17.5 total, 16 on trail for day twenty two. Thought I felt fine despite some lingering pain from the 25 mile day. Crossed mile 300, another real bridge, and an interesting dam!
Day twenty three, however, was a problem. My right shin started acting up from the beginning. Ten miles hasn’t seemed like a lot given my average distances so far, but it felt like it took forever when every other step was moderately painful. I was planning to go 15, but called it early and had maddy pick me up at a power plant on the side of the road. It’s either shin splints or a stress fracture, and I’m reeeally hoping it’s the former.
I’ve got a few solutions I’m gonna try out. One is new shoes, since I’ve done 325 trail miles on these and had been wearing them for about a month in dc before coming out here. Another is a compression sleeve for my lower leg, which has worked for other folks. I’m also going to be taking some calcium and vitamin d supplements. The idea of taking vitamin d when I’m outside all day feels a little silly, but I’m fully covered! Long sleeves, long pants, a hat, and even sun gloves now. Hoping that the combination of all these prevents more injury and that by taking it slowish over the next few days I can heal up.
Day twenty four – took another zero day, this one I hadn’t planned on. Woke up and my shin was still in a decent amount of pain, so took the day to elevate, ice, and rest. Going to get back on the trail tomorrow and aim for 10 miles, leaving me 8 more the next day to get to the Cajon pass (I-15) McDonald’s. After that it’s only 20ish miles to wrightwood and my next resupply!
All pictures from day twenty two:
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