5 years 11 months - Walked around Lake Merced, ~4.5 miles and sore ankle after

Friday - August 3, 2018

Happy Friday! 

I went for an after work walk with friends around Lake Merced. It was about 4.5 miles around the lake. Then entire trail around the lake was cement. After the walk, I did feel a little sore in the ankle. The last time I came here was when I tried running it and that was a bad idea. I've retired from running. Walking this lake going forward. No limping, success!

4 years 9 months - Back from my Asia vacation and didn't get cankles this time!

Monday - June 12, 2017

I'm back from my 2 weeks Asia vacation! Went to Hong Kong, Macau, Tokyo Japan, Osaka, Kyoto, Hanoi, and Ha Long Bay! Walked over 10+ hrs a few days and no swelling in the ankle!

I bought these new Nike Air Max Motion shoes just for the trip. Last year, I had a pretty flat running shoe bottom. It was no good, no support for walking many hours. This year, I was thinking what if I got something with an air bubble. It's gotta give me some support and extra cusion. Even the inner shoe pads had a ribbed cushion. Most comfortable shoes I've purchased so far! They lasted all day for me and I loved it! No cankles, no pain! I was a happy traveler! I'm now looking at investing in an entire air bubble bottom shoe haha. 

4 years 7 months - Walked in snow!

Saturday - April 1, 2017

2 weeks ago, my friends and I went to South Lake Tahoe just to get away for the weekend. We took a walk down Spooner Lake. It's completely froze over! It would've been a good idea to wear some snow shoes. My friends and I were sinking in up to our knees! I felt a tiny pinch in my ankle because it was cold. Nothing uncomfortable though. A few times I stepped in a bit angled and it bothered my ankle a bit but no pain. I can walk in snow!

On our way home we had to get some tires. The storm came in last night and the streets had snow going up to our calves! I'm enjoying this walk in the snow!

4 years - 4 Years Ankleversary!

Saturday - September 24, 2016

Today's my 4 years Ankleversary! I just got back from vacation, an 18 hour flight from Cambodia. It was my first vacation where I walked a lot in tours. First day there, I was probably on my feet walking from about 5am since landing till 11pm. After about a few more days of nonstop walking, I'm noticing my ankles swelling. I've got cankles haha! It was spilling over my shoes at one point, it got so bad! 

The 3rd day, I decided to wear a brace and it backfired. I got heat rash! It didn't help that it was hot, in the 90s and humid. I was also noticably limping with some pinching sudden pain that scared me a bit. I almost buckled a few times and had to stop. Then again I was carrying pretty heavy luggage and walking a good distance with that weight. Ankle was also hot. Ice packing and elevating it helped! 

Good thing I brought some Salonpas patches to wear overnight. I also elevated it on a pillow to bring down the swelling.

By the last few days with some rest, my swelling and heat rash went away! However, my scar is itchy. I guess the heat activated my collagen around the scar that caused inflamation. Now I know I can't do long walking tours and carrying heavy things for a long distance. I also probably need better shoes. I had the lightweight Nike running shoes which I thought was enough but wasn't. I probably need better cushioning. Time to shop for new shoes! I am back to normal and ready for the next vacation!

2 years 7 months - Alamere Falls Hike, came home with a sore ankle!

Saturday April 4, 2015

Alamere Falls was one of the most beautiful hike's I've ever done. Minus the poison oak along the trails. There were wide and narrow trails.

Towards the end of the trail, we had to do a bit of rock climbing down to the beach. There were also a few beautiful waterfalls! 

The final part down to the beach was almost a 90 degree climb down. There was a lot of loose rock too, so everyone had to becareful and wait for people to go up and down.

Down by the beach, there was this big waterfall where everyone went to take pictures.

This time I didn't wear my ankle brace or bring my hiking poles. Mostly because I misplaced the brace and forgot to bring the poles. It was a quick last minute rush decision to go this morning. I was definitely feeling tired by the time I got to the beach. We walked along soil, uneven paths, gravel, rocks, acorns, leaves, and sand! The entire hike was uneven pavement. It was a workout for sure for my ankle. Waterfall was our reward at the end, with a vietnamese sandwich for a late lunch.

