Blood, sweat and tears... literally! (Hiking/Walking in general)

Member Name: missbrowneyedgirl

Product:	Hiking/Walking in general
Date:	17/05/01 (132 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: good excercise, raise money for charity, sense of achievement

Disadvantages: pain, pain, pain

Everyone knows that walking is an enjoyable form of exercise and I have always thought of walking as easy. Why, I do it every day! You just put your best foot forward and go! And, that was always the way it was until I decided I could walk a marathon for charity (see my opinion n the Playtex Moonwalk). Oh how wrong I was!

Let me tell you, walking is not easy! I have the aches, pains and blisters to prove that! So in the spirit of DooYoo, I though I would share my discoveries about walking in order to prevent you from getting into the state I am in today!

Let me present:
Missbrowneyedgirl's Top Tips for Pain-Free Walks!
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~Training~

This really is a very important one. If you are planning on walking anything over say six miles you do need to do some preparation. I foolishly thought that because I often walk to the gym and back (about a five mile round trip) that walking the marathon would be no trouble to me, so foolishly I did precious little training.

Hence, after two hours of solid walking I was clearly starting to flag. What you don't realise is the pressure your joints are under and how hard your muscles are working. Your feet feel like they are on fire and your legs are begging for a rest.

You need to train for a walk by building up slowly from maybe a mile's walk right up to doing a 10-16 mile one. Also experts tell you not to do a big walk in the week prior to your event.

One more thing you will want to consider is the conditions you will be walking in. In my case I was walking over cobbles as well as normal road surfaces. I was also walking from midnight onwards, both of which I hadn't considered during my training. I t really does make a big difference so do try and replicate conditions during training.

The last point to consider is your equipment (see below). Do remember to train in, and with, the items you will be
wearing and carrying at the actual event.

~Equipment~

You don't need me to tell you the importance of your walking footwear do you? But what I can enlighten you on is how a seemingly comfortable pair of trainers can rip your feet to shreds after 10 miles! My trainers were specifically for sport, six months old and had never given me the slightest inkling of a rub until I undertook the walk. You really need to test your footwear to the limit during your training.

Also remember that you will have your footwear tighter than usual, probably with different socks to what you would wear for gym activities. Official NHS advice: two pairs of thin socks can help to prevent the friction that causes blisters, You can but special two-layered walking socks from most outdoor outlets but they are a bit pricey at £8 a pair.

Another thing that I found unbelievable was the discomfort of my 'comfortable' gym clothes. After four or five miles of walking your seams and socks appear to be made from sandpaper! Also as the muscles in your legs get so hot, you need to make sure your leg wear allows air to circulate and isn't too heavy. Rucksacks can really start to rub, so do train with them and check!

Another recommendation is to rub Vaseline into any area you think may rub. You can also cushion and protect potential blisters with a plaster before you need a full-blown dressing!

~Drink~

It is really important to drink plenty of fluids, preferably water and definitely not alcohol...;), whilst you are walking. You will probably feel like this is the last thing you want to do but my friend learnt this the hard way and spent a full day recovering from dehydration in hospital.

A rough rule of thumb is to drink a litre of water for every four miles you walk, though this will vary depending on the weather, temperature and terrain.

~Eat~

Build your energy up prior to walking with carbohydrate
s such as pasta, rice and vegetables. You can also buy energy bars and sweets from most chemists and supermarkets. I found he energy bars a brilliant distraction from the task in hand and the pain if nothing else so I really would recommend them.

A word of warning: the energy tablets can have a very drying effect of you mouth and some have a particularly bad aftertaste so again, try them out before the event. I would recommend Boots Energy bars which come in a variety of natural fruit flavours.

~Danger Zone~

The 'Danger Zone' is a well-known phenomenon for marathon runners and walkers alike. This is the point when you really want to give up, but don't! I promise it passes!

You usually hit the Danger Zone at 10-12 miles for a half marathon and 18-22 miles in the full. All i can say is no matter how hard it is, keep going as you will break the barrier and get through this!

~Stretching~

When you make stops, during and after the walk, make sure you stretch out all of you leg muscles. This prevents you from seizing up straight away and also minimises the pain you will feel later on.

I know it's the last thing you want to do upon completing the marathon but it really is so important.

~Stuff for after~

Well done! You made it! There are just a few things you will really appreciate at this time. A lot of organised event will allow you to store a bag whilst walking so here is what I recommend you put in it.

The first thing you will want is some different shoes. Any flip-flop type footwear will be ideal, as it will allow your feet to cool down with very little material touching them! If you are walking in cold climates remember some comfortable warm footwear to get you home.

A blow-up cushion will store away easily and will be like a gift from heaven at the point when all you want to do is sit down!

Some Aloe Vera gel or cream will help to cool and soot
he your aching bits. I noticed a lot of people who I walked with developed a nasty heat rash on their legs which this helped to relieve.

Lastly, some warm clothing or a Space Blanket as you will soon cool down after being motionless for a short while.

~Good luck with your walking!~

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