Training your feet for long distance hiking
August 21, 2007
Conditioning your feet for long distance hiking is merely a matter of…hiking. Nothing replaces getting out on the trail with weight bouncing off rocks and pushing yourself. I do find it difficult and sometimes I am too lazy to put all my equipment together, but I know I need to work up some miles to condition both my feet and my body for my upcoming long distance hikes.
Here are some ideas on how to get your feet happy…
1) Hike Barefoot for a few miles on the weekend. This is a great way to really put some stress on your toes, a short distance during the weekend or evening will go a long way to training. A bit awkward in some parts of the world I know. Try this product out. Vibram: FiveFingers Classic. These are just enough protection for rocks and such and will can really ease the pain of breaking in your feet.
2. When on training hikes, ALWAYS wear your sock/shoe combination that you would on the PCT. When trained in your exact gear your feet will begin to find the sweet spot and your comfort level will go way up.
3. Short trail runs. Awesome way to get the blood in your feet pumping and help them tighten up.
4. Heavy weighted day hikes. Strengthens your back, legs, upper body and definetly trains your feet for abuse.
5. Back to back training days. Up to about a month before you are leaving, start taking back to back hikes of 15-20 miles, with your pack weight. This is probably the most important means of training your feet (and your body) for the hike ahead.
6. Signup for the FixingYourFeet newsletter! This site is filled with quality articles, tips and products on preventing and taking care of your feet and blisters.
Hike around the world in 14 years - The Goliath Expedition
August 17, 2007
Karl Bushby’s is making an amazing attempt to backpack around the world. Imagine spending 14 Years on the trail. The BBC did a story about the most dangerous stretch of his journey, crossing the Bering Strait that was incredible. Watch the video online: The Goliath Expedition Coverage on BBC.
Every hiker needs to read this story, it’s incredibly motivating. Subscribe to Goliath Expedition Blog for updated journals. Here are a few excerpts from their blog:
- We are getting there! Tue, 29 Apr 2008 13:07:11
We are getting there! The last few days have been very busy trying to tie down all these floating elements, get everything to where it needs to be at the right time and making sure I have the right cash in hand. We got lucky with the flights, the flight to Pevek was delayed due […] - Russian visa - regulation changes, delays and complications Wed, 16 Apr 2008 18:49:52
The expedition has been using multi entry year long business visas for the last couple of years in Russia, but at the same time crippled by the very restrictive special travel permits required in the Chukotka region. Now, as we are about to leave Chukotka, the Russian Government has recently changed its visa procedure […] - Waiting for permit to re-enter Chukotka Thu, 06 Mar 2008 16:30:02
Well, February has come and gone and unfortunately Karl is still in Alaska. The extensive preparations for the return to Russia are now complete and he is only waiting for the six-month permit to re-enter Chukotka (which is expected soon), and the one-year visa. Regrettably it appears that the goalposts have been moved for obtaining a visa and it’s going […]
- Check out their website for some other interesting coverage:
- The Goliath Expedition Coverage on BBC
- Book: Karly Bushby’s Giant Step
- See the Route
Backpacking and Hiking Podcasts - Experience the outdoors rain or shine!
August 15, 2007
Practicalbackpacking.com: America’s First Podcast Totally Dedicated to Backpacking! Reaching millions of outdoor enthusiasts with informative interviews regarding Gear, Experience, and Technique.
- PBP Episode 35 - Tarps 101 Sat, 15 Mar 2008 13:13:27
This episode is all about tarps. I’ve asked Ron Bell of Mountain Laurel Designs (MLD) to help me address concerns that some may have about using a tarp as their primary backpacking shelter.Ron and I also discuss the many benefits that tarps provide as well as helpful tips on selection and pitching.
[Copyright © 2008 Practical Backpacking™ - All Rights Reserved. Redistribution of Audio/Text/Graphics Prohibited]
- PBP Episode 34 - GoLite Ultra 20 Fri, 07 Mar 2008 15:08:23
In this episode, I interview Andy Burgess, the Vice President of Development for GoLite, regarding the Ultra 20° down sleep system.Andy shares all the details regarding the Ultra 20’s design, materials, sizing, weight, and more. Listen in to discover the advantages of using this lightweight quilt for your outdoor adventures.
