It is always advisable to train for a trek, and this should begin several months before the event.

Remember, before starting any training programme you should consult your Doctor

Although you don’t have to be a ‘Professional Athlete’ for any of our Challenges, you should always train and slowly build your fitness levels up as the event approaches. Please find below tips and ideas to get you started:-

Benefits of Walking

Walking improves circulation and breathing, it also strengthens your heart, thus reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. It’s a great way to strengthen bones and tone your muscles, and also, it’s great to burn off those calories and help you manage your weight.

Techniques

Your shoulders should be level – pulled back and down - remember to lift your chest. Always walk with your head up and eyes focused ahead. Your heel should touch the ground first, then follow through the arch of your foot onto your toes. Your toes will help you push off to another step thus reducing the risk of shin splints and tendon pulls.

Your arms should be pumped forward and back, not side to side.

Your cardiovascular workout should improve the faster you walk. You should try to keep an even stride, and a steady pace should be maintained. When you start to walk faster, accelerate your arm movements and take smaller, quicker steps. Avoid leaning forward or arching your back, as this could lead to lower back pain.

Your Shoes

These will definitely be your best friend throughout the Challenge, so make sure that they are comfortable and specifically designed for walking. Reasonably high ankles are desirable and a stiff heel counter will give you lateral support. It is always worth investing in a good pair of trekking or hiking boots and the appropriate socks.

However, if buying new shoes, these should be well worn in. You could wear them around the house, on the way to work, and even do your shopping in them! You will find, once they have conformed to the shape of your feet, you are much less likely to get blisters.

Taking care of your feet

Blisters can be avoided by keeping your feet dry and wearing socks made out of fibres which draw moisture away from the skin – cotton is not good for this. Your shoes should not be laced too tightly OR too loosely as the irritation of rubbing and pinching may cause blisters.

The arches of your feet may ache whilst you walk- this is from pounding on the floor. To avoid this, ensure you touch the ground heel first and follow through to your toes. Arch supports may help.

To avoid blackened toe nails – caused from your big toe hitting the front of your shoe – try to keep your toe nails neatly trimmed.

Stretch Programme

Hamstrings – Lie on your back, bending one leg and keeping that foot on the floor to prevent you from lifting your buttocks during the stretch. Raise your other leg, holding it either side of your knee joint, and gradually pull the leg towards you. You should fell the hamstring muscle stretching at the back of this leg. Concentrate on keeping your buttocks on the floor, and keep the stretched leg as straight as possible. Repeat with other leg.

Calfs – Standing one foot in front of the other, feet comfortably apart, both feet facing forward, front leg bent, (knee over ankle joint) back leg straight, back straight. Press the heel of the back leg into the floor until a stretch is felt in the calf muscle in the back of the lower leg. If you don’t feel it stretch, slide the heel slowly backwards keeping the foot on the floor.

Groin – Stand with feet 1 metre apart, both pointing forward. Keeping your back straight and head up, slowly lunge down to right side feeling the pull on the inside of your left leg. Hold for 10 seconds, swap legs, repeat three times.

Quads – Stand and using a chair or wall for support, grab one leg at the ankle, and slowly pull your heel up towards your bottom, whilst slowly applying a stretch on the quadricep muscles (large muscles at the front of the upper leg). Aim to keep your knees together and back straight throughout the stretch. Push your hips forward to increase the stretch.

Hips – Feet should be shoulder width apart and your hands on your hips. Keeping your head still, rotate hips as far as they will comfortably go, clockwise. Repeat 10 times. Repeat exercise anti-clockwise.

Torso – Feet shoulder width apart with hands on head. Keep your feet pointing forward but twist your body as far as it will comfortably go, hold for 1 sec, face forward and then repeat twisting in the opposite direction. Repeat three times.

Shoulders – Hold left arm with right arm at elbow. Bring left arm across the body and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat with other arm.

N.B. You should only stretch warmed up muscles. Don’t stretch too far, remember, you should only feel a slight pull, never any pain. Always stretch slowly. People with bad backs or any old injuries should be very careful when stretching and exercising.

Long distance trekking – 14 week training programme

Training Programme Notes

This 14 week training programme is only a rough guide. With your work, fundraising and family commitments, you may not be able to achieve the whole programme. However, in order to successfully train for the Challenge, you will need to organise your time properly. There are plenty of ways to maximise your training, even if you feel you have no spare time:

• Get up an hour early to go for a brisk walk before work, or walk to work if you can.
• If you do drive to work, park your car further away than normal.
• Use your lunchtimes to take a walk.
• Always use stairs instead of lifts / escalators.
• Try and get your family involved – take days out that involve exercise.

It’s always a good idea to train wearing your boots, and the rucksack you will be taking with you on your Challenge. You may look a bit silly, but it will be well worth it!

It’s always a good idea to join a gym or leisure centre. You will have access to fitness instructors who will design a programme specifically for you.

Remember, you may not stick to the whole guide, but it is vital that you train.

You will enjoy your Challenge far more if you are physically fit!!