Hiking

[emily_in_nc]

Are you sure your toe is not broken, Crankin? Even if not, sounds like a really bad sprain. I hope you can manage your hiking boots and hike, but if not, your body needs time to heal. Annoying, but a part of life, right?

[Crankin]

Well, I didn't have an x ray, but it's not swollen and the bruising is more on the top of my foot. Besides, even it was broken, there's nothing to do for it but rest. Cycling seems OK, but I will definitely have to modify more than I did last week in tabata. I figure another week of flat shoes and probably more icing. I have not been very good about that.

[Catrin]

Thanks, we were tickled to be out and about. We also had packed a picnic lunch and just enjoyed sitting outside in the sunshine!


I was reading about some hikers on the AT, they use trail runners or low cut hiking shoes instead of boots, but have to use an insole like superfeet to add stability. Maybe some insoles would help your feet in those Keens?

That would be good if I didn't HAVE to have my custom orthotics, I will experiment later today. Of course, it COULD be that my beloved hiking boots would be fine for dirt only, and for distances no more than 5-6 miles. The orthotics have REALLY calmed both my feet down and my podiatrist doesn't want to see me in any shoes without them. Have no idea how that actually works but even my severe metatarsal joint arthritis has calmed. I used to think that custom orthotics were nothing but expensive arch supports, and while some may indeed be, these are far from that.

Crankin - hope that heals soon and crossing my fingers for you today.

I am off to experiment with my Keenes. If this works I may explore (next year) and see if Keene makes the same hiking shoe that goes higher up the ankle.

[Crankin]

So, going hiking wasn't probably the best way for me to spend 2 hours today... but now I know.
We went to the Middlesex Fells, which is a huge recreational area, in a more urban area, actually very near my son's house. I've read a lot about the trails, and pretty much it was all correct. Tons of trails, they are well marked, but it's confusing. The Skyline Trail is the most difficult, actual rocky/technical hiking. Our plan was to include a small part of this today. It's also noted to be crowded. Our hike started out fine, but as soon as we got on the more technical stuff I couldn't do any jumping down and I had to be extremely cautious on technical stuff. My foot just hurt. Plus, there seemed to be a large group trail run on this trail, and it wasn't peaceful. So we re-routed and it was quieter and easier. At one point, we stopped by a reservoir and then we were stopped by a young couple, carrying their dog, no water or food, and in street clothes, with sneakers. They couldn't find their way back to their car. We showed them on our All Trails map, and of course, they went the opposite way. Oy.
It had been spitting rain on the way there, but it stopped and then started again after we ate our lunch. We only had about half a mile left, but it was on an unmarked (but on the All Trails app), sort of bush whacking trail. Then we saw a trail runner, so we knew we were almost back. As soon as we got back on the highway, it started raining really hard, but it was sunny back at home.
We went 4.1 miles. This place is a gem for city dwellers, but frankly, not sure if I want to go back. I'd like to try the more difficult stuff; maybe going earlier, when it's colder out would help. Or wait until I can snow shoe there!
I haven't taken my sock off yet, to see if there's more damage to my foot, but I will be icing 2X a day for sure. No hiking for 2 weeks, when we are signed up to do a group hike up Mt. Wachusett.

[Pax]

Crankin and Catrin, hope both of you have happier feet asap!


We did another tiny hike at a local park today. It started out paved and knee didn't like that at all. Switched to dirt and had an "ahhhhhh" moment. Short but very sweet, did see a small snake which gave me instant willies, but a puppy just down the trail made up for it, she was adorable.

[Catrin]

Owie Crankin, hope it heals quickly. Pax, your "ahhhh" moment made me smile

I hiked 3.4 miles today with my Keenes, and THIS time on true dirt trails, no gravel. It went far better than anticipated, but my ankles are complaining a bit. Something of a surprise, but my Keene hiking shoes are low, no ankle support at all, and I did noticed in a couple of places my feet were fine but my ankle wanted to roll a bit. I will also say the Keenes feel far better on dirt than on pavement - thought THAT isn't a surprise. Hopefully no shin cramps tonight, but I did stretch well when I got home.

It was almost 70, in central Indiana, on November 6? Beautiful! LOTS of hikers and mountain bikers on the MTB trail today, all of us taking advantage of the weather.

[emily_in_nc]

Well, I didn't have an x ray, but it's not swollen and the bruising is more on the top of my foot. Besides, even it was broken, there's nothing to do for it but rest. Cycling seems OK, but I will definitely have to modify more than I did last week in tabata. I figure another week of flat shoes and probably more icing. I have not been very good about that.

I wasn't either. Mine was also not swollen, and I had almost no bruising, but the angle it stuck out at (completely gross and unnatural) after I stubbed it convinced me it was broken. I taped it to the adjacent toe following instructions I found online and was able to return to yoga after a couple of weeks, but I had to modify a lot of the moves. Wasn't doing any hiking since we were in Mexico, but walking was painful for a few weeks. Still, I did it. I made DH take our dog out for the first few days, but I couldn't stay holed up in an apartment forever, so I limped around.

