Surviving Bataan
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.
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.
- 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 the evening
before (pasta is a good pre-march dinner).
- Drink a lot of water the
day before and the morning of the march, and drink at every
water point. Sports 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:
- 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.
Refunds will NOT be given once you register. Registration is
non-transferable.
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