Training for the Via Francigena

We live in Wyoming close to the mountains where we have been training at relatively high altitude….8,000’ or around 2400 meters.

We started when there was still snow on the ground.
Marley was our faithful companion throughout. He delighted in chasing the chipmunks.
A beautiful view of the valley below.
On this hike we went straight up for 9 km and then back down along the road on a series of switchbacks for a total of 17 km, our longest hike so far!
We even stopped to take pics of beautiful Mother Nature.

We had a few rough spots during our training: Mike kept having the sensation that his sock was bunching up in his shoe but whenever we stopped to check, all was smooth. Physio determined it was a combination of factors (metatarsalgia, fallen arch….) and gave him exercises to do which helped a lot. Then, I got over enthusiastic about training, doing extra kilometers on a treadmill at the gym in addition to a long walk. That exacerbated the arthritis in my big toe joint. For me they prescribed exercises as well as a TENS treatment. (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) Our physio also recommended buying a TENS unit to take on our travels saying they are inexpensive, small, and offer effective relief. So that’s what did.

Now, today, we just got back from ER. Mike miss-stepped off the back porch and had a pretty good fall, hurting his foot to the point he thought he fractured it. Ice, ibuprophen, & rest repeated often didn’t reduce the swelling and bruising so we went to ER to have it x-rayed.Nothing broken thank heavens but soft tissue damage for sure. We still have 11 days before we start our trek.

4 thoughts

  2. Fell from the back porch? Oh, no, Mike! Heal quickly – buy an extra seat on the plane to put your leg up on! But really, heal quickly! I’m sorry we won’t see you before you go. Have a beautiful and peaceful walk about.

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