Walking for Cancer: How to Save Your Feet!

Throughout the summer and into the fall, many hit the city streets to walk for breast cancer, arthritis, and many other devastating medical conditions. If you have ever participated in a Breast Cancer walk, you know the emotional drive behind finishing the race for yourself, and loved ones. Nothing stands in the way of a herd of women and men in pink. Well, maybe foot pain. Many of these walks are 20+ miles a day and for most of us, we don’t normally put that kind of millage on our feet. Even if you are an avid runner, walking applies different kinds of forces on your feet compared to running so don’t be surprised if you have some aching feet. Is there anything to prevent the blisters, aches, and pains during and after the walk? Here are some helpful hints to prepare you for your walks against cancer!
Train, train, and more training!
You may think that walking doesn’t take too much training, but it does! Just as marathon runners prepare for the big race, walkers should train for their big walk. Some walks are 50+ miles long. When was the last time you put that kind of mileage on your body? The best way to prevent injury is to build up your body’s endurance and appropriate muscle support. Walk daily and slowly increase the distance daily and weekly.

Don’t Forget Your Shoes!
Most walkers wear the wrong size shoes which can cause blisters, loss of toenails, and aches and pains. Proper fit is one of the most important factors in finding the correct shoes for your walking adventure. Make sure you try both shoes on and walk around in them before you buy them. While standing (not sitting) you should have about a fingers width between your big toe and the end of the shoe. Make sure the shoe is wide enough. You should be able to freely wiggle your toes inside the shoe. Buy your shoes several months before the walk and train in them. Never wear brand new shoes on a long distance walk.

Grease Up!
Most walkers get painful blister! Luckily, there are ways to prevent these fluid filled monsters! Vaseline or products such as Body glide decrease the friction of your skin with your shoe and sock. Applying such products to “high risk” areas of your feet will decrease the chances of a blister. Apply the product regularly along your walk or when you feel a blister coming on. If you have a blister, seek help at a medical tent. They can pop the blister and provide padding to relieve the pain.

Don’t Ignore the Pain!
There is so much emotion and drive in these walks that people stop listening to what their body is telling them. If you are experiencing pain, there are medical professional at every pit stop to help you. Something as silly as a blister can be cared for and you won’t have to stop walking, but some pains may be serious. Drinking lots of fluids and paying attention to how often you urinate is very important. Dehydration is the most common complication on these walks! If you want to finish the walk it is best to address your aches and pains on the way so you don’t end up with a more serious problem!

Enjoy Yourself
No matter what you are walking for or who you are walking for, remember to embrace the experience. You are making a statement for you community and the ill across the nation. The walks are long and hard, but stay positive and focused on the real meaning and purpose of this community gathering. WALK ON!!!