PCT training: Form and Feet

Recall that I’ve been concerned about injury prevention and my feet as I’ve been preparing to hike the PCT.  Thought I'd give you an update on how things are going.

Yay, feet!!!

Form
During my training hikes these past 6 months, an old overuse injury (“IT band syndrome”) reoccurred (see previous blog post here).  I saw a physical therapist a few years ago about this, but I thought that that was all behind me.  Back in February, I had some knee pain again during a backpacking trip where I carried a fire rake strapped to my pack in the snow (probably not the smartest thing I’ve done….).   This pain scared the heck out of me, but provided further motivation to work on improving my alignment and hiking technique.

I was really thrilled when Barefoot Jake offered to talk with me about my form and posture.  Jake is a backpacker and uses minimalist footwear, and has a background in coaching.  The advice he gave me that helped me the most was how to maintain awareness of my form and how to initiate movement.  The other part that was really helpful was hearing how everyone is different and how important it is to listen to your body and adjust accordingly.  On my hikes since then, I've been paying close attention to my alignment, especially on the downhills when I’m tired and more prone to getting sloppy.  I've also been careful to stretch, to not overdo it, and not carry large wooden-handled tools strapped to my pack to throw me off balance.  Happy to report that I haven't had any more knee pain.

Walking mindfully in the snow.  Photo by Stacy Boone.

On my trip to the southwest, I noticed that this attention to form helped me on the snow.  When I shifted my weight smoothly and deliberately (and maintained a ‘zen mindset’), I had fewer problems postholing in the snow.  Bonus!

So a big thanks to Barefoot Jake.  Check out his website with lots of informative articles on barefoot and minimalist hiking and don't hesitate to give him a shout if you have questions.

Feet
I've also been anticipating potential problems with my feet.  Blisters are often a problem for hikers in So. Cal on the PCT.  During our snow skills course, one of the things that Stacy stressed was the importance of taking care of our feet and regularly stopping to air them out, treat hot spots, and keep them moisturized.  I've never had big problem with blisters and I've never needed to put lotion or body glide on my feet before, so this is going to be new to me.

Checking my feet during a rest break.  They are looking happy so far and I'm trying to keep them that way.

I also have been transitioning to lightweight, zero-drop footware for the PCT.   Because of my big feet (I have to wear men’s shoes) and bunions, I’ve always had a horrible time finding shoes.  In the past 6 months, I tried dozens of shoes and went to countless shoe stores.  Finally, the local running store fit me with Altra Lone Peaks back in October.

Renee and I in our Altras.

I have never in my whole life loved shoes as much as these.  Well, maybe those knee-high black leather combat boots with the side zipper that I had in my punk rock high school days that made me feel like a bad-ass Riot Grrrl… but I digress… Anyway, I didn’t think it was possible to have shoes that I loved again.  Ones that gripped tight to sheer rocks like I found at Canyonlands National Park.  Ones that didn’t hurt my bunions or make my little toe feel cramped when I backpack.  When I walk in them, I experience the ground differently too.  I am reminded of this quote by Thich Nhat Hanh: "Walk as if you are kissing the ground with your feet."

During my snow skills course, I wore my Altras so I could test them for the Sierra.  It may sound strange to wear light, non-waterproof trail runners in the snow, but I found a way to keep my toes from going numb with cold in them.  I used a layering system, starting with thin smartwool socks, then rocky gortex socks, then warmer hiking socks, then plastic bags, and finally two pair of gaiters (dirty girls and gortex tall gaiters).  I'm happy I can use these same shoes and just send myself the gortex socks (and perhaps the gortex gaiters) when I enter the Sierra. 

Sock and gaiter layers system for snow.

The funny thing is that Renee (who is also hiking the PCT) got fit for the exact same shoes when she went to her running store in Ohio.  And she is just as thrilled with her shoes as I am.  The take-home message is this— if you are having trouble finding shoes- don’t give up hope even if it takes you years and years of looking.  And try going to your local running store if nothing else works.

Disclaimer: All the opinions expressed are my own and I paid for these shoes with my own money.