A mixed first week.

No walking today. Dr Google advised resting my foot with 'cold therapy' on my extendor tendons every hour. The info on line indicates this type of injury is common with us athletes! Its caused by overuse (all the ups and downs - you don't get much respite on the SouthWestCoastPath SWCP), another cause can be shoes tied up too tight (so i've looked at other ways in tying up the laces). 
Its frustrating not being able to walk, especially as the weather is so nice. Colin's biting at the bit to get moving: he's enjoying the daily challange of each stage so today i've sent him shopping instead. 
Not walking also means falling behind the 8week plan. It also adds to the dilemma of stages 8to11: Clovelly to Port Issac, this stretch is remote and not served well by buses,  which means logistically we won't be able to get to and from the path back to the motorhome (if anyone out there fancies a week ferrying me/us to and from the path? You'll have your days free to sightsee!). Additionally at this point of the walk (begining 2nd week: i'm still finding my feet and fitness) i don't feel physically strong enough to tackle these enduring stages, particularly the miles of each stage - between 10 to 17miles of 'severe' walking. Realistically i would need to split the days into smaller sections. 
After the foot recovers and we finally finish all of the sections off up to Clovelly, we will skip 8to11 and i'll need to rethink the plan: maybe coming back to do these later in the 8weeks (there are no rules for the walk to be done in any particular order). 
Any how to round up the first week: 'no regrets'! We've had some lovely weather (and some rotten weather); we've seen some amazing views; we've realised we're fitter than what we thought (despite the foot); i've read a book (all in one go); and met nice people. Thanks for your comments, but i'd like a few more. 
Total SWCP miles: 55. 
Here are some additional photos from the week:
 

    

Comments

  1. Unknown21 May 2017 at 18:54

    Well done for completing the first week. Loved the photos, especially the one of Verity, I have got to go and see her. Sorry to hear about your foot, hope it gets better very soon. I think the weather is going to improve next week, so hopefully no rain. Would love to come down and ferry you about next week, but have to be in the lovely workplace, now where would I rather be?

    Did you hear that Stacey has fallen over and broken her hand, in plaster up to her elbow, so that didn't help the move this weekend!

    Good Luck for next week.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Unknown21 May 2017 at 19:05

    Just looked up Extensor Tendonitis on Dr Google - and I think I've got it as well in sympathy with you. Top of my foot has been painful for weeks. Perhaps I need to take a couple of months of sick!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unknown22 May 2017 at 17:06

      Wow - even with pain we're in tune. I always thought you were my brother from a different mother!

      Delete
  3. Unknown21 May 2017 at 21:19

    Verity caused a lot of comments locally, not all approved. Hirst lives in Ilfracombe and he has a restaurant there. Hopefully your foot improves quickly, enjoy your 2nd week.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Sarah21 May 2017 at 21:37

    Frustrating Julie - but maybe we can do that remote stretch when we are backpacking/camping? and then move on to where you left off if you see what I mean? Anyway, see how you go... this week coming does look good weather wise so fingers crossed you can get to do some easier/shorter days and enjoy it. xxx

    ReplyDelete

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