Tuesday, November 23, 2010

A Taste of Winter

I bundled up in fleece pants, down jacket and fuzzy gloves. Sure, I'm a cold-blooded Southern Californian but with temperatures in the 30's, I felt justified. Koan and I headed to Kona's favorite trail. The trailhead was empty of cars, a rarity after sunrise. I wondered if the threatening clouds kept our fellow hikers inside.
The weekend brought another Fall rain and the first dusting of snow on our lower peaks. I can't remember so much green this early in the season. In fact, I remember several years when the foothills never changed from their Summer brown hue.
The high peaks to our North held onto their snow cover. While the closer ridgelines sit at lower elevations and rarely get snow, the clouds provided a special winter cloak.
Heading up the trail with trekking poles to support my knee, Kona nearly spun with energy. We explored every flat nook and cranny we could find. I can only walk down a certain downgrade, which significantly limits where and how far we can hike. Taking advantage of the extra exploring helps Kona use up more energy plus, she loves exploring.
Despite having to hobble some, Kona kept a smile on my face. She was a genuine spazz. Her energy level exploded to the point of losing her self control. She seized my moment of slow reaction time to pounce another dog. Fortunately, Kona's pounce victim was a forgiving lab. I knew the lab wasn't too bothered, as she stuck close by, despite being off leash. While the lab turned away from Kona to sniff the ground, Kona looked at her from the corner of her eye. I saw the gleam in her eye grow, followed by a goofy grin. Thankfully, Kona's second pounce turned into a playbow.
As we headed toward the car, Kona still had a bounce and a half in her step. I knew I hadn't done much to wear her out. Some of you asked what's going on with my leg. I suppose without an MRI, I can't be certain but I'm pretty sure I have a wickedly inflamed and unhappy IT band. IT band syndrome is a common overuse injury and I'm sure some of you know the debilitating pain. I delt with IT band problems a year ago but I'm concerned about the level of pain I have. While IT band syndrome pain usually subsides when you stop running, I have pain while I walk and even if I sit or sleep "wrong." Unlike some running aches that I can push through, I can't even imagine running at this point.

I'm really trying to keep my chin up but boy oh boy, I have a hard time being around myself when I haven't had a good workout. I know the coming weeks will be a balance of trying to heal and getting Kona the exercise she desperately needs.

11 comments:

Sara said...

I'm glad you and Kona got out, but sorry to hear you are still in pain. I know my dad is quite miserable to be around when he can't get out on his bike for any length of time (like a day!).

Take it easy.

Diana said...

That knee sounds just horrible. I hope is starts to feel better soon. I love the mountian pictures. Diana

Unknown said...

So sorry to hear you are still in pain. Kona looked so happy in the pictures as she could go to her favorite trail. Please take care!

Kathy Mocharnuk said...

I was thinking about your leg, and when I first was reading and you talk about your outting I was hoping that meant it was all better ;-(, take care and be careful....we are sending healing thoughts and thinking of you and hoping that all resolves soon---Kathy, Liz/Breeze/Cricket

LauraK said...

So good to see you two back on the trails! I'm sure Kona is happy- good luck balancing your healing and her exercise, it can be hard sometimes :) You've got a great attitude about it though!

Kristine said...

I'm sorry things aren't going as fast as you'd like. That's a pretty tough balancing act you have going on. It's not easy to convince a normally active person to stay still and heal. It is even harder to convince an active dog. I wish you the best and I hope the few weeks of healing fly by!

Dawn said...

I was glad to see you out again too, till I read about the knee. You need to go see a doctor now. It's been too long and you should be feeling some relief by now.

KB said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your knee. I'm wondering if a doc or PT might be able to help you after so long...

I'm thrilled that you and Kona got out, and that Kona had some pouncing happy time!

I'm pulling for you to feel better. I know the syndrome of how bad it feels to stop exercising when you're used to it!

Barb said...

Hi AC, You should probably see a good sports PT. Be careful you don't injure yourself further by putting weight on the knee. Even severe tendon inflammation can take a long while to heal. I know how hard it is to be inactive but...be careful! As for Kona, she seems to enjoy the colder weather. Not even a sign of nervousness in this outing!

Anonymous said...

Hi, hi, hi! Gosh, it seems like FOREVER since I got to say hi! That looks like an awfully nice walkie but I'm sorry you have an ouchie. I sure hope it's feeling better by now. And I sure hope you had a Most Wonderful Thanksgiving!

Wiggles & Wags,
mayzie

Brittany said...

I hope you start feeling better soon! I know the feeling of being injured and still NEEDING to do something to let the dog burn energy.

Kona looks super happy to be out, and it sounds like you were too.