The Idiot, whether he’s MedTrekking or swimming or working, is used to overdoing it.

In fact, the hamstring pain he endured for seven years was usually attributed to “classic overuse syndrome” due to too much walking around the Mediterranean Sea. It wasn’t until an MRI last December revealed “severe central spinal stenosis” that he disagreed with that sensible-if-too-simple diagnosis.

Now, as he patiently recovers from lumbar laminotomy surgery at Stanford Medical Center on May 19 that reduced compression on nerves causing incessant leg pain, he constantly hears one phrase during 4-6 weeks of post-op rehab: “Don’t overdo it!”

That’s why The Idiot’s exercise regime — which usually involves spinning, swimming, hiking and pumping iron — has been limited to three short daily walks.

The Idiot’s rehab began with three daily five-minute walks in his neighborhood.
(Photo: Liz Chapin)

After ten days he increased the trio of strolls to ten minutes each and crossed the Sacramento River.
(Photo: Luke Stratte-McClure)

Walking with his son Luke across the Sacramento River.

Discussing his surgery and rehab with Redding physician Dr. Trudi Pratt.
(Photo: Liz Chapin)

The downside to limited physical activity is that “Don’t overdo it!”doesn’t seem to apply to eating, though The Idiot, while humming the lyrics to Tomorrow, is switching chefs and beginning the Montignac diet on June 1.

Social events revolve around food.

Dining with his son and daughter-in-law at the new Trendy’s restaurant in Redding, CA.
(Photo: Marc Beauchamp)

Enjoying a healthy lunch with Stanford classmate Kevin Devine prepared by Liz Chapin, The Idiot’s partner and caregiver.
(Photo: Liz Chapin)

Daily tea for four on The Idiot’s deck in Redding, CA.

The food is always natural and healthy but, hey, The Idiot overdoes it.

An Idiot-ic rehab meal prepared by his partner and caregiver Liz Chapin.

An Idiot-ic rehab meal prepared by his son Luke Stratte-McClure.

So what’s The Idiot’s philosophy in June?

Right.

“Don’t overdo it.”

Discussing sensible June menus with his sister and sister-in-law.
(Photo: Liz Chapin)

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About Joel

Joel Stratte-McClure has been a global trekker since the 1970s. He lived in France for over 30 years, working as a journalist, before he turned his attention to a unique life-time-project of walking the shores of the Mediterranean. The first 4,401 kilometers are explored in his inspirational and entertaining first book "The Idiot and the Odyssey: Walking the Mediterranean." The next 4,401 kilometers are covered in the gods-filled sequel, "The Idiot and the Odyssey II: Myth, Madness and Magic on the Mediterranean,” published on Valentine's Day 2013. The last 4,401 kilometers will be discussed in the last book of the trilogy currently entitled "The Idiot and the Odyssey III: Alexander the Great Walks the Mediterranean."