Training Guide
Training Plans
Trekking challenges are designed for people of average fitness as long as you are prepared to train. The amount of training you will need to put in demands your current degree of fitness.
Even if you walk regularly and have a good level of fitness you will still need to train for this type of long-distance walking, though you may find that it will not take you as long to reach the stages shown.
If you do not walk often and have only a basic level of fitness you should allow more time. The trekking is demanding, but is also aimed at a level of average fitness. It is not a race or a competition but a fun and challenging event.
Before starting your training plan
Make sure that you have comfortable pair of shoes/boots (refer to kit list). New boots must be worn in. Wear them around the house, on the way to work, etc and then on longer trips.
Training
Fitting training into your lifeYou should start off your training plan with 6 weeks of incorporating walking and aerobic exercise into your daily routine. It's surprising how much difference taking the stairs instead of the lift or walking an extra 10 minutes on your way to work can make.
After the first six weeks you need to gain endurance by walking long slow distances. Pick one day per week as your long walk to gain endurance. Choose two evenings or mornings as your shorter walks with the Exercise Circuit to help build specific muscles groups. Remember to stretch after ever walk, it is also essential to stretch after about ten minutes of walking once you've warmed up a bit. Make sure you plan adequate rest/recovery days as part of the training.
Of course nothing is better than walking. However if you play squash, tennis, badminton or go to the gym, cycle or swim for an hour or two, then this will also help with your general fitness. Adding this to your programme instead of one of the short days or on one of the rest days would be fine. Make sure you stretch properly after each session.
Weekends
It is important at weekends to get into some hilly country to experience walking on different surfaces and to experience the hills and of course the weather. You should of course wear the boots and rucksack you will take on the trek.
You should make the time to walk some consecutive long days: an isolated Sunday walk does not have the same effect as two consecutive days. Nothing will prepare you for the trek better than actually walking.
Where to walk
Have a look at http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/walkingroutes/ to find walking routes in your area.
Walking Tips