Week 5: June 23 – Walk Safe
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Today, I split my walk because I had an appointment at the RunSafe clinic on Divisadero and Sutter, a bit more than half-way home (and after the three major hills). Even though I don’t run, they were happy to work with me to ensure that I walk safely, i.e., work on those postural habits that eventually cause injuries. And that was exactly my goal: Given all the stuff I love to do on my feet – walking, hiking, and folk dancing – I have to take care of them! I confirmed some suspicions and learned some new things: My right leg is weaker than my left and my hips are tight and weak (I didn’t know the latter). And my head protrudes forward as if it were trying to get ahead of the rest of my body, probably a habit acquired thanks to sitting in front of the computer too much.
Part of the assessment was a video-taped gait analysis. That was rather humbling: I was read in my face and there was a lot of flubber jiggling around… Well, I knew that I had an uphill battle to get in shape! I do have pretty good and consistent race walking form. I bet I’ll be able to walk faster once I’ve loosened & strengthened my hips.
I also got some nutritional advice. I’ve heard & read many times about more frequent meals but it never seemed to apply to me. But when the nutritionist pointed out that this stabilizes my blood sugar, I realized with a jolt that this is why I get home tired! I haven’t eaten for six hours. So, I am going to try to spread things out more and see what happens. It would be nice not to have to take naps when I come home (I might still choose to).
I didn’t listen to any podcasts today, just music. So, this is a short update today. Plus, I want to go out and walk early tomorrow morning to work on that flubber…
Addendum from June 30: I reviewed the material that the RunSafe clinic sent me and I am not too impressed. It’s put together rather sloppily – spelling mistakes (“study chair” instead of “sturdy chair,” for example) and the section on nutrition has nothing to do with what I discussed with the nutritionist at the clinic. Since this is what I’ll keep from the clinic, I would have thought that they would put as much effort into it than the actual clinic… Disappointing!
To go back to my weekly updates please click here where you also can find out what all this walking is about…
June 23, 2009 at 9:47 pm Pacific Time
Filed under Uphill Battles
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Special K said,
June 24, 2009 at 11:53 am
Oh! I have plantar facistis and just am being fitted for orthodics today. On some nutritional advice, try my break up brownies to charge you!
Rachel said,
June 24, 2009 at 12:31 pm
I hope the custom orthodics work for you! I’ve had PF and good shoes (Finn Comfort) and better insoles made all the difference! I was very pleasantly surprised.
singlutionary said,
June 24, 2009 at 2:07 pm
This is very interesting! I love all the things San Francisco has to offer to help people live more sustainable and happy lives. I KNOW that I also walk with my head jutting out in front. Its a life-long bad habit.