Yesterday was a difficult day, hence the lateness of this post. Isla has developed shin splints in her lower left leg. This has been caused by a combination of factors; the constant changing of surface and at times irregular camber on tracks, and the almost total reduction of tread on her left boot. She has been managing it for a couple of days, taking nurofen and icing it in the evenings. However, this morning about 5km into our walk to Peronne, she couldn’t put any weight on her left leg and the pain was excruciating. We stopped and
Isla changed from Altra boots to Altra Lone Peak trainers and after 30 minutes resting, we set off slowly for Peronne. I decided that if by the time we reached the St Chris-Briost it wasn’t any better, then we would call for a taxi and she would go on to Peronne while I finished on foot. Isla struggled on and when we couldn’t find a taxi or anywhere open to ask (what a surprise), despite my protests made the decision to continue to Peronne. I could see how much pain she was in, but she ‘dug in’ and we made it into Peronne at about 1430. She spent the evening nursing the leg, applying ibprufon gel, icing and elevating and this morning she has applied tape. Hopefully, her leg will hold up for the remaining few days of the journey.
Isla showed remarkable grit and determination yesterday; I know a lot of people who would have given up in similar circumstances. Naturally over the coming days we are going to change some of the routes to make them more manageable for Isla, but she is determined to make it to Ypres and then on to Nieuwpoort.
True grit - keep going. Hope today is better in the trainers.