Apologies for the gross picture of my swollen, farmer tanned foot. To prevent a chronic condition, I've concluded it would be wise to stop the activity that caused my tendonitis. Unfortunately, due to its poor blood supply, healing of the Achilles tendon is often slow, so it's likely I'll have to rest for at least several weeks. Here's some of what I've read online: "The tendon needs at least 6 weeks to form the scar tissue needed to fully repair the affected area. Scar tissue will continue to form in the affected area long after the six week period. The key to successful tendonitis treatment is patience. If you do not give the tendon enough time to recover tendonitis will return, it's as simple as that."
Well, on that note, I decided to spend one more night in Berea and head home Sunday morning. I'll return to Berea to continue my journey once doctors and I conclude my Achilles is back to full strength. Worthwhile endeavors are rarely reached without setbacks along the way...a metaphor for life.
Oh, Berea's been great. I've received a remarkably warm embrace by the community. I'm looking forward to seeing my new friends and acquaintances again when my trip continues: Nick, who treated me with amazing kindness and generosity of spirit; Paul, the manager of Berea Coffee & Tea / epicenter of community activity; Jacob, who awoke early on Sunday to drive me to Hertz; Libby, whose conversation I enjoyed greatly and whose courage I respect immensely; Mike who drove me "home" from Saturday's awesome party; Joe, a talented poet, on his way to a stint at the Omega Institute; Sean, a farmer working to expand the distribution of his grass fed, locally processed cattle; the many very talented artisans of Berea including Warren May the master woodworker, and Jeff the master pottery maker; and Natalia & Chynna, intelligent, beautiful, vibrant young women - oh to be 15 years younger!
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5 comments:
OUCH! Seems like a wise decision. And, you've learned the greatest lesson of the road--there are great friends and interesting people almost everywhere... great that you have Berea to return to for the next leg. In the meantime, as soon as you are home and settled let's meet for supper so JD and I can hear all the details.! all love and safe home. Leslie
Clearly the right choice Steve. I am sure it was bittersweet, but it sounds like you paused in a great place. Look forward to seeing you back here and riding with you again once you heal up. Maybe montauk in mid june if your healing progresses?
Great and interesting people almost everywhere: definitely. Nearly everywhere I had a chance to meet people was a reminder of this. Looking forward to having dinner w/ you and JD soon - maybe next week? I'm off to see a sports doctor this AM...
Dan: I've been looking forward to the Montauk ride. I can't imagine I wouldn't be able to do that ride - flat w/ no panniers & six weeks of rest. If I'm unable to return to the road before then, it will make for a very solid warm up opportunity, and of course a nice weekend w/ great friends.
Steve I'll meet you at moms for mothers day? I think you are making a wise choice. The xcountry trip will always be there bit your Achilles may not. Thank
god you don't have to go through the appalachian back roads again. Unles you want to. Can't wait to see you
Denise
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