In a full out off grid situation you will have to walk at some time, and for some of us 'more mature individuals' that isn't a pleasant thought on some days. Ingrown toenails could really impact your survival strategies if you suffer from this problem. I randomly ran across a good video that explains how to deal with ingrown toenails in a grid down situation. Thankfully I can 'trim' myself out of the worst of it but this video just might help some others worse off than myself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTo-uDS6pxA
Yah, I know... yucky toe nail cuttings and all of that BUT if you have to walk more than normal and are afflicted, think about it.
BTR
Than= I’d rather be rich than poor.
Then= I first became hungry then I ate.
There = She is there now.
Their = They have their things.
They're = They're going to the mall.
To = They came to the house.
Too = That's too bad.
If it is an on going issue, just have the nail removed. 🙂
Makes a good case for regular foot care. I'm a runner and have learned that if you take care of your feet (your whole body for that matter), your feet will take care of you. You are not that old BTR. I did my regular long and slow run on Sunday with a fellow who is 61 years old; he set a pace that had me sore for two days. 😳
I get that it is a whole different matter when you are carrying thirty kilograms worth of preps. My wife and I like to back country camp and I would guess my pack weighs in around twenty four kilograms. We are good for twelve to fifteen kilometers depending on the terrain before I become a miserable bear. I know that Scotty and a few others on this forum take their gear out to train with it. I think it's a decent idea.
Antsy
Needs must when the devil drives.
Good post, thanks for that reminder even if I don't have an ingrown nail . Yes regular foot care with good fitting supportive shoes and orthotics , along with things like exercise, stretching , dental hygiene all take some effort but all serve you whatever the situation.
Antsy, Since you run. Is there any truth that with a heavy pack and long distance running that there is an actual risk of your toes nails popping off? A marathon runner at work said that his shoes are often filled with blood after a run. I have no clue if he was "teasing" me.
Antsy, Since you run. Is there any truth that with a heavy pack and long distance running that there is an actual risk of your toes nails popping off? A marathon runner at work said that his shoes are often filled with blood after a run. I have no clue if he was "teasing" me.
In answer to your question, some runners do lose toe nails and get blood blisters on long runs. It comes back to the question of foot care. If you are going to be on your feet for hours on end, make sure your nails are clipped so that they are not rubbing on the toe-box of your shoes. Often running shoes are very tight fitting on feet. You always want to be aware of "hot spots" where a little friction will give you a lot of grief later. When hiking, I carry a bit of duct tape for those hot spots. Use the duct tape like a band aid where you think a blister may be forming. That extra layer of protection is often all it takes to avoid a blister later. One can also buy a product that acts as a lubricant for areas where you might chafe on long hikes / runs. People use it for their feet, under arms, between legs, and even on their nipples which have been known to chafe raw on runs lasting several hours.
Needs must when the devil drives.
I have experienced the pain of a 13km ruck march and it is not an easy task for the weak minded or some who gives up easily. If you are planning on walking, pack the things you need only and dump all luxuries because in the end, the extra weight will kill you. A good average pack weights around 20-40lbs max depending on your body size/strength. Then you add things like water and weapons. If kept within that 20-40lbs you can keep on walking with minor discomfort. Double up on socks to help prevent blisters from your feet rubbing inside the shoe/boot. Air out your foot and change socks if you are going to rest longer than 15-30mins if possible. A normal army ruck march is around 80lbs, it includes weapon, ammo, water, food and sometimes armour. So with all that on, it sucks on a whole new level.
Over packing will make you less maneuverable and slows you and your entire party down.
Learn to share the weight;
if you have a tent for example; one carry the pegs and rods while the other carry the tarp/tent portion.
If you have more than 1 firearm, pass some off to other people in your group, so they can help defend. 2 people with 1 gun each is better than someone with 2 gun and the other with nothing. I think we are all smart enough to decide what is better
I hate ruck marching but I am glad I tried and finished without giving up. It feels great when you can control your mind to push your body over the limit. Same thing goes for staying awake for 5 days with little to no sleep and digging a trench all day.
Sometimes Itwill seem hopeless but being persistent and know what your task is will be the difference between life and death when SHTF.
If you look into the history of Vietnam Vets the single thing you will see most often is 'socks, socks, socks'. Keeping your feet as dry as possible is the key and most Vets would pack 6 pairs of socks in their pack then change then as soon as they stopped marching. Dry feet are happy feet and you need happy feet to keep on marching.
Than= I’d rather be rich than poor.
Then= I first became hungry then I ate.
There = She is there now.
Their = They have their things.
They're = They're going to the mall.
To = They came to the house.
Too = That's too bad.