Training your feet

When preparing for a long trek one of the most overlooked areas in our training regimen is our feet.  Just like with backs and legs, if you do not train properly you are setting yourself up for lots of pain and potentially some ill-timed injuries.  One of the best and most simple things you can do to prevent that, is get a good pair of shoes and walk long distances on hard surfaces on a regular basis.  While you might develop some light muscular discomfort in your feet as you go longer and longer, it is important that you know what kind of discomfort you are dealing with.  If you start to feel pain on the back of your heel, down the center of your sole, or anywhere else where you feel tendon pain stop working out for that day.  The last thing you want is the injure a tendon because those can take a very long time to heal, so take a day or two and then try walking on a smaller incline or at a slower pace and see if that does not keep the pain from returning, but as always use common sense and if anything is hurting too badly or doesn't seem right to you get it checked out (and of course: disclaimer).  Also if you start to feel isolated sections of your feet getting warm, that is a warning sign that you are getting a blister, you might want to refer back to the article on how to deal with them.  If you find yourself getting blisters or warming spots you want to take some time and check out your shoes and socks.  If they are rubbing and irritating your skin as you walk you might want to look into new shoes or socks depending on where the problem is.    Just make sure when you can you walk on hard surfaces for extended periods, because while other kinds of training can build the muscular and cardiovascular strength to go on a hike, only by walking on hard surfaces like cement can you avoid getting painfully sore on mile 12 of 15 and ruining the end of an otherwise great hike.

Nepal Travel Guide

Annapurna Circuit, An Introduction

Annapurna Circuit, An Introduction

I am getting ready for the Annapurna Circuit in October.  The Annapurna Circuit is a 133 mile, 21 day hike through the Himalayas.  I will be using the blog to cover the things I learn about the trek as I prepare, including places to stay, dangers to watch out for, what/how to pack, and importantly how to get yourself in shape for a trek through the Himalayas but first, a quick overview about the Annapurna Circuit. It is frequently rated as the best hike on Earth.  The route takes you through lush jungle, arid planes, and of course glacier covered mountains.  Unlike many other treks such Everest Base Camp, you do not need to worry about bringing a tent or bringing all of the food you will need for the trek with you.  This is because all along the circuit there are numerous villages with "teahouses" where you can stay and eat very cheaply.  As to be expected the higher in elevation (and more remote) you go on the trail, the more expensive your food and lodging will become, though even at its most remote things are still very cheap.  Due to the large number of villages on the trail (generally no more than 3 hours apart) you do not have to hire a porter but if you are hiking alone like me it might be good to have for security reasons.  The best time of year to go is in October when the views are the clearest and the weather is the driest.  The biggest dangers are from altitude sickness (the trail tops out at around 18,000 feet), cold, and contaminated water  (making avoiding travelers diarrhea very important for parts of the trip).  The other big issue to deal with when on the trail is the road that is being built.  Some parts of the circuit have been covered with a road decreasing the appeal of some of the trail's sections.  This also makes hiking this trek a race against time as the beauty of this centuries old trail will eventually be destroyed.