W.H.W and other ramblings

elantan

so your walking ... but like me not quite ready to do hills yet ... good job we have a year or so to practise isnt it lol ....

i am off of work today and realistically i should be going to the gym to try and speak to someone about this but i have to get some stuff planted for the garden (the manual labour bit) pay my college class do housework (have sorely neglected it in favour of the garden for too long now) finish off three assignments for college (if i can even finish one i will be happy)

where does the time go ... before we know it it will be next year and i will need to get a move on ... atleast i have the park (till end of may anyway) so that should get me moving a bit ... but i need more ... and i need to start thinking of hills

elantan

rumblings are going on in the elantan household ... hubby who has a bad back has been concerned about camping and carrying the things from one place to another ... so we agreed on having the bags carried for us ...

since then he has spoken to quite a few people that have done it ... resoundingly the advice is to book into b&b's along the way ... to help rest his back at night atleast .... he is now wanting to stay in b&b's ... this is ofcourse after i bought a new tent that wouldve been perfect to carry ...

what do other people think about this idea? do you want me to look into b&b prices and camping prices? as far as i know there arnt many hotels on the way (a couple or so ) and i know i cant afford them ...

also on w.h.w news ... i am struggling getting used to these boots i really am ... i have also spoken to a few people that have done the walk and advice recieved there is to wear trail shoes ... i havnt got a clue what these are as of yet ... but will look into them and get back to you ... anyone else having issues with boots or anything?

Karmacat

Hi El

I'm certain I wouldn't want to camp .... I haven't been focussing on this tho, between my mum visiting and selling my house and trying to find one to buy in a different town - it doesn't leave much time. I did go out for a quick walk this morning, but I certainly wouldn't class that as training!

elantan

i think kc most of us are going to find the fact that we are gonna take a year to complete this challange a good thing ... i am similar to you ...

i am still on placement and trying to finish college and uni work off as well as get a polytunnel built and all that while trying to go to work etc ... ok nothing as exciting as you having a visit from your mum or the happiness that will be having your dream home ... but i have been so busy (honest)

so i think not doing it till next may will be just good enough timing for me

Karmacat

I'm glad to hear it - I was getting seriously embarrassed at the thought of preparing *now* - I'd be unfit again by the time we came to do it!

se999

elantan wrote: »

rumblings are going on in the elantan household ... hubby who has a bad back has been concerned about camping and carrying the things from one place to another ... so we agreed on having the bags carried for us ...

since then he has spoken to quite a few people that have done it ... resoundingly the advice is to book into b&b's along the way ... to help rest his back at night atleast .... he is now wanting to stay in b&b's ... this is ofcourse after i bought a new tent that wouldve been perfect to carry ...

what do other people think about this idea? do you want me to look into b&b prices and camping prices? as far as i know there arnt many hotels on the way (a couple or so ) and i know i cant afford them ...

also on w.h.w news ... i am struggling getting used to these boots i really am ... i have also spoken to a few people that have done the walk and advice recieved there is to wear trail shoes ... i havnt got a clue what these are as of yet ... but will look into them and get back to you ... anyone else having issues with boots or anything?

Hi Elantan,

Why not get OH to try a couple of nights in the tent this summer, it does take a few nights to get used to camping. I don't know how bad your OH's back is, OH & I both have backs that complain occasionally, and I must admit some B&B & hotel beds don't help at all. We had no problems camping.

If you've not got sleeping bags yet, for couples you can get doubles, or you can buy left and right single ones, that zip together to make doubles. It's very good when it get's chilly about dawn.

Been too busy on the internet househunting and tracking the volcano for contingency plans for getting back next week, so not had any time for getting fit etc..

Sounds like you're busy too.

Double_Trouble

I have already said to someone - KC I think - that I would prefer to B&B I will need a soak in a bath to recover each night

DTxx

elantan

hi all .. glad were starting to think about these things ... yes it really will be great doing it as cheaply as we can ... but for me (and maybe i am in a very lucky position ) but i dont want to get to the end of this walk and think ..thank goodness it's done ... i have achieved it ...but never again ... i dont want to be sickened and scunnered off of walking

i do want to have acomplished this walk and be able to say .. that was great i saw wonderful things experianced great company and maybe one day will do another trip .. and i have achieved one of my lifes ambitions ...

so i am now thinking maybe b&b's are the way forward ..

see hubby and i go camping alot ... we try and get away a couple of times in the month if the weather is good... we have several tents (including the new one) ... he doesnt mind sleeping in the tent i think it is more after having a long day walking he feels he will need a bath (he has a bath every day for his back as it is ... but i think that is because of the type of work he does) and a chance to maybe dry off if it is raining ... the wet in particular goes for him now ...

nothing is set in stone as of yet but i am glad weve started thinking about this ...just incase we need to budget for it

well like kc i too am also glad that others havnt been going at the training full pelt ... i know i have alot of work to do and i know i love walking ... i am just so overwhelemd with all the other things in my life just now ... but come the end of may i should have much more time to devote to it ... so just now i am finding it is a good time to start the planning ... so that when i am ready i can hit the ground running so to speak


mmmm will now need to give this planning some thought lol

competitionscafe

elantan wrote: »

also on w.h.w news ... i am struggling getting used to these boots i really am ... i have also spoken to a few people that have done the walk and advice recieved there is to wear trail shoes ... i havnt got a clue what these are as of yet ... but will look into them and get back to you ... anyone else having issues with boots or anything?

Hi, You can certainly do most or even all of the WHW in trail shoes (which are just approach shoes / rugged trainers) as the paths are mostly easy terrain. Especially if you are only carrying a light daypack and using a luggage service.
I have a pair of these which are meant for trail running but are very comfy for walking - I got them half price in a sale but there are lots of other brands/models/makes and you can often find a bargain in sales. Once you have a a pair practice walking in them on various terrain so you get used to them and build up ankle strength.

One way to avoid blisters is to use zinc oxide tape on any parts that are likely to rub (big toe, heels). Also avoid using cotton socks as they get wet (from sweat) and then don't dry and with wet skin you are much more likely to blister. Get socks which fit well so there is no rubbing and some people prefer 2 pairs - a thin liner sock and and another one on top. Brands to look at include Bridgedale (my favourite) and Smartwool.
Some tips on blister avoidance here: http://www.outdoorsmagic.com/forum/forummessages/mps/dt/1/UTN/36912/last/1/V/8/SP/

That forum and also this Scottish one will give you lots of good advice from experienced walkers. :beer: Think of the WHW as an extended pub crawl and enjoy the social aspect and the pints as well as the scenery. :beer:

elantan

hey competitionscafe ... thanks for dropping by and sharing your info


extended pub crawl ... sounds like fun to me ...

and the more i think about it the more i am thinking mayb trail shoes will be the way to go for me ... thanks for the zinc oxide tape info as well ... any other wee nuggets you know that you think might help ?