By 3/4 of the way back, I was slowing down and starting to limp just a bit. The next time I come back, I should really wear my ankle brace because I slipped a few times. Luckily with my left foot. 

Once I got home, I put on a Icy Hot wrap. I realized I wore it inside out, as shown in the image below haha. Sore but happy! I'll be back and more prepared next time!

1 year 9 months - Hiked Crater Lake, Oregon on July 4th!

Friday, July 4, 2014

Happy 4th of July! 

A friend of mine and I did a road trip up to Klamath Falls, Oregon to stay with a friend and to hike Crater Lake on July 4th weekend! I had so much fun! We hiked up Garfield Peak Trail, narrow, windy, rocky, and picturesque! It was sooo pretty! Saw snow, water, lots of trees, and fresh air!

This time, I purchased a hiking stick to aid me. I also put on my ankle brace since I've learned my lesson hiking in Tahoe the week before. 

Along our hike, I came across this rock to sit on with the most gorgeous views! My friend snapped a panoramic shot of me. It was the bluest water I've ever seen in my life! 

It was a great 4th of July! Fun fireworks show! 

I got to purchase and light my own fireworks too! It was my first time and it was too much fun haha. 

The next day, my friends and I went back to Crater Lake! This time for the boat tour inside the lake! I was prepared again with my hiking stick and brace. It actually made all the difference! I wasn't even sore that much. What a difference compared to not wearing a brace! 

The hike down to the boat was only about a 25 minute hike. It was so exciting! 

The tour itself was about an hour and a half total. The water was unbelievably clear and blue. Everyone was just so mesmerized. The guided tour was great! We learned so much, so much history and beauty of the changing seasons.

I still couldn't believe there was still snow on the crater and we're in shorts in 80 degrees weather. Something I've never done before. 

After the tour, we went for some scenic drives and stopped at Cloudcap overlook with the view of Wizard Island in Crater Lake! My ankle was happy and surprised to still be able to hike for a second day straight! 

The final hike after, was to Pinnacles Trail. It was an amazing straight, and flat trail with views of the volcano spires. It was a great trip! I'll never ever forget it! Though after the second day of hiking, I did feel more tired in the ankle. Surprised I wasn't crazy sore. Yay! I want to do more hikes! 

Here's a beautiful view of Crater Lake from Garfield's Trail.

1 year 8 months - Went to Disneyland and wore an ankle brace!

Monday, June 9, 2014

Disneyland! The happiest place on earth! My coworkers and I were down in LA for E3 and decided to go to Disneyland the day before. It was so much fun! A lot of walking though. 

We went from 10:30am - 10pm. I knew I needed to wear an ankle brace for the long days of walking and standing in lines for rides. While waiting in longer lines for rides, I had to shift or stretch every 5-10 minutes or the stiff weirdness begins. My circulation will cut off when I stand for too long. I'll never forget my New York trip with all that walking giving me a bad limp and slow walking by the end of the day. So I wore this very flexible ankle brace by Futuro, purchased from Target. It was the only one that was light and comfortable enough to wrap about the hardware and wear shoes comfortably. Glad I wore it because by the end of the day I felt ok. Nothing like New York. It saved me! Still I was very tired but not as limpy as I expected. By the time I sat down, I finally felt exhausted. I didn't swell up but I did feel sore. A bit of aching too. I always carry Advil as a backup, suggested by the doctor. Happy I wore it! It was great support! I love Disneyland!

1 year 7 months - Mom noticed me limping today...

Saturday, May 31, 2014

I had family dinner today to pick up some Zongzi, a yearly traditional food made during this time. My grandma makes the best! It's so yummy!

After dinner on my walk to my car with my mom, she said to me she notices me limping. She asked if I was ok and it made me sad. Usually I wouldn't even limp until after about 30 minutes to 1 hour of walking. I told her it could be the cold, or maybe the shoes I wear sometimes. This is just something that happens. She just seemed very sad and it made me sad. It was the first cold day of the nice sunny week we've had in San Francisco. 

This entire month has been very emotionally tiring. This weird ankle started acting up with the clicking and limping more often then usual. I'll get an MRI this coming Thursday.  I continue to do Yoga, and Stationary Biking. I'll see what happens after scheduling and getting in some Physical Therapy. I feel like I just took 100 steps back in my healing. Thing's just happens.  

