13th July
32.7 miles
Ridgecamp (1297.6) to Roadcamp (1330.3)
I wanted to make some miles today so an early start was prudent. I enjoy watching the sunrise. The morning hiking was mainly on ridge tops with commanding views of my last full day in Colorado.
I keep having this random reoccurring heal pain. I believe it’s called Plantar fasciitis. It’s common among long distance hikers and force many hikers to abandon the trail. At the moment it’s random and the pain is mild. I’ll keep hiking and hoping that it doesn’t get worse. Although a search on Google has me thinking it will not go away anytime soon.
I was hiking alone all day until I met Paul and Chauntel. They were in low spirits. I hadn’t seen them in about 500 miles. We only chatted briefly. I hike faster than them and bigger miles each day so I continued on alone. I didn’t see any other hikers fir the rest of the day.
Camp was 7.9 miles from Wyoming. Another big day, I’m really getting quite tired. I hope my feet feel OK in the morning. I must say that Colorado has been the toughest hiking I’ve ever done.
Next – Day 88 Hello Wyoming
Everything you need to know about hiking the CDT:
Complete Guide to Hiking the Continental Divide Trail
CDT Resupply Guide
CDT Gear List
So sorry to hear about the plantar fasciitis. Stretching and wearing good shoes are what works for me. These stretches help me: stand backwards on a step, and let your heels drop over the edge…stand about a foot away from a wall (or tree, in your case, haha), and lean into it, keeping your heels on the ground, which stretches your calves and heels…in the mornings before getting out of bed, use a jump rope or rolled-up towel to stretch your toes toward you…and I roll my foot on a golf ball for several minutes every night and morning. It really helps. The pain does come and go at random times, like you said. I won’t have an issue for 2 or 3 years, and then it will return in one foot, or sometimes both, for months at a time, then magically disappear. Massage therapy helps, too.
Thanks Heather. I’ve been stretching which seems to work
As a runner here is the lowdown on Plantar. First off forget the boot etc and for god sakes dont get orthopediacs for your shoes (you want to fix the problem not put a bandaid on it). Most plantar can be traced to tight calves, with the level of climbing you are doing Im not surprised. Many people who put on weight suddenly – akin to a back pack also get it. First off start stretching your calves every 2 hours and hold each stretch for at least 1 minute 30 – otherwise you are waisting your time. Next off try to walk around barefoot or in shoes with no support ala converse or something similiar for as much time as possible I know that might be hard hiking but the idea is to get your plantar to start moving and stretching rather than being held in a rigid (and thus lazy) position. Thirdly invest in a tennis ball or a slightly harder ball and stand rolling your feet over it for about 10 minutes each every morning and night. Do this and you wont be getting off the track.
Thanks for the info. I certainly have very tight calves. I’ve started stretching every rest break lately, I’ve been ignorant of this in the past. Hopefully a combination of the above will assist. Thank you
I had Plantar fasciitis last year, it took 7 months for it to go away and it was one of the most painful things I have ever had..I bought a boot from Amazon that I wore at night which keeps your toes bent back and allows the tendons to stretch while you sleep..The boot cured the problem in a week….When you get up in the morning grab your foot and pull the toes backwards for a minute or so to stretch that tendon in your foot..
7 months, damn. I hope it’s not that bad for me. I’ll try stretching the toes and tendons.