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Mountaineering Training | Underfoot: Using Footbeds

February 2, 2014

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Categories: Mountaineering Fitness & Training

Whether training, or on your next climb, your feet are your Achilles heel. If you develop blisters, banged up toes, or pain in your feet or joints, the whole process of climbing comes to a grinding halt. While training for your climb, you’ll put in countless days with heavy weight on your back, countless miles of trail and rough terrain, and many, many hours on your feet. Taking good care of your feet and giving them proper support through all of this training can help to minimize a lot of overuse injuries, and leave you feeling better for your upcoming climb. Get yourself a good pair of orthotics or at least a good supportive footbed for your training footwear and climbing boots. Our leg alignment can change dramatically throughout our life, often as a result of changes in the structure of the foot. These changes in alignment, when you are in the midst of a heavy training load, can leave you with joint pain and a tendency towards persistent overuse injuries that can stick around and have a major impact on your training. Orthotics are often the best solution for fixing your alignment and keeping those injuries from cropping up. An orthotist can mold a footbed to help your alignment stay nearer the ideal. This helps your knees track straighter, joints stack over each other better, and femurs rotate in the hip socket more smoothly. Many climbers rent boots for their climb. While rental boots are well made, high-end brands, they are not broken in to your foot. A custom orthotic or an aftermarket footbed such as “superfeet” is the best way to make that boot feel as though it has always been on your foot. With the long days climbing up and down Rainier, or weeks on the glaciers of Denali, that extra comfort and support can be a major boon to enjoying the experience. In the last several years, there has been a lot of support for the idea of running in very low support shoes that mimic what it would be like to run barefoot. While studies do support the idea that this is better for your body when running or walking, the heavy loads that we put on our backs and the stiff to nearly rigid soles of the boots that we wear when training and climbing all demand that we support our feet. Look into your alignment and footbed needs and find your way to more comfortable climbing and training! Questions? Comments? Share your thoughts here on the RMI Blog!

Video: South Summit to the Hilary Step

May 18, 2009

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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Everest

Peter updates from the South Summit.

Ecuador Seminar: Wittmier & Team Acclimate on Rucu Pichincha

January 13, 2022

Posted by: Dustin Wittmier, Avery Parrinello

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Ecuador

Elevation: 15,696'

In an effort to maximize the suffering and thus achieve the greatest level of mental training, we hiked Rucu Pichincha during the rainiest, snowiest portion of the day. Alright, that was not the intention but mission accomplished! Here on the equator, weather forecasts can only tell you so much. If you ask a local about it, they typically look at the sky and tell you what is currently happening. It was basically cloudy, raining or snowing all day but we did get some glimpses of Quito beneath the clouds. On the way back down the trail we also dried off a bit in the warmth of the afternoon so everyone was in good spirits back on the bus. Tonight we are headed to a local favorite restaurant to fuel up on baba ganoush before heading north towards Cayambe.

RMI Guide Dustin Wittmier

Mt. Rainier: July 15th Teams Summit

July 15, 2014

Posted by: Peter Whittaker, Pete Van Deventer

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

RMI Guide Peter Whittaker and the Four Day Summit Climb team reached the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning around 5:20 am. The team is making their descent back to Camp Muir and enjoying a light wind. We look forward to seeing them in Ashford this afternoon. The Expedition Skills Seminar – Emmons led by RMI Guide Pete Van Deventer reached the summit of Mt. Rainier around 7:00 am. Pete reports clear skies on the summit and 15 mph winds. He says it is fairly warm and a really nice day to climb. The team is enjoying some time at Columbia Crest and will begin their descent to Camp Schurman around 8:00 am. Congratulations to today's climbers!

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

We ARE SO PROUD and HAPPY that you reached The Summit John! Can’t wait to see that photo!! Safe return during the descent!!! See you soon! Love, AM and Biscuit

Posted by: Mary Ann and Carter Boicourt on 7/16/2014 at 6:02 am

Way to go Jimmie D.

This Rainier summit business is getting to be old hat to you.

Well done.

Art

Posted by: Art Muir on 7/15/2014 at 8:42 pm

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Father’s Day Video: the Kilimanjaro Family Climb

June 13, 2014

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Categories: Guide News Kilimanjaro

Happy Father's Day! Peter Whittaker and his daughter on the summit of Kilimanjaro (Jon Mancuso).

Happy Father's Day! See the video of Peter Whittaker's climb of Kilimanjaro, Africa's tallest mountain, with his daughter Gabriella and on sharing the experience of the mountains, presented by Eddie Bauer/First Ascent.

Whittaker Father-Daughter Kilimanjaro Climb from Eddie Bauer on Vimeo.

Mt. McKinley: Jake Beren & Team Rest & Refuel at 17,000’ Camp

June 18, 2013

Posted by: Jake Beren, Leon Davis, Josh Maggard

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 17,000'

Tuesday, June 18 , 2013 What a day yesterday was! We were the only team to climb our route and truly enjoyed having the whole day to ourselves. It was a touch windy, but with warm air temps, it was perfectly manageable. The team climbed strong and stood on top in the afternoon with perfect visibility were treated to spectacular views the whole way up. The summit day is only possible with a combination of factors all coming together and we did a great job matching ourselves to the mountain. Bravo everyone! Today really makes our call to go for it yesterday seem like the right one. The wind picked up last night and has been blowing hard ever since. We have been hanging out and resting at 17 camp and once the wind dies down we will tackle the Buttress and start the cruise home. We are going to wait a bit and maybe take off tomorrow after this spike in wind speed. For now we could use the rest after a few huge days. Looking forward to seeing everyone as soon as Denali grants us safe passage. RMI Guides Jake, Leon, and Josh