PBP Episode 34 - GoLite Ultra 20[Copyright © 2008 Practical Backpacking™ - All Rights Reserved. Redistribution of Audio/Text/Graphics Prohibited]
Trail Journals - The journey’s of many on trails across the country
August 15, 2007
TrailJournals.com is a huge community of hikers and backpackers that log their miles and adventures online. Here are some of the most recent entries:
- Appalachian Trail-Prep: Prep #7 by Dagger 11
From Jay: This weekend we’re headed out into the woop woop (as the Aussies would call it) again. A - John Muir Trail: Mt. Whitney by
I’ve been waiting for 32 years for this trip, now it’s only 32 days until we leave! - Pacific Crest Trail: by
I slept great last night and woke up to a Mountain Dew! Wingit and I were the last to get going and - Pacific Crest Trail: by
3:00 am came too quickly but we were ready to get away from the highway. We had a 24 mile hike toda - Other Trails-Prep: Philmont is Almost Here! by RangerAlex
Time does fly. It seems like not too long ago it was December and I was signing my contract for Phil - Appalachian Trail: campsite by Repack
Tuesday 5/13. Miles today 17.1. From Relax Inn to a great campsite. Title: The Perfect Setting.My
- Appalachian Trail: Jenkins Shelter by Repack
Wednesday 5/14. Miles today 16.1. From campsite to Jenkins Shelter. Title: Harder than expected.I
- Appalachian Trail: 2 mi past Partnership Shelter by Rabbit, Owl and Roo
This was such a mixed day of hiking. We began in lovely rolling farmland. Then we moved into woode - Appalachian Trail: by Rex
Left at 7:00 am and walked with Steve into Manitowac. Went by the big sub and the shipyard where the - Appalachian Trail: Pearisburg by Kyanite & Sunkist
We are now in Pearisburg, Virginia, and we have walked 622 miles. We are picking up our pace now an - Appalachian Trail: Atkins, VA by Kyanite & Sunkist
We had one of our highlights this week. In the Grayson Highlands State Park, we had some beautiful - Appalachian Trail: Sassafras Gap Shelter by E-man
- Appalachian Trail: by Pack Animal
Hi all,
As Marsha has let you know I am currently in Daleville, Va.
Have passed the 700 mile mar - American Discovery Trail: Des Peres, MO by Happy Go Lucky
FYI - Pictures are updated, check them out!Indeed a zero day, and the forecaster was
- American Discovery Trail: Des Peres, MO by Happy Go Lucky
Got going around 10 this morning, Li & the parents dropped me back at the Eads Bridge on their wa - Appalachian Trail: Maryland Route 17/Free State Hiker Hostel by Kirby
I had the most difficult time falling asleep last night. It seems my afternoon coffee was keeping me - Appalachian Trail: Ed Garvey Shelter by Kirby
Evertime I am in town, I’m determined to sleep in, and every time my body wakes me up at 6:00AM. Tha - Appalachian Trail: Harper’s Ferry, WV/The Town’s Inn by Kirby
I have now walked over 1,000 miles. Harper’s Ferry is no longer a distant goal, it was my destinatio - Appalachian Trail: VT 12 by Survivor
Today turned out to be a difficult day for me. It was another perfect day, weathe - Appalachian Trail: Blackburn AT Center Hostel by Kirby
If I had known what was to come today, I would have said you were joking. It was a day to remember,
Walking West with Freedom: Movie Review
August 13, 2007
I was SO anxious to get this movie. I am planning on hiking the PCT in 2008 so was scouring the internet for all video’s & books on the topic so I can learn and get motivated for my trip. I ran into a nice collection of YouTube videos on backpacking and hiking, including “Lion King’s” YouTube Channel. (learn about Mike Daniel aka Lion King)
This film was very motivating, although some of the scenes scared my family and friends (the ones concerned about me hiking the PCT Solo). The movie starts out in Campor, CA at the border to Mexico. Right out of the gate it shows the desperate face of dehydrated PCT thru-hikers, snakes and scorpions. Along with hundreds of miles of desert scenery. My favorite part is when he is going through the Sierra’s. The scenery is gorgeous.
The whole movie does a fantastic job at introducing many different hikers & trail angels. I loved hearing everyone’s story and the different personalities of thru-hikers.
BUY This movie, its a great inspiration!
- Directed by - Mike ‘Lion King’ Daniel
- Produced by - Mike ‘Lion King’ Daniel & David M Burrows
- Written and Filmed by - Mike ‘Lion King’ Daniel
- Run Time - 1 Hour 28 Minutes.
About “Lion King”
Michael Daniel is an addictive long distance hiker with over 10,000 miles hiked since 1998. He has section thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail, from Georgia to Maine with over 8,000 combined miles in over 8 years, he has thru-hiked the John Muir Trail in 2002 as well as The Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada in 2006.
As well as walking he is a film maker with two documentaries, the Film festival Winning “WALKING WITH FREEDOM” and his brand new film on The Pacific Crest Trail “Walking WEST With Freedom”, coming out in May of 2007.
Michael is also a published writer, and short filmmaker, actor, director and editor.
This hike on The American Discovery Trail will be his longest continuous walk in his history of trails. Totaling over 6,000 miles from coast to coast, including the center US loop, and will also be the first time ever a person has walked non-stop the entire length of the American Discovery trail in one trip using only his feet.
This trip will also be one of community service, as Michael hopes to raise money for the American Heart Association over the course of nearly a year of walking. You can donate directly through the site, or by contacting your local AMA.
Video trail guides - download on your mobile device at iHikes.com
August 9, 2007
Not very relevant for a long distance hiker, but I find myself training year around on day and weekend hikes where ever I am traveling. iHikes.com has put together a great collection of video guides you can download to your PSP, iPOD, PC, and other mobile devices. The quality is fantastic, the content is…alright. Definitely worth the moderate annual access fee of $19.99.
There are over 160 individual video segments on the iHikes system. For your convenience, each of these segments is available in three different formats (wmv, mp4, m4v) allowing playback on a wide range of digital media devices, from PCs to hand-held media players.
The good thing about these videos is they are NOT user generated.
From: iHikes.com: We work with the national park service and other land management agencies. These videos are not home movies; they contain footage and information from professionals in the industry. The content is a culmination of each land management agency’s messages and our experiences.
Sample Video from iHikes.com
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