| Blisters
everyone gets them, I want to say a few words about how to prevent them. First
off, you need well fitting footwear (compare
Footwear). Not too tight, not too loose. A pair of polypropylene liner socks
would also help. This prevents the friction on your foot. Other things that can
also prevent blisters is a foot lubricant such as Hydropel. We found that this
works well even on wet feet, but you need to put it on before blisters happen. Trying
to keep your foot dry would also help. I know dry feet are hard to find in an
adventure race, but if you can try to keep your feet as dry as possible that helps.
If you start to feel a hotspot stop and do something about it. Don't say, "It's
only 10 miles till the next checkpoint, I'll take care of it there." That will
be too late. Do something about it. Stop and put some duct tape on it. If
you do find yourself with a blister, Treat it. The easiest way is duct tape. We
all carry duct tape. Cut it out a little wider than the blister. Make sure the
duct tape lies smooth and there are no creases in the duct tape to start another
pressure point. If the blister is standing up very tall and there is pressure.
If you can clean the skin and in a clean manner puncture the skin and drain it.
Some racers will also use moleskin to try to protect them. We find that a combination
of moleskin with a overcoat of duct tape works best. If
you are in a long race for multiple days, we find that applying a little bit of
super glue around the edge of the moleskin and duct tape will keep it in place
for the duration of the race. Race hard, stay healthy, take care of your
feet! | 