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

We’re glad you all made it to the summit and the weather held! It must seem absolutely religious if the pictures are any hint. Come back safely and be sure to tip the guides—they’re the best.
Il Padrino

Posted by: R.B. on 6/19/2013 at 4:04 pm

Congrats Josh on getting to the summit your first try. Post some pics -Richard Boucher

Posted by: richard a boucher on 6/19/2013 at 7:33 am

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Alaska Seminar: Climb of Mt. Frances

May 10, 2012

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Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mt. McKinley

Elevation: 7,200'

Hello once again. We went out to play today in the Alaska range. Our objective was Mt Frances which sits just north of the base camp. We are camping at 7,200 ft, Mt Frances sits at 10,450 ft. We left camp at 8 am in the cold morning air, the sun was just coming around the south buttress of Denali to touch the north buttress of Mt Hunter. Our climbing involved a glacier approach via what some people refer to as rackets or otherwise snowshoes. We then transitioned into our crampons and went climbing up a super fun 1,200 ft chute. We climbed up steep snow surrounded by beautiful Alaskan granite and pitched things out a few times, where we gained the East ridge. The views from the ridge and summit offered glimpses of some amazing features in the range. Masioli's tower sticks out in plain site as does the south face of Denali. Our problem today was that the views quickly disappeared. Some weather came in and it began to snow. We began our descent and five rappels later we were back on the glacier. Everyone did great and had a super fun time. The plan is to fly off tomorrow back into Talkeetna. A very successful trip up here in Alaska. RMI Guide Jason Thompson

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Oh Man! I was hoping for a phone call this evening!! Should I break out my “OUIJA BOARD??” (Beats a deck of 48 cards!) I will send some clear weather telepathically! Will be waiting! I love you Anthony!!!!

Posted by: Mary Kay on 5/11/2012 at 3:05 pm

I hope all is going ok. We want you to get home safe and sound!

Posted by: Kathy on 5/11/2012 at 11:11 am

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Kilimanjaro: Grom & Entire Team Reach Summit

January 29, 2023

Posted by: Casey Grom

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Kilimanjaro

Elevation: 19,340'

The RMI January 24th Kilimanjaro Climb & Safari team reached the summit of Kilimanjaro, the Roof of Africa, on Sunday January 29th. The team enjoyed clear skies and sunshine as the sun rose over Tanzania.

Congratulations everyone!

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Katlin, congratulations, great accomplishment! An experience you’ll never forget. Can’t wait to hear more.

Bob

Posted by: Bob Isler on 1/30/2023 at 7:30 pm

Congratulations Kaitlin, have fun on the safari and don’t try to pet the big kitty’s.

Posted by: GREG on 1/30/2023 at 7:00 am

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Aconcagua: Beren & Team Arrive to Camp 2 in Grand Style

December 30, 2012

Posted by: Jake Beren, Leon Davis, Zeb Blais

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Aconcagua

Elevation: 18,000'

Even the heavy packs of a full camp move could not dampen the team's spirits as we left Aconcagua Camp 1 for our new home at Camp 2 aka "Chopper Camp" aka "Guanocos 3." The team arrived in the grand style to which we have become accustomed, with plenty of gas in the tank and fashionably dressed. We are now starting to feel like all our hard work is paying off, only one more camp before our summit push. Tomorrow we'll have a rest day and then, weather permitting, initiate our launch sequence. Cross your fingers for a solid weather window for us amigos! RMI Guide Jake Beren

On The Map

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Joshua, don’t forget to change your socks and brush your teeth!

Love You…....DAD

Posted by: Lee Gentine on 1/4/2013 at 5:19 am

Happy New Year to Dawn and the rest of the team!!!

Posted by: Eric S. on 12/31/2012 at 2:27 pm

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Mt. Rainier: August 10th Summit!

August 10, 2012

Posted by: Brent Okita, JJ Justman

Categories: Expedition Dispatches Mount Rainier

Elevation: 14,410'

The Four Day Summit Climb August 7 - 10, 2012 led by RMI Guides Brent Okita and Andres Marin radioed from the Columbia Crest at 7:02 a.m. The teams were enjoying clear skies, cool temperatures and a very light breeze on the summit of Mt. Rainier this morning. They began their descent from the crater rim just before 8 am. The teams will return to Camp Muir for a bit before continuing to Paradise this afternoon. We look forward to seeing them at Rainier BaseCamp later today. Congratulations to today's teams!

Leave a Comment For the Team (2)

Well done! Congratulations.

Posted by: John Canfield on 8/10/2012 at 9:02 pm

Congratulations to Troop 20 on your successful climb. What an amazing accomplishment!

Posted by: Cindy Brady on 8/10/2012 at 4:29 pm

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Most Popular Entries

Mountaineering Training | Underfoot: Using Footbeds

Video: South Summit to the Hilary Step

Ecuador Seminar: Wittmier & Team Acclimate on Rucu Pichincha

Mt. Rainier: July 15th Teams Summit

Father’s Day Video: the Kilimanjaro Family Climb

Mt. McKinley: Jake Beren & Team Rest & Refuel at 17,000’ Camp

Alaska Seminar: Climb of Mt. Frances

Kilimanjaro: Grom & Entire Team Reach Summit

Aconcagua: Beren & Team Arrive to Camp 2 in Grand Style

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Mt. Rainier: August 10th Summit!

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