Situational Adaptations
With Limited Resources
Type ones are a naturally resourceful league of people. We find ways of making things happen when there's not a lot around.
It was one of my usual trails. The Brand Motorway in the Verdugo Hills. This was a training run for a 10k trail run which was to take place on this very trail in a few months. But, these were not my usual trail runners. And, as with all new shoes, there’s usually a break-in period. But with trail runners, breaking them in on solid concrete isn’t exactly what I’m breaking these shoes in for.
So, off we go. Calculating pace, efficiency in my ascent, focus on the breathing, the cadence, the resting pace on the steeps, the make-up pace on the flats… you know, trail run training. Oh, and let’s not forget, closely watching the glucose monitor, making sure I have enough fuel for this 1,500 vertical foot sugar burn.
About 2 miles out, on this 6 mile out-and-back, I notice a little friction. A hot-spot on my left achilles, just above the heel. “oh, you better not be” I told my foot in between breaths.
Turn a corner, ascend another steep section, and then… OK… just what the hell is this! Pause the activity on the watch, and lets take a look. Yep, just as suspected. A freaking heel blister. And, yes, it has ruptured. Not really a mess, but this is a game killer for the run today.
A minute goes by, and I’m thinking, all I need is something to remove all the friction from this spot. A HA!!!! That empty energy gel pack. Of course it’s still in my pocket. Pack it in… Pack it out… Right? Or turn that piece of garbage into the salvation of the training day. Slide this thing down between the sock and the show… VOILLA!!! No more friction. Saved the day.
Thanks Hammer Nutrition, not just for the trail glucose, but also for this little piece of trail triage.
