Not a steed, but a Tassahara!

Labor Day Weekend  training required a Saturday’s trek of 15 miles, and my walking-partner, Anne and I chose the Norman Shores Drive neighborhoods for the morning: beautiful homes, of varying ages, sizes and style, some with million dollar views, gave us plenty to look at and the first 11.5 miles went by virtually effortlessly. A break to meet some friends at McAlister’s Deli for lunch, followed by the final 3.5 miles, completed at Jetton Park – the path through the woods is 1.4 miles x 2 came to more than the 15 that was required; the path through the woods is also completely in the shade – wonderful when the temperature is 91 degrees, and there isn’t a breeze.  After finishing, I headed home for a neighborhood BBQ – a cold shower was just what the dr. ordered. As I dressed for the party, I noticed what looked like bruises on the calves of my legs.  It didn’t hurt to touch them, but it looked like all of the blood vessels had burst – can you say UGLY?? After some googling, the best I could come up with is something called “Golfer’s Vasculitis” – strikes long distance walkers, (not cyclists or runners) women more than men, over 50, when the temperature is over 90. No treatment, just time, leg elevation, and cool compresses, oh and, no walking!  

By Sunday, both legs looked less “angry” (my mom loved that expression), but a burning sensation had started under the skin, like someone was holding a lit match to the area. Unfortunately, staying put and catering to it was not possible. Sunday’s mileage was 11 miles and I set out early in the Sailview Neighborhood in Denver. My plan of attack was that I would walk 8 miles, break for breakfast, and then finish the last 3. (I always need a plan – A, B, & C when possible – let’s just say I like to believe I am in control ;-)   Set out at 7 a.m., with my camelback lumbar pack, banana, sunflower seeds, and lance peanut butter crackers – the stuff that dreams are made ofJ  ¾ of a mile into the 11, I realized that putting ice in your camelback is NOT a good idea – ice melts, condensation forms, and butts get wet! One mile into the walk, the clouds cleared out, and the sun rose higher in the sky, and with it, the heat. This was going to be a LONG morning. Every turn seemed to bring a hill to climb, and at 5 miles, I decided that I had done enough, I could head back to the car, no one would know!  It was at that point that my cell rang and “daddoo” came up on the screen (a/k/a Steve). After a brief conversation, my walk continued.  Shortly thereafter, I could hear a bicycle coming up behind me, and I thought: “Really? with this road as big as it is, you have to ride right up on my butt?”  Then I turned to see the culprit, and there he was –– my hero, my husband.  He brought his company, his support, AND a water bottle filled with Diet Coke and jingly ice!!  OMG, people! It was exactly what the dr. ordered, and the morning turned around.  Believe it or not, he walked the last two miles with me, pushing his bicycle along the way.  My knight in shining armor, not on a steed, but a Gary Fisher Tassahara bicycle!