Tips of Camping to make Survivors out of Couch Potatoes

With summer just around the corner, many are looking to the outdoors for a relaxing break from the daily grind. For would be campers who don't know where to start, Field and Stream provides these tips.

• Lighting a lantern. A gasoline lantern will sputter if you attempt to light it when it has less than a full tank. Therefore, if you plan to light the lantern, fill the tank first.
• Splitting a big log. To split a big log for firewood pieces, first split off the pieces from the sides. don't try to split the log down the middle first. When just a small center chunk is left, it can then be possible to split the log down the middle with a single axe stroke.
• Magnifying camp light. Placing a mirror or a sheet aluminum foil on the wall behind a candle, lantern. or oil lamp will increase the amount of illumination cast by the light source.
• Dealing with ant bites. Household ammonia will take the sting out of fire ant bites. The bites will still blister the next day, though.
• Starting a fire. Tie a rubber band around 20 narrow strips of rolled newspaper. After dipping the roll in melted paraffin. let it drain and harden. These make great fire starters.
• Getting rocks for bears. For those planning to camp in areas frequented by bears, never take food into tent. Food should be suspended in a pack at least 10 feet off the ground from rope strung between two trees. Put pebbles in clean metal cooking utensils, and prepare rocks small enough to throw within reach. These will act as an early warning device and a weapon against bears if a bear comes and rattles the utensils, shout and throw rocks at the bear. If there is nothing to eat most bears will leave if challenged.
• Sending distress signals. When in a boat or hiking in remote territory, carry a pocket-sized mirror. This can be used to flash sunlight toward distant sources of assistance to draw attention to your location. Polished metal mirrors are more durable than glass mirrors.
• Detecting bad weather. Low clouds signal coming rain. Distant sounds coming in louder than normal also signal bad weather. The reason is that when the cloud ceiling lowers, distant sounds are forced to dissipate outward rather than upward making them sound louder. 
• Staying away from venom. Even if they are dead, sharks, snapping turtles and venomous snakes can still be dangerous because nerves that control their muscular reactions don't need a beating heart to trigger a bite when the dead creature is handled, Venomous snakes, long after they are dead, can still release venom.
• Keeping warm. Wearing polypropylene sock liners under a pair of wool-synthetic blend boot socks will keep feet warmer and mean fewer blisters. The liners provide an air space between the feet and socks, removing moisture. And they also protect the feet from rubbing that causes blisters.
• Getting located. Bring a handheld Global Positioning System (GPS) unit and a pocket-sized CB radio, so you can relay your exact position to other members of your group when needed.

Tips on Increasing your Foot Speed

Discover the secrets world-class sprinters have known for years. that the key to foot speed is dorsi and plantar flexion.

It is a well known fact that the dorsi and plantar flexion action of the foot is a characteristic of sprinters. To improve on the working capacity of the tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum longus, peroneus longus, soleus and gastrocnemius (which does most of this work) they all have to be strengthened to create a greater capacity to apply force faster.

The dorse flexion action is not merely of lift of the toes, but rather a lifting of the front part of the foot. The plantar flexion action is not just a downward movement of the foot, it has to be done in such a manner that it applies maximum force against the ground in the shortest possible time.

Basically we are trying to reduce the athlete's ground contact time and thus help improve on speed.

Here are some ways to improve your speed:

1. Seated foot up. Do three-four sets of 30 lifts per foot at varied pace.
2. Standing foot lifts. Do three-four sets of 30 lifts per foot. Balance plays a role here; it can also help improve your stability.
3. Walking with foot lifts. (Small steps). Every time you lift your foot up moving forward, make sure you lift your foot up and land on the front part of your foot. Throughout this exercise you stay on your toes. Walk distance of 15-20 meters. Three-four reps.
4. Jogging with foot lifts. (Small steps to long steps). Do this with stiff knees and "pull" with the hanstrings and calf muscles to move forward. Dorsi flex the foot every time it lifts off the ground to take another step. Do three-four reps over distances ranging from 15-35 meters.
5. Skipping. This is a very common training method that will enhance the dorsi and plantar flexion. It's important to note that the foot lifts up every time it leaves the ground. Start with 30 touch downs and work it up to 100. It can also be done against time.
6. Short jumps (Static or dynamic forward movement, mini hurdles). Do three-four sets of 10/20 jumps and lift the feet after every touchdown. Dynamic jumps: Work from 15-35 meters with the same action. Here's also an important tip: Try not to bend the knees too much. This will only slow the action down.