Mt. Tam Century/Double Century or Marin Century/Metric/200k

[maillotpois]

Great.

We did explode one campstove and MSR fuel container, and although it eerily resembled the setting alight of the oil fields in Kuwait, we managed (miraculously) not to burn down the Desolation Wilderness.

20 miles in 3 days. I waited til 1/2 mile from the end to sprain my ankle grotesquely.

[Veronica]

Ouch!

At least it was at the end of the trip. Did the whole family go? I'm picturing Mike and Em carrying you out.

Veronica

[maillotpois]

Yes, and Mike's brother in law and his 14 year old girl and a friend of ours and her dog. It was quite a good group.

After I fell, a very nice man took my pack down to the trailhead for me and I limped down with my trekking poles. I've done that before; I simply have crummy ankles and it's not like cycling does anything to help the lateral stability. This hasn't happened in several years. I think I am going to see my doctor and get a referral to an orthopedist to talk about prevention. I would hate to spend the next backpacking trip terrified that I was going to do that again. As it was, I was hoping the trekking poles would prevent it and I believe they largely did. But perhaps there's a brace or something I could use as well.

[jobob]

Oh geeze, sorry to hear about the ankle sprain! At least you timed it reasonably well.

I've done that before; I simply have crummy ankles and it's not like cycling does anything to help the lateral stability.

A couple of days ago I was reading up on leg strengthening exercises, and I came across this article which might be helpful for you:

http://sportsmedicine.about.com/od/b...le_balance.htm

A simple, targeted balance training exercise may reduce the risk of ankle injuries in high risk athletes.
[ ... ]
The more recent study found that these ankle injuries can be avoided by performing a simple balance exercise for five minutes several times a week.

HTH, - Jo.

[Veronica]

I was thinking the same sort of thing Jo, but had no study, just my experience. I do a lot of balancing and weigh work on the Bosu ball and have noticed that my ankles seem stronger.

Hope you heal up quickly MP!

Veronica

[maillotpois]

Thanks guys! I will check those exercises out.

After the first vomit inducing 3 minutes, it didn't really hurt. It was just very stiff and swollen all weekend. I am sure that the other (non-loaded) hike we did Saturday didn't help much. You're right, Jo - good timing.

Once we get all the pics downloaded, I am going to throw some up of Desolation wilderness. It was just stunning. So many lakes and so much granite. (And surprisingly few mosquitoes. )