Preparing for a charity walk

Tiglath

I'm doing a 13.7 mile charity walk in a few weeks (kind of been forced into it by work but I think I should be able to manage). I'm not especially active, so how should I best prepare for this? Someone has recommended Brasher socks - any recommendations on trainers/walking shoes? I'm planning on doing some daily 4-mile walks in the weeks leading up to it, and some longer walks at the weekends, weather permitting.

BugglyB

What kind of terrain is it tiglath?

Unless its going to be really wet and boggy I would suggest some kind of trail shoe like http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Merrell-Mens-Waterpro-Maipo-Black-Outdoors-Light-Trail-Walking-Hiking-Shoes-New-/281334992174?pt=UK_Sporting_Goods_Athletic_Shoes_ET&var=&hash=item4180df4d2e

they have womens ones too. Try them on in a hiking shop and then buy them on ebay.

If its going to be hilly or boggy then walking boots might be better, but they can be heavy, so I would go with a lighter shoe if possible.

If you can work up to a longer weekend walk of about 9 miles you should be fine for the 13 miler, although I would recommend having a rest weekend before your main weekend to make sure you are fresh. Drink lots of water the week before and try and enjoy yourself

Tiglath

It's all pavement walking - round the boundaries of a London borough. Thanks for the tip re the shoes

Indie_Kid

Hope all goes well.

With socks - you should be able to get away with running socks. Your best bet is to wear two pairs of socks. A tad expensive; but Hilly twin skin socks have two layers.

Whatever shoes you go for, choose ones that fit well and are comfortable. I have a pair of walking shoes from Sports Direct, which work fine for me.

Paulaviki

I've just done the moonwalk 26.2 miles and I got the double layer socks mentioned above, they were definitely worth buying. Shoe wise you need something with a low heel for walking, I got karrimor walking trainers from sports direct.

I'm really prone to blisters so used medical tape on the areas which usually blister and this did help as I only got one this time!

Training wise I'd start with some gentle 2-3 milers then build up the distance and your speed. Try to do at least one 8-10 mile walk before the event to prepare you mentally for how far a mile feels when you are walking!

I'm sure you'll be fine, I'm lazy and overweight and still finished the moonwalk!

BugglyB

Excellent work on the moonwalk paulaviki, its a great achievement.

thor

Tiglath wrote: »

I'm doing a 13.7 mile charity walk in a few weeks (kind of been forced into it by work but I think I should be able to manage). I'm not especially active, so how should I best prepare for this? Someone has recommended Brasher socks - any recommendations on trainers/walking shoes? I'm planning on doing some daily 4-mile walks in the weeks leading up to it, and some longer walks at the weekends, weather permitting.

Unless you are going to run it or are quite a bit overweight, 13-14 miles should not be a problem. It's not something I personally even would consider training for but if it makes you feel at ease ditch the 4 milers and go for at least double that distance so that at least you will have burned a significant amount of calories and don't let the weather stop you either. If it rains it will probably be more of an aid than an hindrance.

Indie_Kid

thor wrote: »

. If it rains it will probably be more of an aid than an hindrance.

I run a lot and second this.

When I was training for Ten Tors, I was bought some walking socks. They were made of wool and made my eczema flare up.:(

You also need to consider the clothing you're going to wear. If you wear cotton, it holds the sweat.

muddled_midget

I've done the cancer research shine marathon round London a couple of times and I found gel trainers the most comfortable as they are light to wear and provide more cushioning while walking on concrete for 8 hours than a walking shoe. I agree about not needing to train with 4 mile walks unless you are struggling with that distance, in which case start with that and build up. Otherwise just do a couple of 8 or 9 mile walks on pavements to check your shoes are comfy. Good luck xxx

Tiglath

Thanks - unfortunately I'm withdrawing from the walk. A 2-mile walk yesterday has left my slipped discs in absolute agony, I can only shuffle this morning, and I'm not prepared to risk further damage for the sake of a charity walk. I'm going to concentrate on figuring out what my new limits are.