Those of you who follow this year’s “Where did you walk (locally) ...” thread might know that I developed a blister during yesterday‘s walk. It was/is the only blister I’ve got since the one I developed three weeks into my Camino back in 2013.
Yesterday, i spent 40 minutes trekking down the hill earlier in the morning to take the seabus across the inlet, then about another 20 minutes on other public transport to get to the ‘trail head.’ The day before I had logged 9,500 steps which, in itself, is nothing spectacular, but I did wonder at the wisdom of my undertaking what would be a 7+k trek around the Stanley Park seawall, after not having been very active for a few days, save for the 9,500 steps I had done the day before.
All morning I was conscious of my water intake, gauging my consumption as to the location of the next toilet facilities but, at the same time, I was aware that something in me was lacking in energy and perhaps a 7+ trek might not be a good idea just then. However, the weather was good and I had been planning this trek for a while .... so, I ventured forth.
At 1k I felt the first hint of a hot spot on the ball of my left foot. That was my clue to do something about it, but I had no hiker’s wool, no Compeed, no Second Skin, nothing. After all, i was only going on a 3 hour walk, I’d followed my usual foot care routine - which works well for me - and I don’t get blisters. Why would I have any first aid supplies? Silly me!!
Who knows why I developed the blister yesterday? But one thing is sure ... I felt the same fatigue yesterday as I felt in 2013 when I developed that blister and, likewise, I ignored the warning hot spot. In 2013 I was surviving on bocadillos and cafes con leche, neither great on the nutrition scale. Recently - I’m ashamed to admit - I’ve been indulging a bit much on home baked scones - also not high on nutrition. I‘m no nutritionist, but I can’t help but wonder if some electrolytes might have made a difference yesterday, and to think I have on hand some bottles of G Zero that I bought just for such an occasion. Silly me!