This is Normal

Mike Golding discusses his post-race symptoms following the 2012-2013 Vendee Globe, the 24,000-nm solo, non-stop around the world race in the IMOCA Open 60 class:

“My sleep patterns are beginning to return to something approaching normal – though I am still requiring catnaps in the day. The out-of-condition legs are strengthening daily but my upper body, which had been in a constant workout for 88 days, aches from the absence of the tough physical regime. I am heading back to the gym to let the muscles recover more gradually and hopefully with less discomfort. Another residual symptom is the tough skin on my hands and feet; it’s dry and hard as leather during the day, but when I shower or bath the skin turns white and melts. Basically there’s a general discomfort in recovering and I know it’s going to take some time yet, probably months, to be symptom free. This is normal following a Vendee Globe.”

Source: http://tinyurl.com/MG-021913