WALKING CHALLENGE TIPS -Weight Loss Part 20

At the end of June 2018 I took on the 100k walking challenge for London to Brighton in aid of the British Heart Foundation. It was my first walking challenge and I learned a lot!

All fresh and ready to go!

I thought I’d share what I’ve learnt. So here are some tips on how to prepare for a walking challenge, no matter the distance. These tips derive from advice I received from other walkers and the event organisers, and from my own personal experience during the challenge.

Please add any other tips in the comments.

Mental Wellbeing

• Use your training to work out what helps keep you focused.
• Do not assume that the distances provided for each stage are accurate.
• Ensure you have a support team/person that you can contact any time day or night to help you get through the challenge.
• Always keep in mind how you will feel when you complete the challenge and cross the finish line!

Feet

• Choose your socks and footwear before you start training and train in them so that your feet get accustomed to them.
• Ensure your socks are suitable for long distance walking, and suitable for hot weather if walking in the summer.
• Change your socks every 10 to 15 km, especially in hot weather.
• Use talcum powder in your socks and shoes to ensure your feet stay dry and cool.
• Tape any areas that are prone to blisters to reduce rubbing.
• Use Vaseline on your toes to prevent rubbing. (I’ve not tried this myself but many have recommended it)
• Use the first aiders on your walking challenge. That’s what they are there for!

Hydration

• Use a hydration pack rather than bottles. They hold more water and it’s easier to keep hydrated with regular sips.
• Fill your hydration pack with ice at the beginning of your walk. And in the middle if you can. This helps keep your water cool for longer.
• Take an empty 500ml bottle and electrolyte tablets to boost your hydration during the heat of the day. Use as a preventative rather than a cure.
• Take regular sips of water throughout. Constant hydration is better for you.

Food

• Have a small breakfast.
• Graze every hour. Even if you are not hungry! (This is one of the pieces of advice I received that really worked!)
• Don’t carry any food that is likely to melt or that needs to stay cool.
• If possible, freeze some of your snacks, and refrigerate the rest, the night before to ensure they stay cool.
• Keep your food next to your hydration pack to keep them cool for longer.
• Ensure you have something high in glucose for emergencies. (I took a frozen Marbar with me, which I ate about 1am, and it had not melted!)
• Don’t eat anything you aren’t used to eating.

General Tips

• Follow any training guides provided by the organisers of your chosen challenge. (They gradually help you reach the level of fitness required to complete your challenge and ensure you don’t over train.)
• Ensure your clothes (socks) are in a dry sack or plastic bag to make sure they don’t get wet for any reason.
• If you have a support driver meeting you at any check points, leave any excess food and clothing with them so that you don’t have to carry them.
• Off load any dirty socks or rubbish with your support driver any time you meet them. They might not appreciate it, but you will!
• Enjoy yourself!

You can read about my 100k experience here.