RAAM Update 6/27 – The Photos

Rick, George and the crew are back in California. George now has links to more photos from the race at Flickr, so check it out for a behind the scenes look at RAAM. 

I spoke with Rick yesterday and it sounds like his Achilles are slowly improving, but still sore.

No word on when he plans on climbing on his bike (I think he threatened to this upcoming weekend).

RAAM Update 6/22 – THE FINISH LINE!!!

After 3048 miles, over 100,000 feet of vertical climbing and only 9 days, 18 hours and 55 minutes since leaving the Oceanside, California pier, Team Beat Cancer rode across the finish line in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

A big congratulations to Rick and George, their crew, family and sponsors for a job well done. George took a mighty last leg of over 200+ miles after Rick’s achilles finally got the best of him last night. A fair trade for some of the 100+ mile pulls that Rick took earlier in the race when George was also having problems. And folks, that’s what team RAAM is about – conquering the toughest bike race in the world – as a team!

Read the write up on the RAAM website here.

RAAM Update – 6/21 – The Sopranos finale…

Its 6 am in California, so 9 am back in the Land of the Sopranos – and Team Beat Cancer is in New Jersey!!!

Only 65 miles from the finish, its pretty much done except for the parade route and the party.

As mentioned on the Team Beat Cancer blog, Rick’s Achilles tendon is done, kaput, ’sleeping with the fishes’…however you want to put it.

I spoke with him yesterday after he came off the bike. Despite being fairly uncomfortable because of the pain, he was in good spirits and satisfied with the effort he and George have put in over the past 9 days.

I also spoke to Terry, Rick’s wife, who was traveling from San Diego to Atlantic City yesterday to be at the finish line when Rick and George get there later today. She sounded relieved that the finish is almost there for RAAM.

One thing not to forget is that this race would not be possible for Rick and George without the support of their loved ones and support crew. The effort and commitment required to help support an event like this is incredibly impressive!Best wishes and much thanks to all involved!

Finish line report coming up soon!

Achilles Tendinosis

Symptoms
Pain or swelling in the back of the calf, usually 2 to 3 inches above the back of the running shoe. The pain is typically worse when the heel strikes the ground or when pushing off from the ground on your toes.

A rupture of the Achilles can occur during a forceful push-off. Typically there is a “pop” or ripping sensation in the back of the calf, followed by pain and decreased movement of the ankle.

A suspected Achilles rupture requires evaluation by a sports medicine physician and may require surgery or prolonged immobilization in a cast or walking boot.

Causes
Common causes of Achilles tendinitis include: tight calf muscles, recent increase in running mileage or running up hills. Over-pronation (rolling in of the foot) as well as high foot arches (pes cavus) and flat feet (pes planus) can also cause Achilles tendinitis.

Prevention
Prevention includes proper stretching, slowly increasing your mileage and proper running shoe selection.

Treatment
Ice decreases inflammation, pain, and swelling. Apply ice for 10 to 15 minutes three to four times a day. Anti-inflammatory pain medications such as ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil) or naprosyn (Aleve or Naproxen) as directed by your physician.
Gentle range of motion and calf stretches can be helpful. Eccentric calf exercises can be helpful in recurrent cases.

These exercises are done by standing on a step or stairs with the toes on the step and the heels hanging off the step. Slowly lower your heel so that it drops below the step. You should feel a slight stretch in the calf. This movement is the eccentric or lengthening movement. Slowly return to the starting position. Repeat 10 to 15 times twice a day.