1 year 7 months - 6 laps on the Lyons Street Steps

Saturday, May 3, 2014

Today, my friend and I went to hike the Lyons Street Steps. Great views and a perfect day! It wasn't too hot and just the right amount of breeze. I wore my really light running shoes for the walk. 

It was easy to go down with the beautiful view looking over the Marina. My ankle felt alright! Walking my normal pace down those stairs. 

Going up was a bit harder, these were some steep steps. Did 6 laps up and 6 laps down. I got my sweat on and my legs burned so good. My ankle is tired and sore now. No limping! I'll be back for more next week. I hope to increase my laps in the future. It feels so good!

1 year 5 months - Ft. Funston Doggy Play Date

Saturday, March 15, 2014 

Back to Ft. Funston for the 4th time for a doggy play date! Met up a coworker with his dog Mochi for a fun day at the park with Pebbles!

It was a perfect sunny day, 72 degrees out. I can't believe the last time I was at Ft. Funston was on May 24, 2013! You can read about the last time I visited here. 

I feel so bad for Pebbles, it's been so long since I last brought her to her dog heaven to play. The last time I went I got really sore so I stopped going and wanted to wait til I felt stronger. This time, I walked from home and even did some jogging on Lake Merced on my way to Ft. Funston. You can read more about the last time I was there for a run June 29, 2013. It was too early to run on cement then so I've stopped running there. You can see the running path across the streets where the cars are in the picture behind Pebbles.

I definitely felt stronger and more balanced while walking on sand. No weird pinching and ankle twisting! Sooo happy! Walked for 2 hours with Pebbles friend Mochi. 

Here's a video of my day with Pebbles at Ft. Funston. I continue to Progress and feel stronger. Extremely happy and looking forward to what's next!

Day 221 - Second day back to running at Lake Merced!

Saturday, June 29, 2013 - Week 38

This time, I chose to run later in the evening. It was a very hot day. I did the usual run then walk for every few minutes. Definitely less people running at around dinner time. I felt a bit tired today and again by mile 3 I feel spent. For some reason, this time my ankle felt like there was more pressure and a tiny bit of pinching towards the end of my run. I think it could have been because I walked from home to the lake. My ankle definitely felt a little strained and very tired. I walked the last mile and then to add to that, walked back home which was about another 15 minutes. I had a tiny baby limp going on. 

I waited a week to write this because I was actually really sore for a few days and was limping. The soreness lasted until Tuesday, July 2. and I had a noticeable baby limp to add to that. Maybe I should cool off on running and walking so much all at once. I should just stick to stationary cycling and run for shorter distances in the future. Surprisingly, I have never really gotten any swollen ankles from all the time's I have been sore or feeling a little strained and tired from walking/running so much. Ankle's are still the same. I really do wonder now if it has anything to do with using my chinese medicine practically everyday. If so, Dit Da Jow really works!

Oh, ignore the pace haha. I ran out of batteries and I guess it continued to record my pace after recharging. 

Day 204 - First day back to running at my usual spot, Crissy Fields!

Wednesday, June 12, 2013 - Week 36

Today marks exactly 8.5 months since the day of injury and I am back to running at my usual spot, Crissy Fields! My first time running on cement and soil! I have missed this beautiful view so much! I was sooo nervous and cautious but I felt fine! At the beginning, I start my run on cement as I usually do. I was very nervous my ankle wasn't able to handle it. I was not use to running on cement at all and felt very heavy. I got tired fast and did a lot of run then walk, and alternating every few minutes. It felt great to be there. It was a perfect sunny day, not cold, and not too many people running.

At the end of Fort Point is the turn around point, there's the Hopper's Hands I must give high fives to before turning back. It gives me a feeling of accomplishment that I have made it to the end.

My run back turns into a trail made of soil. I definitely felt the cushion and more comfort in each step. Near the end, there is a wooden bridge which I walked because it has so many uneven wooden boards. My end point is back to my car at the parking area in front of the beach and view of Alcatraz. 

I did it! One big circle! Ran/walked 3.43 miles in 51 minutes! It was a great day today! So happy to be back! I've waited long enough =)