Ouch. That about sums it up for the past week - ouch and poo. My Achilles tendon has been tight for a few weeks now but I've been ignoring it but it got to the point, weekend before last, when I knew I couldn't keep on ignoring the warning signs, especially as I've a packed few months ahead and don't want to end up with any permanent injuries. According to the various on-line guides on muscle and tissue damage I've been overusing it - no?! Well, O.K, I know that, but it's also made worse, so I'm told, by over-pronation (foot not rolling properly) which I know I suffer from and has been made worse since breaking my ankle. Well, at least I know to be on the lookout for warning signs now and to make sure I stretch before and after taking to the trails. As it is, I've been taking time out this week and satisfying my thirst for all things outdoors by watch Bear Grylls and reading Simon Yates 'Against The Wall'. So I now know how to build a snow cave using your backpack, not to parachute yourself onto the top of a mountain without suitable provisions and not to even think about climbing a vertical walls in remotest Chile. Enjoying reading the latter, laughed hysterically at the former!

With the sun out at the weekend I couldn't take it anymore and had to head out to do something so went for a swim and then a gentle walk along the beach. In the absence of any real hills at home I'm thinking the sand and cockle shell/shingle banks will help to build up general leg strength and stamina, especially as the route also means clambering over regular sea breaks. On the plus side, there's a fab beach bar on the way back just a the right point for sitting and enjoying a cold beer and watching the sun go down before strolling back home.

I'm hoping to go for a good long walk this Saturday, ankle/knee permitting and keep up the swimming. I'm off to Somerset week after next for a long overdue walk around Cheddar Gorge and seeing my mad dog - can't wait. Then I'm booked on a first aid course - good timing. I found it interesting to note in the last Mountain Rescue report for Ambleside area of the Lake District that the highest percentage of walking injuries happen in March. I wonder if that's because the sun comes out and it's easy to think that summer as arrived and don't go out as prepared as, say, for a winter walk, only to find that higher up the weather is still cold, wet and slippery? Perhaps. Or perhaps we're just glad to be out in the light that we bounce over the rocks and trails like spring sheep, enjoying a renewed zest for life and feeling invincible in the warmth and glow of the sun. Who knows. But if you're heading up to the Lakes this month (lucky people..!) have fun and take care - wouldn't want to add to the statistics for next year now would you.

Right..back to the book....hmm...definately think I'll stick to walking!

All for now.

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