Physical Preparation

Physical Preparation

The pioneers were a hardy, physically fit people. They also prepared extensively before their journey. Likewise, leaders and youth will need to prepare spiritually, logistically, but also physically for the trek experience as outlined below:

Prepare yourself physically so you can gain the most spiritually from your Trek experience. “Each participant (both leaders and youth) should condition themselves physically for this experience. Specifically, each participant should be able to complete a minimum requirement of walking/running three (3) miles on level ground in 60 minutes or less with no undo stress.” (“Handcart Trek Guidelines for Leaders” p.18, published by the Church , 2015.)

This is also a Joy in the Journey Challenge requirement.

CONDITIONING YOUR FEET FOR THE TREK:

Begin now to find the right shoes to wear. Wearing the wrong shoes on the trek will rub you wrong and that means foot pain and blisters. Remember, your toes need room to expand, because your feet will swell a full shoe size as you walk on the trek. So be sure to bring only comfy trekking shoes. Wearing the wrong shoes on the trek will give you blisters and make walking very painful. Running shoes are the best bet for trekkers because they are specifically designed for cushioning, motion control, and support.

Keep in mind that hiking boots do not provide motion control features that many people need, and may be inflexible and heavy. And they are certain to rub you wrong!

Make sure you take many Pre-Trek walks with your trekking shoes and a light backpack. If, or when you feel hot spots forming, stop! Go home, rub your feet with rubbing alcohol and let them dry out. This should allow you to form calluses that can protect you on the trek.

To physically prepare yourself for the trek, here are some general guidelines:

TREK SAFETY

Here are a couple of GREAT training videos about Trek Preparations, Safety, & Health from the church website of a YW’s documented experience. Great to watch as a group or individually!

GET IN SHAPE--Enjoy life by being healthy. A healthy lifestyle not only helps you but also helps you more effectively do your calling. Give yourself a tuneup. To learn more there's also a training video to help you GET IN SHAPE !

MEDICAL ISSUES

• Medical specialists. There will be Medical Specialists on the Trek to assist with any medical emergency that arises. Prior to Trek, each Trek committee member, including Ma’s & Pa’s, will receive some basic medical training to identify and treat potential problems (heat stroke, dehydration, blisters, etc)

• Medical Information. During the registration process, each participant will provide personal medical information. That would include any special medical conditions or medication needs. That information is held by the Medical Specialists for reference. Medical information on each youth will be provided to their Trek family Ma & Pa before the Trek so they can be advised ahead of time of any unique medical situations.

• Asthma: The Trek location is very dusty. If any youth or adult participant uses an inhaler for asthma that may be triggered by dust, environmental substances or exercise, you should bring your own inhaler and inform the medical team of your condition.

• Allergies: If a youth or adult participant has allergies and carries an Epi-Pen for any serious allergies that may cause anaphylaxis (a life threatening reaction), they should bring their own Epi-Pens and inform the medical Team on Trek that you have such a condition and that you have your Epi-Pen.

• First Aid Kits. Each handcart will have a basic first-aid kit provided as part of the family equipment. Use it as needed. Mole skin and duct tape is a must.

• Water Use and Guidelines. Only drink water that is provided for you in the water jugs. Never drink rainwater, stream water, lake water, pond water, or from puddles or creeks. Serious sickness can occur from drinking impure water. It can cause flu-like symptoms and cramps. We will have water stops along the trail to refill the cart and individual water containers.

• Dehydration. This is one of the most frequently encountered medical issues along the trail.

– Each handcart should have 10 gallons of water and the opportunity to refill if necessary.

– It is important for the whole train of carts to stop frequently for water breaks. Watch for signs of dehydration.

– Dehydration and heat exhaustion often go hand in hand, so make sure water goes in but also keep the outside cooled down with wet bandannas around the neck or using a spray bottle.

• Trail Sickness. It is headache pain, flu-like symptoms, dizziness, depression, always weak and tired. It is caused by physical exhaustion and dehydration. Drink water throughout the day and if it is hot make sure everyone gets a spoonful of Gatorade in their water.

• Blisters. Blisters can diminish the Trek experience for those suffering and those trying to help. It is important that individual Trek participants take preventive measures to make sure that their feet are adequately protected wearing two pair of socks—a thin pair underneath and a more substantial pair on the outside. It is a good idea to have a periodic foot inspection to identify blisters and see that they are treated by the medical team. This is another good reason for the pre-trek hikes—so their feet will “toughen-up”

• Insects. Your insect repellent should take care of mosquitoes and other bugs.