Thames Path 50km Challenge - top tips please!

[chelseamorning]

A friend and I have signed up for the Thames Path Challenge in September. We'll be walking 50km (from Runnymede to Henley) in less than 12 hours, on behalf of Macmillan Cancer Support.

If you've done this walk before, or something similar, what would you top tip(s) be?

Thanks!

Bump

Well done for signing up for this. I'm looking at doing it next year for the Altzheimers charity. I just need to co-erce a friend into doing it with me.

I've done a couple of Moonwalks before now, and would recommend that you start training asap for the 50km - unless you are exceptionally fit!

You'll need decent footwear and trousers or leggings and a good bum bag to put your handkies, jelly babies etc in. (see 'Walk the Walk' website as they have good ones on there - and you'll be supporting a breast cancer charity too).

Is there a training guide for you? You should build up gradually, but don't hang around - I think we start training in January to do the Moonwalk (26.2 miles/ 42km) in May. We also do yoga, dancing and badminton to keep up our overall fitness.

Hope this helps

I've done 30km of that route, and it's brilliant. I did it without training, but being fairly fit, and it was fine - maybe start with a distance like 20km and build up? But yes, look at suggested training programmes and see what you can fit in

I got a blister on the side of my foot which I didn't feel at the time but which lasted for ages; I wish I'd done an inspection en route as I had compeed plasters with me. They are ace.

It's such a pretty route - there's loads of info online for things to look for which will help keep you distracted.

I want to do it now!

Oh, thanks ladies for your replies! Very helpful.

Tbh, I'm willing to put in the effort to train, as there is a dog training programme online for the event. I'm a bit concerned about my feet though as I often get pain on the ball of my foot if I walk on uneven ground. not sure what the problem is called.

I have a pair of leather hiking boots which I've had for years. They're fairly comfortable but I have to wear a good gel insole in them to reduce foot pain on the ball of my foot. I also have some Merrill cross trainers which are old but fairly comfortable.

The organisers website suggests Goretex boots. Are these necessary? I was thinking of taking a pair of trainers with me on the event, to give my feet a change of shoe. Is this necessary or just overkill??? :-)

I have done a 33k walk. I think trainers can be more comfortable than hiking boots personally.

Good luck!