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50km walk training

11 replies

longwalkahead · 28/12/2025 09:50

I'm not sure if I've bitten off more than I can chew here. I've signed up for a really long hike/walk (50km) - I used to be relatively fit but have done very little (zero) anything for 3 years since I got pregnant.

The walk is in 16 weeks time but I work weekdays and my husband works away- I've counted up the amount of 'big walks' I can do between now and the day and it's about 4 (where I can take up the whole day) and a few shorter couple of hour long ones when the evenings get lighter. I can also take the kids on some flat walks at the weekends that I have them alone.

Will this be enough? Anything I can do cardio/strength wise at home in the house to help? The terrain of the walk is completely off road/public footpath type thing with about a mile of road at the end.

It's a really well supported trek with no cut off time and I've opted for the slowest wave of walkers

OP posts:
Blowninonabreeze · 28/12/2025 15:00

Have a look at this plan and adapt it to your circumstances. Completely do-able in 16 weeks. Enjoy it! https://www.thresholdtrailseries.com/app/uploads/2025/02/2503-threshold-training-doc-50k-walking-plan-21-02-25.pdf

Gliblet · 28/12/2025 15:38

I've done some of these. At my fittest, I was fit enough to be doing a few martial arts classes a week but wasn't exactly superfit. I did a few long training walks before my first one (longest was 20 miles), more to reassure myself than anything. The training plans they have for these walks are usually really good though and more than enough to get you ready. For me, the main things are:

Walk enough to properly break in a really good pair of walking boots/shoes, don't try and do it in fashion trainers or wellies!

Get to know how much water you need to keep you going without dehydrating OR needing the loo every hour, and work out which energy drinks work for you without making you feel sick or giving you indigestion.

Likewise snacks - different things 'fuel' different people particularly well. Work out what gives you the most miles for the fewest mouthfuls, just so you don't have to carry loads with you.

Also, figure our how many layers you need to wear, and what type. I like gym leggings (with pockets, and not the stupid push-up scrunchybum ones) for walking, partly because they dry out easily if they get rained on, but they don't suit everyone. Also I don't get cold easily usually (if anything I overheat easily and I don't want to have to carry anything I have to take off), but I definitely feel the cold more when I start getting tired so I'll have a couple of thin, light long-sleeved tops in my rucksack.

Spare socks - take several pairs and use the rest breaks as a chance to put on fresh ones. At the same time check your feet over for 'hot spots' - you'll feel these before blisters start forming and it'll give you a chance to apply plasters before the damage is done.

A light, effective headtorch or one of those lumilight hat things - the routes aren't always lit towards the end and you're tired and more likely to stumble.

IDasIX · 28/12/2025 16:23

There really isn’t much substitute for time on your feet, so your circumstances sound tricky, especially as I’d usually advise building up your distance if you haven’t exercised for several years.

Maybe buy a walking pad, and you can at least get the steps in in the evenings. Could you (or your husband) take a day or two of annual leave to allow you a few extra training walks?

Assuming you don’t have the kit/space for weight training at home, I’d suggest following Pilates videos a few times a week. Focus on glutes and hip flexors as strengthening those will really help you on the walk.

The good news is, if you’re a healthy adult, you can walk 50km. The more you can train the more you will enjoy it, and the less you will suffer in the days afterwards, but you’ll almost certainly be able to complete it!

fashioncrimes · 28/12/2025 16:35

@longwalkaheadI'm wondering if we've signed up for the same thing - is it the She Ultra in Wales? I'm also doing this although planning to run most of it, probably just opting to walk the uphill bits!

Training for these kinds of events, so much is about self belief and a positive attitude. I think the four days you've got to do long walks will be key, just get out and do 30-40km, just to prove to yourself that you can do it. Best of luck, the moment when you cross the finish line will make it all worthwhile!

persisted · 28/12/2025 16:52

A good way to fit in more mileage is to split it. So for example in a few months when it’s light you could get a babysitter and walk Saturday evening, then take the children out Sunday morning. Any extra time on your feet helps.
I’ve done a couple of events that distance. Generally I just assume everything will be fine and it works out, have faith. You will feel unstoppable afterwards.

longwalkahead · 28/12/2025 16:55

Blowninonabreeze · 28/12/2025 15:00

Have a look at this plan and adapt it to your circumstances. Completely do-able in 16 weeks. Enjoy it! https://www.thresholdtrailseries.com/app/uploads/2025/02/2503-threshold-training-doc-50k-walking-plan-21-02-25.pdf

thankyou, that's really helpful!

