It started in September, this niggly leg,
not hugely surprising, considering our trek.
First Prague then Vienna, Bratislava came next,
Budapest then Lisbon then Funchal for a rest.
Five cities, four countries what sights and what smiles;
on foot we walked one hundred and fifty odd miles
Back home in October, the leg niggled more,
it ached when I sat, became troublesome and sore.
My response was to go out and walk myself stronger,
my leg must be weak so my walks should be longer.
Up hills and down valleys, through woods, grass and hay;
it didn't hurt when I walked so I walked every day.
It didn't get worse, but it didn't get better
and I worked in November teaching numbers and letters.
Standing up, sitting down, every morning and then
a walk after lunch in the fresh air again.
Until one afternoon, at the end of November,
a sudden sharp pain I will always remember.
Now it hurt when I walked, when I sat, when I lay,
and the horrible ache just would not go away.
Dr Google informed me that my hamstring was torn
- or pulled or strained - I was very forlorn.
Because worse than the pain, and this made me baulk,
the only way forward was to rest, so no walks!
Hamstrung in December with nothing to do,
just sat on the sofa with a book and a brew.
I could play my guitar, play a game on my phone,
watch a film, try to enjoy some me time, alone.
Half hourly compresses, first cold and then hot,
with a minimal step count, frustrated a lot!
But I had learned a lesson, so I did as was told
remaining sedentary, letting two weeks unfold.
And when I felt better, my leg feeling mended,
the muscle well rested, my hamstring well tended,
I eased myself back into backpack and boots
and prepared for adventure on my easier routes.
Now feeling much better and back on the trails,
exploring new places with the wind in my sails
enjoying the freedom and joy my walks bring,
the babble of brooks and the songbirds that sing.
But not pushing too hard for I will always remember,
It was horrible being hamstrung in December.
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