of acid created when we exercise (is it Lactic acid?? Somebody correct me if I've got this wrong please). This is usually eased by making sure you drink properly but as the body is also losing valuable salts and minerals you need to replace these as well. Isotonic drinks can help but I've found in the past (when I was scuba diving) that adding some Diorolyte solution to the water can help keep you hydrated though out the day - sipping small amounts often. I guess you could just add some fruit juice and/or salt but I'm guessing that would taste mighty foul! O.K. So, what else... Take regular short breaks - I found that stopping for 5 or 10 minutes every hour or so, to take a drink, munch some nuts and dried fruit and enjoy the view helped to boost energy levels and ease boredom. After all, walking should be fun- not a route march. Finally, although I enjoyed the challenge I'd set myself I did wonder whether I'd want to do this kind of walking day after day? It's not really my style as I enjoy the freedom of being able to change the route as desired and also being able to enjoy the scenery and explore interesting places along the way. If the walk is too rigid in that one has to be in certain places at certain times it doesn't allow for spontaneity and real adventure - does it? And that's the part I enjoy.

So, it was challenging but I was happy at the end of it as I sat with a mug of tea, a welcome biscuit and foot massage cream wondering why I had a greater pain in my shoulder than my feet?

Sunday morning. Feeling stiff and feet refusing to move. Needed to get the muscles moving again so went for a swim and then a gentle walk later in the day.....as far as the beach bar where I treated my mum to some lovely wine - well, it was Mothering Sunday - what else could I do?! Glad to find that I wasn't in too bad a shape. Could have managed another walk if I wanted to but, actually, didn't want to. One 20 miler in a weekend is enough for now.

Sitting at work writing this up watching in awe at the snow, thunder and lightening that has bombarded the office over the past 10 minutes and wondering just what is going on with our climate - but that's another story!! Not much planned for this week - a swim tomorrow and then off to Somerset on Friday for some lovely walks in the Mendips.

All for now - think I need to stretch the legs again...sitting at a desk all day is not doing them any favours!!

Read or Post a Comment

<< Home