Survival Tips & Tactics
CLICK HERE FOR A BATAAN TRAINING SCHEDULE!
Training
Follow a
realistic and progressive training schedule, working up to 26.2
miles several weeks before a march. When training, wear the boots or
shoes and carry the equipment you intend to use on the march.
This is particularly important if participating in one of the HEAVY
categories.
The Bataan
Medical Team’s Recommendations
The following
recommendations are based on the observations of doctors, nurses and
medics who assist along the march route. This is a rigorous and
demanding event. You should be in good health to participate. If you
have a medical condition such as diabetes, asthma or heart disease;
if you are on regular medications or if you have medication
allergies, please legibly write down this information, place it in
a zip lock bag and pin the bag to your marching outfit. That way if
you pass out on the route, the medics will have a better idea of how
to care for you. Since the march begins before sunup, the
temperature will be cool at the start of the day. By 9 a.m. it will
begin getting warmer and be relatively hot by noon. Light, layered
clothing is a good idea. We highly recommend wearing a hat which
provides shade to your head and neck, such as a “boonie” hat. Bring
and use sunscreen. Your face, neck and shoulders are especially
vulnerable. Sweating will wash the sunscreen off, so reapply it
frequently. Plan for the possibility of high winds with blowing
dust. Include a bandana and eye protection in your pack. Those with
a history of reactive airway disease or pulmonary dysfunction should
consult their physician before this event. Blowing dust may, in
some cases, trigger acute respiratory events. Make sure to keep any
prescribed medications needed in case of such an attack with you
during the march. It's a good idea to wear sunglasses. Those who are
driving to White Sands Missile Range by themselves, it is
recommended you have a plan in the event you are medically
evacuated on how you will get back to the Missile Range to pick up
your vehicle. It is recommended that marchers plan on staying the
night after the march as exhaustion will increase safety
risks-falling asleep while driving, cramps while driving, blisters
on the feet, etc.
Eating &
Drinking
Avoid alcohol
for 48 hours before the march. Avoid caffeinated beverages for 24
hours before the march. Both alcohol and caffeine will dehydrate
you. Carbohydrate load at least 48 hours prior to the march. Drink a
lot of water the day before and the morning of the march, and drink
at every water point. Sport drinks are good, as are oranges and
other juicy fruits. You will lose more time due to muscle cramps and
dehydration than you will lose by stopping to drink at every
opportunity.
Your Feet
You should have
at least 100 miles on your marching footwear before doing this
march. This ensures that your gear is broken in and you will know
where you will get “hot spots." Carry some pre-cut moleskin pieces
to fit these areas, and apply it before the “hot spot” develops.
Some marchers find that knee-high nylons next to the skin under
absorbent socks are effective in preventing blisters. Some marchers
recommend applying an extra-dry deodorant to your feet to reduce or
prevent sweating; others recommend foot powder. Experiment during
your training to see what works best for you. If you get blisters,
stop at an aid tent and get them treated before continuing on.
Believe us, it will save you time further down the trail. If you
come upon a disabled marcher in the trail, note the location and
report this information to personnel at the next water point or to a
roving patrol so we can send a vehicle to retrieve them. We will
have emergency vehicles at each aid station and an air ambulance at
the White Sands medical clinic. Persons needing hospitalization
will be taken either to Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces, or to
William Beaumont Army Medical Center in El Paso. If you have
questions regarding your health and participation in this event,
consult your physician.
