The returning runner

Act 27 – Ice is not so nice…

I neared a stop as I inched down the icy trail. While fresh snow is wonderful – a nice cushy and even surface. This wasn’t so fun. Not just the slipping (which had sent me to the ER for stitches and x-rays in the past) but the ridges. Somehow, the flowing water had frozen in spots, suspended in time with ripples as if still moving. In other areas, snow had been crushed down to a hard packed but mercilessly jagged surface. Merciless not just because of the potential for a turned ankle but also because of the repeated abuse to the feet that only becomes apparent over time. Ice Bug shoes have become my go-to for running on ice and work great to avoid slipping. But, I’ve found the repeated harm caused by running on irregular ice to be unsolvable. You first notice it in your heels after sitting for long periods. That’s when you realize with horror that plantar fasciitis is starting to take hold!

I’ve learned. Plantar fasciitis can be a long and brutal recovery. Stopping now with my Galena Creek trail runs – too much ice! Sticking to nice soft snow or lower elevation mud for now ;O).

Photo: Running buddy Beau seems to do fine with either ice or snow (great to have 4 paw drive)