[pct-l] Knees on the PCT

[jetcash at aol.com]

I plan to thruhike next year and also have knee issues.? I've been working on strengthening them with the help of a sports medicine physician.? Stretches for runner's knee and IT band have really helped me.? I stretch everyday plus before and after every hike.? To increase strength I've been doing this exercise:

Do a 1/4-1/2 wall squat and squeeze a ball or other springy object between the knees for as long as you can.? Then keep doing it everyday in sets of 3-4 reps.? This works your inner quad, which is usually underdeveloped.

I hurt my knees real bad in March and finally was able to hike 2 mi yesterday in the desert with NO PAIN!? Baby steps will get me ready for PCT 2009.

Margaret