Moleskin is fantastic as it does not slide off like bandaids. I also found covering my feet in vaseline a couple of times a day works wonders. You can buy little travel size containers that fit in your pack and it much cheaper than the glide stuff you can buy
Get yourself a couple or pairs of Wright socks from the running room. I used to be very prone to blisters, but since I have been using the Wright socks, I have not had even a hint of one through training or walking. This will be my 5th WTEBC, third time walking. I also wore them during a recent holiday where I walked about 200 kms over 23 days. They are a bit pricey, but well worth the cost.
I've completed the walk twice now and have yet to have a blister or any other foot discomfort. Here is the regime that I follow when participating in the WEBC. Hopefully it will also do wonders for others who aren't already following a similar regime...
#1. The double layer socks from Running Room. They really are worth the money. I take a pair for each day.
#2. Moleskin. As soon as I feel any sort of extra 'heat' on any area of my foot, I apply Moleskin. It sticks onto your skin so you're best to try to catch the area before the blister begins. It works wonders for prevention. You can pick it up from any Shopper's Drug Mart.
#3. Dr. Schol's foot powder. I tend to stay away from anything that adds moisture of any kind. I add the powder generously to the inside of my shoes to soak up any sweat going on.
#4. I do use a vaseline type product on my heels though. I believe the product may be called "Glide." It acts the same way vaseline would in the prevention of rubbing.
#4. In my opinion, the most important...Take advantage of the pitstops. I made it a rule to stop at each pitstop to do a foot check. Well, perhaps every other pitstop LOL Once you get going it can sometimes be hard to stop. I remove my shoes and socks and let my feet air out. I do a thorough check to ensure that nothing is happening with my feet that I'm not feeling. It gives my shoes and socks a chance to air out...not to mention it feels great. I do a self-foot massage and I pour powder into the shoes...add moleskin to the feet, if necessary.
By doing all of this I have avoided any sort of foot discomfort or blisters either during or after the walk each year.
It sounds like a lot but the entire regime will only take five/ten minutes. To me, the extra bit of time spent doing it is truly worth it.
Great suggestions from Vanessa. I would add the following:
1. Carry 2 pairs of socks per day and change socks midday. When it rained last year, I carried 3 pairs. Walking in wet socks is no fun.
2. Don't give yourself a pedicure before the walk. All the tough skin you develop during your training walks will help protect your feet.
3. Moleskin is great...unless you are allergic to it! I found this out the hard way last year! Test this before the event. It's better to take preventive measures against blisters than treat them! My alternative to moleskin is gauze and hospital tape.
Happy walking! Lily
-- Edited by lilyyee on Sunday 9th of August 2009 11:37:38 PM
Awesome advice...as a 7th year walker, all those points are perfect!
The product Vanessa is referring to is called Body Glide, it's not messy like Vaseline. I use it all over my feet, between my toes, and I also use around my boobs, and the waist of my shorts (between your thighs if they rub together) along with under side of my arms (especially necessary if you're wearing a sleeveless top.). Any area that could potentially rub together is a perfect spot for body glide.
socks are paramount, make sure to get the double layer ones with "wicking fabrc", COTTON IS ROTTON is especially for your feet! Any running store can help you with that. My prefered brand is Thorlo, they are thicker than many, but I like the extra cushioning they provide. (I use them for all my marathon training as well!) ..just make sure you have them with you when you try on new runners. I also take a second pair and switch them at lunch each day.
speaking of new runners..if you're buying new ones, or working in a new pair...start NOW. You want them to "mold" to your feet. Even if you're buying exactly the same runner as you presently have, you still need to "work it in" and make sure there are no potential problems, No 2 pair are exactly the same.
