Hints for Walking

Post by Bruce

We have talked to a number of people, including Ray (featured in a posting below). We have also scoured the trekking books for any information that will make our hike a little easier on the body, and tricks that might improve the probability of a successful outcome. Following is the outcome of the research.

· Learn the “rest step” for ascents – as you advance your uphill foot, plant it and then, before transferring your weight to it, consciously rest briefly with your weight on the downhill foot (knee straight). [for more information, see the following link Rest Step ]

· Learn how to “pressure breathe” to handle the thin air at altitude. This is accomplished by taking a big breath, and then blowing it out as if exhaling through a cocktail straw. The backpressure causes the lungs to absorb the oxygen a bit better.

· Use hiking poles. They make walking uphill easier, and they help spread the weight when walking downhill.

Combining these three techniques makes one about 30% more efficient.

· Coordinate breathing with your steps – breathe in on raising the left foot, breathe out on raising the right foot; or breathe in on raising either foot on steeper slopes or at higher elevations.

· Take several short steps than one long one

· Pay attention to reducing the impact on descent. Absorb the shock by bending the knee (and at the hips) when the lower foot contacts the ground. Take short, choppy strides, and don’t keep the knees straight. Turn the foot sideways on steep descents.

· Watch how the Nepali porters descend.

· Be sure to keep the shoes laced tightly over the ankle during descents to avoid toe blisters.

· Arrange clothing in easy to doff and don layers to as to adjust internal thermostat. Remember also, you’ll cool down quickly during rest stops, so be prepared to put layers back on.

· When passing animals, always pass on the uphill side, where the fall is much shorter if nudged by a yak or buffalo.

· At rest stops, drink fluids, elevate the feet. Take off shoes, remove the insoles, and let the sweat dry off the feet, socks, insoles, and shoes. But remember, don’t point the soles of your feet at any Nepali, it is a real insult.