Oh my knees!

[snapdragen]

Wednesday was track training, more round and round along with some strengthening exercises. We walked on our heels, we walked on our toes, we lunged walked (well, they did, my knees said no f'n way missy) and we walked backwards. We speed walked up a hill, then went round and round and round. At least I didn't hit Taco Bell on the way home.......

Today was a mentor led walk. Usually these are easier. One and a half hours, on a not so flat trail. No huge hills either, just a lot of gradual ups and downs. My knees are not happy campers today.

Sock testing! Teko socks did not make the cut. Oh well, so much for the green alternative. I still have a pair of DeFeet Cush3D and WigWam Tail Wind Pro to try. And the wonderful SadieKate has sent me sox via jobob to try. Yay for sox!

Bonehead move of the week. I tried using the sunglasses I use for cycling on these treks -- they just didn't work right. So I go online and order some lovely Tifosi glasses from TE. The following night, I'm watching TV, and I see a glass case on the bottom shelf of the cabinet. ?!? What are those? Open the case------it's the exact same pair of sunglasses I just ordered. I'll return them, I may upgrade to the ones with the fototec lenes.

Good news, I've raised more than half of my minimum -- for that I get a lovely TNT Sweat shirt. Better news - one of my team mates, and an Honoree was told this week that she has gone into remission. Yay!!!

Tuesday starts hill training.

[SadieKate]

I'm with ya, snap. SadieKate does not do lunges.

Wonderful? Moi? I just likes happy tootsies.

[sundial]

I'm with you, Snap. No lunges for me either.

[salsabike]

Me three. But I love reading your training reports, Snap. They're interesting, and they sound just like I think I would feel, if that makes any sense.

[Tri Girl]

Great job, Snap! You're coming along nicely. Try soaking for 5 min. in an ice bath after those long sessions. It always helps my achy knees after long efforts. And you get a TNT sweatshirt? Cool! I need to do TNT again- I need a new sweatshirt. (but I had just forgotten how hard it was to raise all that money...)

[bikerz]

Way to go Snap!

Here's a tip on sore feet - get yourself a lacrosse ball (of something of similar size and density) and roll your foot over it after walking - it's a great way to give yourself a foot massage, and it really helps!

Do they recommend the double sock approach for your walking? I've have good luck with the wicking liners and mid-weight smartwool hiking socks - no blisters of hot spots at all so far.

[snapdragen]

I'll give the ball massage a try. Dang. That sounds slightly obscene.

Moving right along.....another thing the foot Dr told us about that is pretty cool (literally). Take a plastic water bottle, fill it with half water and half rubbing alcohol. Stick it in the freezer. After a walk, use it to massage the bottoms of your feet. He also recommended that we mark the bottle with warnings -- wouldn't want to accidently drink it. Although I suppose if you replace the rubbing alcohol with vodka.........

I haven't tried double socks, although I do have liners and socks from my hiking days. The Wright sox are pretty cool, they're double sox on their own. So far I've had good luck, no blisters. *fingers crossed*

[sundial]

Snap, my husband ordered these socks and it is a Smart Running, double layer, Cool Max running sock. Scroll down the bottom of the page to read about it. He's worn them for cycling and hiking and has never had a blister.