Frustrating February & Shin Splint City

[Mid Life Crisis Marathon Man]

Like many parts of the world, we have had extraordinarily unseasonal weather the last few weeks. Normally we associate February with body-crushing heat waves but instead we have already seen over 100 records set around the country for record low February temperatures. Totally weird!

But yesterday at least did see a return to warmish weather, and that led to a beautiful, cool evening that saw the dog and I head into the hills for a brisk, hilly walk. I've been suffering from shin splints for nearly three weeks now, and the buggers just won't go away, so I've been restricted to cross training, which means lots more walking the dog and also jumping on the exercise bike.

I believe that walking uphill is excellent for shin splints, but sadly the reverse is also true - walking downhill makes them worse. Well it's a bit hard to do one without the other, so I've been walking trails that are fairly hard going uphill and gentle on the downside. And so far I think it has helped a lot. Although why it's talking so darned long to heal this time I don't know. But the hills are definitely helping. I think...

But last night was a perfect night in the hills. Nice and cool, with a stunning sunset and from the top of the hills, sensational views looking over the city with the sunset beyond. Then, as it got dark, a lovely black sky with the southern cross low in the eastern sky. And kangaroos galore - I lost count of them, there were that many. It's not unusual to see one or two, but at dusk they come down in droves to drink from the permanent creek that we walk along for part of the way. A permanent creek in itself is a rare feature in this part of the world, but it springs up from underground, and is a haven for wildlife - especially wrens and butterflies for some reason. And also the kangaroos of course.

So anyhow, no running to report, but I am enjoying the cross training.

Will be running again soon however, I can feel it.