It’s been a few months since my last IAT post. Today was a trial to see how my Achilles tendon would fare on the hilly and rocky terrain that is known as the Ice Age Trail.
My tendons have been doing well under my care remedy of Arnica massage 4 times a day, eccentric calf raises, lower mileage running (arnica and icing after). Yet the tendons get sore when I run or hike. I think it’s the back of my shoes that aggitate my tendons. First of all, I’ve not had Achilles issues in both tendons at the same time. The Vibram backing presses quite hard on the back of my heels and I’ve had that issue in the past…. As I write this the next day my Achilles have recovered from being sore. Today is a day off and then I’ll try a few barefoot days to test soreness. If there is no soreness I will confirm that the backs of the shoes are my achilles venom!
K, enough on injuries… This part of the trail is beautiful and I can smell fall in the air! Its probably the rockiest section that I have encountered as of yet and if anyone doesn’t believe that Wisconsin has hills I invite you to explore this section.
I intended to complete the full 10 mile length but cut it off at 8 due to the soreness, stiffness and pulling in my tendons. It’s one thing to challenge the tendons with work to get them stronger but pushing past those recovery miles is just not a good idea. I’m better at listening to my body now than I was when I was a younger runner… I’d push to the point of more injury and for one good run I’d pay the price with many days off my feet.
Highs: the smell of fall in the woods, perfect weather & just BEING on the trail again
Lows: sore tendons
Animals: squirrels, bear scat?! See photo
Weather: sunny, 70s
People on Trail: 6
IAT day 26 Map 88 & 89 f
Take A Hike or a Run Trail Guides from Kristen Westlake
Related posts:
