Thanks for the post, 101stAirborneVet! Prairiebreeze, you summed up somewhat my situation as well. I lost quite a bit over 50 pounds 5 years ago, and do frequent walking in order to maintain the loss.
Your rucking article has given me food for thought about the need to extend my capabilities. The info about socks is potentially going to be a helpful one, for I seem to be at a threshold of about 2 miles, when after that I invariably start with the burn/hot spot blister situation on the balls of my feet.
What kind of polyester socks should be chosen as the inner sock? I’ve been wearing primarily cotton, because I just don’t like the feel of polyester. But I’m willing to do what works, if I may have a little more specific advice on the subject.
BTW, speaking of burning foot issues, for those who are advancing in years and getting gray, I learned recently that that blood sugar issues are not the only causes of a burning/sensitive sensation in feet and legs denoting neuropathy. Malabsorption leading to deficiency of vitamin B12 which often occurs in elderly, can also account for that as well.
Homebrew beer has plenty of B12, since all the yeast can't be filtered out. Even with malabsorption, if you get enough homebrew, you should get enough B12.
That's my theory, anyway. ;)
/johnny
If I'm at altitude, or going to be doing a lot of shank's mare transport, I slather on petroleum jelly, before I put on my socks. You get used to the squishy feel.
Once, in a pinch, I actually used axle grease, because that was what there was, and I had to make movement. Threw the socks away, and the boots stank for months.
/johnny
Personally, I recommend moleskin. Cut a large enough section that you can cut a hole in the middle - the hole should be the size of the problem area. After cutting the hole, place the moleskin so that the problem area is within the hole, surrounded by moleskin.