I might have gone for an x-ray if we'd been in the US, but in Mex. I knew I'd have to pay out of pocket and take a taxi to get to a doctor, so I just didn't bother after reading online that there wasn't much they could do anyway.

Sorry your hike was painful!

[Crankin]

It's not sticking out in any way, or misshapen. I thought about taping it, but I didn't have any tape. I may do that later in the week, based on activities I have planned. Yeah, walking is not entirely fun, but until today, bearable. I iced and elevated it for a bit and rested for 3-4 hours until we went out to dinner with my son and family. That didn't require much walking, though. I am icing it again, now. Tomorrow morning I have Power (weights/core) class. The only thing I can see that will be an issue is lunges, which I can modify. There's only one move that requires jumping, but half the class does the modified version. Mostly, after the squats and lunges, it's all arms, chest and core. Cycling didn't bother it any more than more normal activities, so that's good. It's just a pain. We just signed up for a group hike in 2 weeks, so I will baby it for sure. Of course, I can always cancel going to that, but I was looking forward to it. I was disappointed I felt so limited today, when I felt so strong and coordinated after my trip to Maine.
My son broke is big toe on Father's Day. They put him in a modified boot and gave him a cane and pain killers. I doubt they would do that for a baby toe.

[Catrin]

Taping it might provide it enough support to allow bit of pain relief in your activities. I don't KNOW that, but it would stabilize it a bit. So sorry you're going through this.

While I didn't have shin cramps last night, I did have some light localized "stuff" (unsure what to call it) in the area of my left shin where I know the splints are. I need to decide if I should cancel the group hike next week - but I really do not want to do that. Perhaps if I'm good this week and rest it - no mile-plus pavement walking sessions, it will be reasonable to take them to the same trail I did yesterday. Certainly no longer distance, assuming they're interested in a 3 mile hike...

[Catrin]

One of my pictures from yesterday's hike. I remembered how much I enjoy solo hiking, it is rejuvenating. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy hiking with others just as much, but the group I lead is....well....chatty. I don't think there is even one second of silence in our hikes. It does allow me to see the woods through their eyes and that's a good thing as well.

[Pax]

Great pic, Catrin! Which park were you in? I might hit you up for some recommendations next Spring, we only have a 2-3 three parks near here and I'd like to try something new.

Kind of a PS - what do you gals use to keep ticks away?

[Catrin]

I was in Ft Benjamin Harris State Park which is nice (and local) as long as you stick with the mtb trails, but I strongly suggest you hit Brown County State Park (mtb trails as the normal hiking trails have lots of steps), and McCormick's Creek State Park. Much more variety and better scenery.

I'm happy to show you whichever or both. The former has many more miles of trails and thus more variety of trails to choose. The latter is smaller, far less busy, a beautiful fall and different types of scenery. Both are in southern Indiana. There are others to choose from but they feature more aggressive terrain, ladders, scrambling, etc. Too much for my knees. I've been told that Clifty Falls State Park is also a good option for me but I've not yet been there. It's further from Indy than the other two.

I don't mess around with ticks, it's something with DEET for me.

[Pax]

Thanks, I've been to Brown County many many times and LOVE it. We were considering a Fall amble there this year, just not sure if we'll make it over with having to run to Chicago to see the new great niece. Right now I can't do much with steep sections, hopefully that will improve over time, but my right leg is just super weak right now.

Do you just spray around your ankles or do you have to do a full body spray? Hate using the stuff, but surely don't want a tick bite.

[Catrin]

Thanks, I've been to Brown County many many times and LOVE it. We were considering a Fall amble there this year, just not sure if we'll make it over with having to run to Chicago to see the new great niece. Right now I can't do much with steep sections, hopefully that will improve over time, but my right leg is just super weak right now.

Do you just spray around your ankles or do you have to do a full body spray? Hate using the stuff, but surely don't want a tick bite.

The mountain bike trails at the park varies Pax, I could recommend a couple of mtb trails that do not have long steep sections. There are some shorter sections that are a little steep but not bad at all - the switchbacks really help with that. Let me know if you plan on going this year, shin splints, schedule, and weather permitting I wouldn't mind joining you. I don't know anything about the parks in the northern part of the state so I can't advise there.

I am just as concerned with mosquitoes as I am ticks, so when I spray I pretty much hit all over. I don't ALWAYS spray however, only when it's hot and humid. I am a bit unclear when ticks are active, so I should perhaps reconsider. The few times I've found ticks they have been on my throat, and they DO fall out of the trees...

[Pax]

I'll definitely let you know if we head over!

Same here, not sure when they're active. I did find one on my head years ago, so now I try to wear a hat. Guess some tick research is in order.