Re: [at-l] How seriously are we hurting ourselves???

I have always had a problem with my feet. Plantar fascitis, and shin splints
were a factor in a truncated thru-hike. I spent years searching for
solutions until I finally found a good Pedorthist. The orthotics he made for
me have made a huge difference. I would suggest that anyone who has even
mild knee or foot pain get good orthotics from a qualified pedorthist.
Affordability is certainly an issue and the less expensive Superfeet work
very well; however, they can't be adjusted for individual feet.

I'm not if sure "surge" hiking wouldn't be more damaging than consistent
easier days. Isn't it true that weight lifters adopt the tearing/healing
approach when they are building muscle, but use a more even schedule to
maintain the gains? Since through-hiking is more like marathon running than
sprinting or power-lifting, the even, consistent approach sounds more
logical to me.

Perhaps, most importantly, one should be prepared to stop if there is any
chance of permanent damage. Nothing is so important that it should
compromise the rest of your life. Ed Viesturs turned back just 300 feet
short of the summit of Everest. If many others had that same self control,
they would be alive today. That may be a bit of a stretch as an analogy, but
it makes the point.

vic

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To:            "at-lll" <at-l@backcountry.net>, <lehmkuhl@gte.net>