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jaeclecticIn between more mundane errands yesterday, I stopped at REI and purchased: an ankle brace (on my chiropractor's common-sensical recommendation that if I wasn't going to stop exercising, a light brace might be a good idea), two new knees braces (I've been using ace bandages wrapped underneath my knees, and decided to try the straps that are actually made for that purpose), and a pair of trekking poles (along with an accompanying instructional DVD).
I had actually been thinking for a while that I might invest in a nice, light-weight, collapsible walking stick to take with me to Peru, and was going on the theory that it would be good to train for a while without it, because then everything would seem easier when I had it. A few of my recent hikes (notably Mt Diablo) had footing difficult enough that a stick would have been very comforting. So, I walked in to REI thinking I was going to get one walking stick, and ended up with the pair after hearing a compelling sales pitch, the gist of which was: using two sticks is like walking on 4 legs, using one stick is like walking on 3 legs. And they're returnable, so why not give it a try?
The upshot of all this new gear is that I went for a hike this AM -- not especially long or difficult, but a hike on trails with a bit of up- and down-hill -- and do not seem to have aggravated my injured ankle or achey knees. Yay, yay!
The DVD was definitely a good investment, since I felt like I understood what I was supposed to be doing, even if I wasn't completely smooth. Using the poles was reasonably comfortable, but I did miss having my hands free (for drinking water, or taking my sunglasses off, or brushing away flies). Other than that, the main down side was a vague sense that it looks like a geriatric accessory, very AARP-esque. Me so middle-aged, *sigh*
But still: barring any delayed reactions, I think I can stop panicking now. This is very good.
I had actually been thinking for a while that I might invest in a nice, light-weight, collapsible walking stick to take with me to Peru, and was going on the theory that it would be good to train for a while without it, because then everything would seem easier when I had it. A few of my recent hikes (notably Mt Diablo) had footing difficult enough that a stick would have been very comforting. So, I walked in to REI thinking I was going to get one walking stick, and ended up with the pair after hearing a compelling sales pitch, the gist of which was: using two sticks is like walking on 4 legs, using one stick is like walking on 3 legs. And they're returnable, so why not give it a try?
The upshot of all this new gear is that I went for a hike this AM -- not especially long or difficult, but a hike on trails with a bit of up- and down-hill -- and do not seem to have aggravated my injured ankle or achey knees. Yay, yay!
The DVD was definitely a good investment, since I felt like I understood what I was supposed to be doing, even if I wasn't completely smooth. Using the poles was reasonably comfortable, but I did miss having my hands free (for drinking water, or taking my sunglasses off, or brushing away flies). Other than that, the main down side was a vague sense that it looks like a geriatric accessory, very AARP-esque. Me so middle-aged, *sigh*
But still: barring any delayed reactions, I think I can stop panicking now. This is very good.
