[pct-l] Foot ready, are you?

[Minda Fraser]

Nothing feels as bad as ill fitting shoes and blisters! Lol. When I said I was hiking in shoes that were half a size too small I wasn't suggesting you do that. I was just telling you my folly. Even with all my foot toughening and prepping and past experiences. I know it will still be rough. I mean. I don't have time to walk 18-20 miles a day to be really prepped. Lol it's gonna hurt! But hey! We will make it through!  I plan on bringing betadine and neosporin too. 

Sent from my iPhone

> On Feb 7, 2014, at 10:19 AM, Joshua Walsh <jpwalk38z at aol.com> wrote:
> 
> 
> Wow, as a newbie I can see how foot problems stop soooo many hikers.
> 
> After I read many PCT desert trail journals, there appears to be difficulty with foot problems past the first 200 to 400 miles.
> 
> Any Solutions or advice?
> 
> To begin with, I was thinking of only hiking max of 15 miles/day the first 100.
> 
> Secondly, pre-training months before the start date as follows:
> 
> In consideration of these factors: Heat, Friction/Pressure, and Weighted Pounding..
> 
> 1. Battery Heated socks with sand paper inserts covered by.. (Waterproof Socks)
> 
> 2. Waterproof thick socks, wrapped with.. (Ankle Weights)
> 
> 3. Ankle weights, slowly increasing the amount of ankle weight and mileage over time in an attempt to partially mimic backpack weight without straining the back. Adding a weighted hip belt might also prove helpful.
> 
> Sounds a little crazy?
> 
> Tentative Plan:  start with milder everyday use (not at work) and slowly increasing the time and intensity. Build up over a few weeks to a month until I can jog up and downhill with the above preparation on a daily basis. Full training time may vary depending on my personal progress and adaptation.
> 
> My personal belief is that some of us require more time for our skin layers, muscles, tendons and foot bone structures to adapt and grow stronger overtime. Hopefully I can avoid the micro-foot fractures and shin-splints with this progressive approach.
> 
> Please respond with comments for or against. Any constructive advice is welcome!
> 
> JP
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