I put some heel inserts in my shoes today and it helped quite a bit, preventing hyperextension of the Achilles. It was my best run since the injury.

I still believe it will take some time yet before the injury is completely healed, however. There is a prominent bump on the tendon – scar tissue. A footballer might opt for surgery to remove this, so they’re back on the field earlier.

But I don’t have the same incentive to be back to my best immediately. And I’ve never had surgery on an injury and won’t be starting now. I’ll let the scar tissue dissipate through more natural means – massage and time, perhaps with some laser or ultrasound therapy.

On This Day

Sep 4, 2012

Distance today = 50.43 km; Total distance = 11,086.54 km; Location = Columbia, Kentucky – 37 09.166′ N, 85 18.509′ W; Start time = 0825, Finish time = 1640

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/218956065

More quiet back roads through nice forests, but it was super hilly. Not long hills, but some were very steep. The morning was overcast, but the afternoon saw the sun emerge – it got very hot and sticky.

I reached the town of Columbia and Carmel picked me up. Then we had an experience straight from the Prohibition days. You see, the local Taliban have banned the sale of alcohol in this and some of the neighbouring counties. While in the town’s Walmart, Carmel was informed there was a bootlegger in town and was given directions. After she picked me up, we found the joint – a modern day drive-thru speakeasy on the edge of town – and made some covert purchases. It was hilarious, with other “customers” all having a joke with each other as they bought what is supposed to be banned in town.

Looking ahead, if any friends have an interest in joining us in South America, we will be arriving in Santiago on Oct 31, where I will be running to Buenos Aires. If you are keen to accompany us, for any length of time, please let us know. There are plenty of highlights to be had, including the Andes and Mendoza region, the epicentre of the Argentinian wine country.

PS The tracker is showing me south of the town of Columbia, but my real run position is north of the town. This is because there is no T-Mobile coverage, so I have to use the hotel wireless to send a position.

Sep 4, 2013

Distance today = 48.79 km; Total distance = 25,866.96 km; Location = Bowning, NSW (10 km west of) – 34 44.542’ S, 148 44.113′ E; Start time = 0820, Finish time = 1600

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/370324403

I’m writing this from out on the road, where there is some internet reception, so I’ll keep it short.

It was another day of perfect weather, brilliant fields of yellow canola, and lots of hills. Kate ran the first 15 km with, before she, Tony, and Sue headed home to Sydney. It was great to have her along for a few days. She ran a total of 61 km with me, which puts her into second on the female aggregate list, behind Sylvia.

The rest of the day was uneventful, other than a nice welcome to the town of Binalong, where a local set up a finishing “ribbon” for me to break as I crossed the line into town. Carmel will post photos of this when she gets reception.