Back in the Saddle?

After a week or so of no walking due to sore knees and feet we finally got back on the trail. Five miles yesterday and three and a half today. Lori's knees seem to be OK, my heel is a bit sore. Maybe the glucosamine Lori is taking is helping. Bloomsday is a week from tomorrow, we'll see how that goes.

Happy trails.

Working the kinks out.

The past couple of weeks have been about paying the price of being middle-aged and inactive. I have learned more about plantar fasciitis than I ever wanted to know.  I've been suffering with it for several months, sometimes more, sometimes less, but always there.  During a walk it isn't so bad, but afterwards, especially the next morning, it's nasty. Apart from the obvious pain my biggest concern is that it is preventing me from increasing the frequency and duration of my walks.  Lori has been suffering terribly with knee pain and to a lesser degree foot pain in her arches.  Her knees have temporarily taken her out of the game.  No walking until they are better. For now, she spends her evenings icing her knees and trying not to pivot.
It isn't all bad, there are some good signs.  My woes have decreased dramatically. A big shout-out to Carol at REI for introducing me to Superfeet.   I've been wearing custom orthotics for years now, ever since being treated by a physical therapist for an ankle injury.  The therapist diagnosed me as over-pronating, which was causing me hip and foot pain.  Her solution was a custom orthotic which largely fixed the problem.
I've replaced those original orthotics several times without issue but maybe the latest set were misfit as I started to suffer with plantar fasciitis.  When trying on hiking shoes at REI I mentioned this to my shoe fitter, Carol.  She asked me if I'd ever tried Superfeet (to which I lamely asked "is that what Superman has?") and once she showed me a pair I figured I had noting to lose by trying them (especially considering REI's very generous return policy).  She fit me in a pair and advised I try them for two weeks before making a judgement.  Well, it's been two-and-a-half weeks and I would say I have improved 90%. I have to say, I've become a huge fan.  Following my experience, Lori has started wearing a pair as well.  It's only been a few days but we are hopeful that it will improve both her arch and knee issues.  Superfeet make inserts for flats and high heels, the shoes Lori wears to work, so we got some of those too.  With any luck she'll be bouncing down the trail soon. Looking past the pain, we are starting to think about more frequent and longer walks.   Our goal is two-fold:  to increase our level of physical conditioning in general, and to increase the ability of our bodies to handle long periods of walking.  The second goal requires the first, of course, but also involves conditioning the joints, muscles, and other "parts" to withstand the strain.  To start, we are going to build up to 35+ "Cooper aerobic points" per week.  Over time this should help with fitness and conditioning.  We are also looking through books to find trails throughout Eastern Washington for "long" walks-10 miles and more.  The Centennial Trail is great, and we haven't explored it all, but there are parts we can now walk with our eyes closed.  There is a trail from Spokane to Cheney that looks promising...  As the weather improves we will try new areas. So, we continue to continue.  We will share more as these kinks work out and others appear.  If these comments help some other pilgrim, great.  If you have a question, comment, or suggestion please make it.  It's always better to walk with someone.  Happy trails and buen camino.