500grains,

It's interesting that you mention blisters,as my wife and I discussed this just yesterday. And we were wondering if it is maybe the heat that makes a differance, and not the fast pace. The reason I'm thinking that might be the cause is from our experiance while driving thru africa. I brought a pair of very well worn army boots with me (and my wife the same), which never gave me (or her) blisters at home. No matter how far or fast I walked. But in the high heat in some places in africa, it seemed like our feet changed a little, due to becoming a bit swollen. On several tough hikes, and climbs in hot areas we got blisters where we had never had them before. But when doing the same in more temperate areas we didn't get any.

I'm planning on leaving my boots at home, and instead bringing a pair of jogging shoes and a pair of "Timberland" walking/hiking shoes. They are lighter and cooler than boots, and I'm thinking that it's worth a try.

I have found in the past that prevention is the best way to deal with blisters. Either by using Compeed type of band-aid ( http://www.bandaid.com/footcare.shtml ) or spraying with a liquid plastic spray that surgeons use when they graft skin. Before the blister starts.

If you get a warm/burning sensation somewhere on your feet, it's best to stop right away for a couple of minutes and cover the area with an appropriate "band-aid". Then the sock/shoe will slide over the protective layer instead of dragging your skin back and forth (which otherwise creates the blister).

If you do get a blister and absolutly must drain it (although it's best to leave them as they are), never tear the skin off, or stick a needle directly thru the blister skin. Instead, stick the needle a couple of millimeters from the side of the blister thru undamaged skin. This will allow the blister to drain (by drain I mean pressing the liquid out by pushing on the blister gently), but keep the blister skin intact which of course protects against bacteria.

Btw, do you wear any kind of gaiters over your shoes/boots against grass seeds. I used to have a pair of short gaiters but can't find them, so I'll have to check out where to buy some new ones. When using boots, I used to were old military "putties". But they aren't suitable for shoes/sneakers unfortunatly.