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

[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. )