How hard is it to hike/walk 26 miles?

[Bemyclementine]

I've had a leaflet come through the door fir the "mighty hike". A half or full marathon distance.

I'd LOVE to challenge myself to do this, and there us one very locally.

I'm am currently not fit and overweight.

I have previously been very fit, but chikdren and single parenthood plus a couple if health issues kind of put it on the back burner.

I do at least 10k steps a day without really noticing and can walk 6 - 8 miles at ease (but dont do it often.

How hard would it be? How would I train for it? I used to run a lot, up to 10 miles, so I guess train in a similar way, just walking and upping the distance/varying terrain?

Also, I know this sounds stupid, but do these "walking workouts" on YouTube help for times when I can't get outside? (Such as, DC in bed)

For me it would be feet issues. Blisters, sore toes etc that would concern me more than achieving the fitness

Yes, I thought of that. I suppose investing in a decent pair of walking shoes/boots is the first step

I'm in a hiking group and although most hikes are around the 10-15 miles we occasionally do marathon distance. You've got the right approach, already doing the daily 10k steps is a good start, just gradually build up from this and you should be fine.

Get some decent hiking boots and go on walks - break them in

My sister has done this. The key thing was shoes, she was wearing some new cheap trainers and had blisters so bad she had to wear sliders for a couple of weeks. So treat yourself to some supportive walking boots and good socks even if only at Mountain Warehouse or Decathlon. Otherwise it's a long but manageable walk.

It depends on what kind of ground you are walking on and is it a hilly or flat walk.
I find walking on pavement and hard surfaces a lot harder than walking on grass or softer surfaces.

What’s the terrain? Flat? Mountains?

It's norfolk coast, so quite flat with some slight variation!

I have done a marathon walk along the river thames. I walk a lot, my daily average is 16,500 steps. I found the last part quite hard as my feet were very sore. Definitely buy some good shoes ahead of time and walk in them all the time before the walk. It is doable but I exercise a lot and am quite slim and I didn't find it as easy as I thought!

I think my daily total was 66,000 steps that day for context as to just how much more it is than what I manage usually!

Maybe buy cheap second hand treadmill, lots on EBay and use it to power walk.

I did 26 miles twice when I was 17/18. It was relentless and exhausting, took 10 then 7.5 hours respectively.

Of course, being 17 I did no training, no preparation and wore standard "comfy" shoes.

These days in my hiking boots as a regular walker I could do 13 on a Sunday afternoon. I would never ever do 26 again though.

edited to add, we live in Yorkshire, not a flat road to be seen round here.

Good hiking boots and start walking!
Slowly increase the distance and use something to track your progress. So you can keep an eye on speed & distance.
Balance the walking with some strength training and extra cardio.

Well thus is quite encouraging. @Cashew1 on my busier days (I have ponies) I can do 25 000 in wellies , although I havent for a while, it would be easy to do so again in prep.

Definitely feet issses. I walked 14 miles once and didn’t actually have blisters but my feet were so sore.

Check what sort of paths, if they're not muddy then you may not need boots. But still want decent footwear that you've walked a good few miles in.

@ErrolTheRednosedDragon I will check the paths, I feel they're mostly well draining sandy soil.

What's the route? 26 miles on flat surfaced trails is very different to 26 miles in Snowdonia.

I did the moonwalk and it was ok, you need to train but it is manageable, the most difficult thing is finding the time for long walks. If it is hill walking or hiking it will be more difficult physically and you will need to ensure some of your training is on similar terrain which might involve travel, and will require more kit.

Don't risk doing this kind of distance in cheap boots. Look after your feet. Buy good trainers if it is on roads or trails good hiking boots from a proper hiking shop if it is on varied terrain.

Invest in decent shoes (needn't be expensive but honestly your feet will thank you for it), do some training- there are plans & guides online, and learn how to fuel yourself. I love walking and have done a lot of ridiculous hikes etc, I can't tolerate solid foods during as I get terrible cramps so I use gels; but it's really important to fuel your body properly rather than just try and wing it. Sounds like you have a brilliant base already doing 10k steps a day- I find it easier with anything like this to have a training and event partner but not necessary.

@JesusMaryAndJosephAndTheWeeDon norfolk coast. Its where I walk anyway so won't come as a surprise but obviously I don't walk that far!

I did the Thames Path a few years ago - was also very slim and fit and found the last 10k killing. Having said that it’s a great motivator to get fit. Treat yourself to a pedicure nearer the time (or more often if u can afford it!). Good luck!

Sounds fab OP, what an achievement it would be!

I have fabric walking boots and have never had to break them in, or had issues with blisters like you can get with leather ones. I’d be prepared to change my socks during the walk though.

@WhyMeWhyNowWhyNot yes it will certainly be a challenge in my current state but I'd hope to use it as motivation.

I’m no athlete, but I’ve done it in the past. As others say, thoroughly worn-in comfortable walking boots (preferable to walking shoes in my view, as they’ll give ankle support too), good socks and work your mileage up in advance.

It’s quite a slog, and weather can obviously have a big impact in various forms, but it’s a manageable goal for most I would think.