[pct-l] Preparing for a thru hike

[mkwart at gci.net]

Yeah--I got a gait assessment, too. But sometimes this can be cost 
prohibitive for a lot of hikers.
--Fireweed


On Fri, Jun 8, 2012 at 11:37 AM , Thomas Jamrog wrote:

> Regarding gait:
> Having your gait assessed by a knowledgeable sports podiatrist is the 
> first thing you should do if you are planning a thru hike.  Blisters, 
> shin splints, back pain all can be compounded or even  caused by gait 
> abnormalities. In my case, I had to take longer steps, not smaller, 
> widen my gait slightly, and aim my heel placement on the inside of the 
> heel. I did serious damage to my left foot on my AT thru hike, and 
> corrected my gait and was able to complete my PCT thru hike without a 
> blister, or any additional damage to my feet. It took me over a year 
> to completely alter my dysfunctional gait.   There are too many 
> personal factors involved to say that one thing fits all ( i.e. 
> barefoot running).  Get an individual assessment or at least read 
> Sherry Brourman's "Walk Yourself Well" as a start.  Also, I have had 
> fewer problems after I hiked in thin merino socks in footwear that is 
> two sizes larger than I normally wear.  "Avert the damage before it 
> comes".  Uncle Tom
> On Jun 8, 2012, at 1:47 PM, mkwart at gci.net wrote:
>
>> On Fri, Jun 8, 2012 at 4:38 AM, Tom Holz <tom.holz at gmail.com> wrote:
>> 			Chi running, pose running, or barefoot running are good concept to 
>> start
>> with if you have never consciously worked on your gait before.
>>
>>
>> I have taken a chi running and chi walking class and the concepts are 
>> similar--take smaller steps, keep your body aligned--I have put them 
>> into practice while backpacking on the PCT and it has helped 
>> alleviate budding hip and knee problems. I would recommend them. 
>> Also--I think either last year or the year before someone at the 
>> kickoff did a presentation on being conscious of your walking gait. I 
>> thought this was a great idea because big structural problems in the 
>> body often start as small repetitive motions.
>>
>> --Fireweed
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