26 mile hike/walk - training starts here!

[Bemyclementine]

I've decided to sign up for the Macmillen mighty hike. I posted asking for opinions on how hard it would be, and have decided to take the plunge. I got loads of really useful advice and encouragement on my other thread so decided to record my training progress here.

I will be aiming for a Sunday "long walk" that I will increase in distance as I go along. During the week, I will do what I can but it will come down to lunchtime walks, evening walking workouts on YouTube and fitting walks in on a day off or after work with the DC when it's light enough.

Today's walk was just 4 miles, but it's a start. Very windy, drizzly, slippery muddy tracks. I was in my (decent) wellies! Which I'm used to walking up to 8 milesinbut not done that for ages. It took me 1hr 20 minutes, my pace was very variable depending on terrain. Also stopped to take pics abd I needed a wee stop (thanks, bushes...)

Mud!

Well done for signing up, you won’t regret it. There’s a Facebook group you can join full of hints and tips which should be detailed in your registration pack 😃

Which mighty hike have you signed up to?

I did one around 2016 (ullswater in the lakes)

Well done! I did the London Moonwalk a few years ago and used to wake up early walk across the city working up to the motorway junction which was 11 miles away. So total of 22 miles a few weeks before You don't necessarily need to regularly or even once do 26 miles before the event, just a decent amount of miles so you really get used to your footwear and build stamina. Getting the right kit and really testing it is important. I changed my trainers during my training and weirdly ended up doing it with my crap Tesco ones plus a blister plaster on a particular patch on my foot rather than more expensive walking boots because walking boots just weren't the right fit... 😂 Oh and I wore my maternity yoga pants despite not having been pregnant for several years as they were sooo comfy. It's a learning curve for sure!

Thank you!!

It's the Norfolk Coast one.

I do need kit, I walked in leggings and wellies today. I have decent running trainers but no good fir the muddy conditions. A trip to get sone boots/shoes is going to be my first kit shopping port of call.

Recommendations for leg wear? Seamless leggings?

Brilliant, I'd love to do another.

Mine was in the middle of July and temps were mid 20s when we did it. So we wore shorts and the T-shirt they gave us.

Good luck and well done for signing up!

Like I say I ended up in my Maternity yoga pants!! But that was walking around London streets. I do a lot of hiking and generally favour light technical trousers like craghoppers. But that's because if I clamber over rocks in leggings they end up tearing! If it's on the flat that wouldn't be an issue. You can pack some waterproof over trousers too. For 26 miles I'd opt for some decent ones like berghaus as the cheaper ones tend to have open pocket slits that let water in but depends on budget x sounds like your wellies did a good job today. Maybe thick socks as the impact on your sole might begin to build up over the miles as wellies aren't very well cushioned.

Wicking leggings or waterproof trousers if you're training over winter, but shorts as soon as you can as skin dries quickest!

Make sure you build in squats and lunges as well as incline walks. Also work on ankle and knee stability especially if you'll be on uneven surfaces.

@HowNice23 I definitely won't be doing tge 26 miles in my wellies!! They are particularly "good" wellies though, very comfortable and supportive compared to a normal pair.

I'm a bit apple shaped (fat....) and even when not fat I have hips/bum and often struggle with trousers waist to bum ratio. So I think stretchy is the way to go for me. But yes I will go for shorts as soon as I can.

@Whataretheodds I've got the les mills at home workouts so can do those when I can't get out for a walk.

You'll have to keep us posted x

I will join you, but I'm going to sign up for the Peak district one. I had a very good friend who died recently. MacMillan were fantastic with her, so I would like to give something back! I need to decide whether to do the half or full marathon.
I really need to get fit to do this, so will start tomorrow!

Another walk today though rather more leisurely. DC on their bikes stopping every 2 minutes. Still, over 10000 steps and spent about 4 hours in the woods and outdoor woodland play so it all helps. Better than sitting on my bum!

@Londonnight I feel your route will be rather more strenuous than mine! Good luck!

Good on you! I keep thinking I fancy one of those but I think I would struggle on 26 miles. I regularly walk 5-10 miles and have done 15 miles but 26 is so much more. Will keep watching for tips and maybe this will be the year to do it.

I think ill struggle too and am very apprehensive. I have been very fit in the past and hoping to regain a decent level of fitness this year. It's going to be hard work but I really need a challenge and motivation, hoping this will be it!

Hi @Bemyclementine I've just signed up too - Norfolk costal walk 😊

I used to do challenge walks of this length as a sport. I'd recommend working on getting to a point where a 15mile walk feels like "no big deal" - it doesn't matter if you do the full distance before the event. Try and vary the terrain though (include some hills). But do get some decent boots and think about chafing (bra underwire area and knicker area) especially if your walk is a summer one! Take spare socks (a couple of pairs) as these are surprisingly revitalising mid- walk. Good luck!

@MightyHiker ooh fab, are you in the area? Have you done this sort of thing before?

@MastieMum I'm guess a sports bra would be the best option. And big pants!

@Bemyclementine big, cotton, and several pairs if there's likely to be a loo en route for changing!

I do alot of long distance walking as a hobby and love it and hope you enjoy past your target . Like others, i recommend.

.Vaseline for chafing

.Bamboo or Danish endurance socks especially for heels protection.

.Spare socks in your walking rucksack

. Compeed plasters for blisters

. Podcasts

. Healthy snack or banana

Dont forget to take it easy if you feel your going to fast, you can feel a bit disorientated towards the end of a long walk which can affect concentration, so go slower

Would love to do this but the fundraising puts me off. What happens if you don't raise £250? Are you not allowed to walk?

@Caterpillargirl23 I dont know tbh. I really hope I can hit the target! I suppose its 25 people at a (generous) tenner each.

I'm half hour from Norwich - how about you?

I have never done anything like this before, so excited yet nervous!

I'm also running the half marathon in March (which is also a first) so hoping that the training for that will help with the walking training.

all the best! it will be great!

remember to build in core strength training as well. planks etc (look up some on youtube)