Football Training (Redux)

A couple of days ago I wrote about the torturous process by which my feet are being retrained and restored and rehabilitated. It is actually much worse than that.

In fact, I now know why the process seemed so familiar to me when I first began to go through with it. It's found in Dickson's Dorsai trilogy. All that standing on one foot until fatigue ('footigue'?) kicks in and then the other foot, and so on — the building of physical and psychic endurance through pain.

If I'd gone further down that path, I'd be doing handstands next, to strengthen my wrists.

Football Training

Stand on one foot. Stay immobile if possible for a number of seconds, starting at half a minute. Switch feet. Do it again. Increase the time by another half-minute. Repeat until the successful interval is five minutes long.

Change the surface to a variable, shifty one. A half-inch stack of yoga mats, for example, or a spongy pillow (not too soft). Do it again.

It's supposed to strengthen the stability of the balls of your feet by developing the foot's muscles, ligaments and tendons. It's also supposed to help flat-footed people overcome a serious problem which looms as they age: the problem of losing their balance and spraining, straining or breaking something.

Enjoy. Ow, my feet hurt.

Retraining

Well, the non-disclosure agreement probably makes it prudent for me not to publicly say anything about what training I am now receiving. But it's interesting to note that about eight years ago, I actually presented a paper on it to an assembly of my peers; 13 years ago, I presented my thoughts to a jury of my superiors. Whatever it is, I have mentioned it elsewhere in this blog.

I am gratified to be receiving a refresher course plus upgrade and hands-on practice. It is a rejuvenating experience. I find myself both pedagogue and student at once, and learning a lot of new stuff. Amazing. It makes me happy. If happiness is insanity, I shall soon be certified non compos mentis. Grin.