[pct-l] Preparing for a thru hike

[Thomas Jamrog]

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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