OP posts:
longwalkahead · 28/12/2025 16:59

Gliblet · 28/12/2025 15:38

I've done some of these. At my fittest, I was fit enough to be doing a few martial arts classes a week but wasn't exactly superfit. I did a few long training walks before my first one (longest was 20 miles), more to reassure myself than anything. The training plans they have for these walks are usually really good though and more than enough to get you ready. For me, the main things are:

Walk enough to properly break in a really good pair of walking boots/shoes, don't try and do it in fashion trainers or wellies!

Get to know how much water you need to keep you going without dehydrating OR needing the loo every hour, and work out which energy drinks work for you without making you feel sick or giving you indigestion.

Likewise snacks - different things 'fuel' different people particularly well. Work out what gives you the most miles for the fewest mouthfuls, just so you don't have to carry loads with you.

Also, figure our how many layers you need to wear, and what type. I like gym leggings (with pockets, and not the stupid push-up scrunchybum ones) for walking, partly because they dry out easily if they get rained on, but they don't suit everyone. Also I don't get cold easily usually (if anything I overheat easily and I don't want to have to carry anything I have to take off), but I definitely feel the cold more when I start getting tired so I'll have a couple of thin, light long-sleeved tops in my rucksack.

Spare socks - take several pairs and use the rest breaks as a chance to put on fresh ones. At the same time check your feet over for 'hot spots' - you'll feel these before blisters start forming and it'll give you a chance to apply plasters before the damage is done.

A light, effective headtorch or one of those lumilight hat things - the routes aren't always lit towards the end and you're tired and more likely to stumble.

ahh brilliant points there, thankyou! it looks/sounds really well supported with more water refilling stops/snacks and loos than
normal, so I'm hoping that helps too that I won't need to carry too much. I'll have to look in to clothes and gear and hopefully pick up some good shoes in the sale

OP posts:
SilverBlue56 · 28/12/2025 17:02

My son trained for hiking the foothills of the Himalayas and didn't have much time around school. What really improved his fitness (of which he started with zero) was walking with weight in his backpack. He did a two hour hike every weekend with 5kg in his backpack (probably 5 miles ish) for six months.

He then walked 15km per day while away, for 5 days, but it was largely rock steps up and down so quite taxing. I would never have thought he would manage it but he did, no injuries etc. I realise yours is condensed into a day but reckon walking with weight will help in the shorter time you have to train.

His training hikes were also using the Nordic method and poles, maybe worth looking into as he goes much faster than without. Having personalised shoe insoles was also a game changer regarding foot pain (think they are called Phitts - cost a fortune but he wears them all the time now and is so much more comfortable)

longwalkahead · 28/12/2025 17:05

fashioncrimes · 28/12/2025 16:35

@longwalkaheadI'm wondering if we've signed up for the same thing - is it the She Ultra in Wales? I'm also doing this although planning to run most of it, probably just opting to walk the uphill bits!

Training for these kinds of events, so much is about self belief and a positive attitude. I think the four days you've got to do long walks will be key, just get out and do 30-40km, just to prove to yourself that you can do it. Best of luck, the moment when you cross the finish line will make it all worthwhile!

it is! Have you done it before?

OP posts:
Londonmummy66 · 28/12/2025 17:27

A friend of mine did the Thames path ultra walk and got up really early to walk first thing rather than leaving it until later. THe most important thing though is to have a plan and stick to it. I also found when marathon training that slow swimming (breast stroke) was better on a rest day than doing nothing - the water was soothing and the exertion was minimal.

fashioncrimes · 28/12/2025 19:22

longwalkahead · 28/12/2025 17:05

it is! Have you done it before?

No, I have never run anything this long before, although I've done some similar length hikes. Every time I have a wobble I watch the documentary and remind myself that it's going to be brilliant

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