Exclusive: Ankle Mystery Solved!

I had a look at my ankle today, after the swim. I looked at both ankles. There is no inflammation, no swelling, no redness. The right ankle looks pretty much like the left. I don't feel that it is anything serious. But it is bothering me more. On Wednesday for example, just before the steep part of the run, I ducked into Carrefour to buy some stickers. When I came out, my right foot felt so stiff and sore I felt I was running with a slight limp. So I feel at this stage it is practical to identify what is causing this mysterious appoh. ('Appoh' is Korean for 'ouch' or 'eina').

Well do you know what it could be? Shall I tell you? I think it is the yellow MTB that I am riding. I think, because I ride it with my one foot - er, my right foot - at a slight angle, it is causing my ligaments to stretch, it is causing some strain there. I have started cycling that way unconsciously, to avoid the bottom of my trousers catching on the chainring. I only noticed the extent of the angle today. It's funny how my body adapted without me really knowing it. Some of the riding on the bike is hard, like when you cross over the walkways that arch over highways here - they are very curved so some of them are steep and you really have to push hard on the pedals. Today I pushed so hard my front wheel lifted slightly off the ground. So I think there is enough exertion involved to start effecting the tissues in my feet, especially when these pressures are being applied at all sorts of strange angles. I also feel tweaky feelings in my foot walking down stairs - not during ordinary movements. It's interesting how this altered angle of foot on the pedal happened automatically, it was all subconscious.
In the beginning, when the teeth caught my trousers, it really ripped them, and gave me quite a shock. So I think it might be that, and if it is, then it is not really a very serious injury.

On the other hand, I bought new running shoes just before the Ironman, in August, and they are really soft, and I am also a lot heavier, and my right foot is the one that pronates (leans inward). This could also be stretching the tissue a little.

I got an email from Arnaud, telling me I can pick up his marathon number and chip, so I am considering that. The weather is actually worrying me more than my foot. It has gotten quite drizzly today. But it will be good to do another run. It may sound weird but I enjoy running with so many people, and the distance doesn't bother me until around 30km. It's also a nice way to slice off about 2-3 kg in one day. I'll decide tomorrow whether it's a good idea or not. I have Arnaud's number so I just need to decide what is the best thing.

The private student I arranged to meet today (I met her last week outside the bakery) did not turn up, so after waiting 10 minutes, I came home and called her. It was so difficult to explain that I couldn't meet her later today because if I did it would mean I'd be late for the next session!

I don't really mind if it doesn't work out because I feel busy enough as it is.
Tonight I want to eat at Krazy Burger. It has opened just a few days ago in LaFesta. The burgers are pretty expensive, but quite good. If I run the marathon on Sunday I think I can justify going a bit Krazy today.