[pct-l] Training hikes, Hiker Tips

[vichansonperu at yahoo.com (Vic Hanson)]

Sorry if this is a repeat, I sent it last night from my pocketmail but it doesn't show up on either list.
   
  It has warmed up here in Minneapolis this week, up to 40 degrees! 
Yesterday I went for a 9 mile hike on a gravel trail, today 20 miles on 
a paved trail - Ugh!! Both are "Rails to trails" so were flat and 
rather boring but they run right past my sister's house so are 
convenient. Actually half of today's trail was a trail around 3 lakes, would 
be really pretty in the Spring. They were cross country skiing, para 
snowboarding and wind snowboarding on the ice, looked like fun.

Had 30 lbs in my Vapor Trail, felt good for about 15 miles, shoulders 
got a bit sore after that. Helping out Switchback here, I'm sure most 
of you know these but if anyone is new to backpacking it may be of 
help. To relieve your shoulders try these ideas...hook your thumbs in 
the chest straps and push forward a bit, pulls your shoulders forward 
ands feels good. Put your hands on your hips and hook your thumbs on 
the straps, also moves your shoulders back. "Windmill" your arms 
around, going forward and backwards, for me it works best if I bend my 
elbows at 90 degrees. Finally put your hands on the top off your head 
{like a POW} and lock your fingers together to hold them there. 
Alternate methods as needed and based on how foolish you feel with people 
watching!

Now for sore feet....if you feel an ache or pain in your foot, stop 
and stretch your feet, try to straighten your foot by moving the front 
down gently and then move it back like you are trying to touch your 
toes to your leg. Alternate between the two, trying to stretch a 
little farther each time. It's easier sitting or laying down but you can 
do one foot at a time when standing up. Repeat at night in bed, before 
going to sleep and when{ever} you wake up. This helped me get rid of planters facietes {sp?} a few years ago.
  
One last item, as Yogi and others have said, take out the standard 
insole inserts and put in good ones. I forgot on a new pair of shoes 
today and got a hot spot on the balls of both feet at mile 19. They 
were fine yesterday for 9 miles, maybe I should have only gone for 15 
miles today. Train, train, train before the PCT. Don't try to get in 
shape on the trail. IMHO

Vic



  Check out my new blog for current events and my PCT hike info:
  http://360.yahoo.com/vichansonperu
   
  Check out my blog for photos and stories of my adventures in Peru: 
http://spaces.msn.com/members/vichanson/


		
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