HDT: Can’t Get Enough

After the GET hike, Mrs. Haze and I headed to the San Juans and spent the July 4th in Salida. We then circumvented the Zirkel Wilderness in Northern Colorado and the Wind River Range in Wyoming. Had a great time re-visiting some of my favorite ranges on the CDT. We even got to be trail angels for some CDT hikers.

Speaking of ankle busting, just before my GET hike, I was playing tennis and felt a pop at the bottom of my ankle. My podiatrist confirmed that my peroneal tendons had probably slipped out of place and snapped back. The fact that I have a history of sprained/rolled ankles and pretty severe supination further supported her diagnosis. I went on to hike and complete the GET but not without careful foot placement, some pain, weakness and instability.

After we returned from our summer trip, I put the foot in a walking boot for a month. I got an MRI and saw a well-respected orthopedic surgeon. The MRI revealed one torn peroneal tendon, one possibly ruptured peroneal tendon and stretched ligaments. Ouch, no wonder it hurt! The surgeon recommended a realignment of my heel relative to my ankle to correct supination, an internal brace, ligament reconstruction, tendon repair and transfer, and cleanup of old scar tissue. Six months to one-year recovery – I just couldn’t pull the trigger on that one yet. I asked for a good external brace/wrap to use on both ankles. Not perfect but much better – so the training/conditioning begins once again for the Hayduke Trail!