Helpful Hints
Keep Your Feet Dry:
You should have at least 6 pairs of socks; coolmax socks or any kind that will wick moisture away from your skin. Nylon or similar material should never be worn. Cornstarch will help wick moisture away - never use talcum powder.
Shoes:
Have at least 2 pairs of decent walking or running shoes. This is your most valuable piece of equipment. You will be on your feet all day! A walking stick can help reduce knee strain, especially on descent, but train with a walking stick if you plan to use one.
Clothing:
Your ultimate goal other than finishing is to keep dry and comfortable. Layer up: start with something other than cotton; there are numerous materials that will help keep moisture away from your body; polar fleece- like material for warmth; a wind/rain jacket; umbrella. You want materials that will breathe. Rain has been known to prevail in Saskatchewan so be prepared.
Lubrication:
Vaseline everything - your toes, under your arms, any place that material rubs grease it up. It will help cut down on friction!
Heatstroke/Sunscreen:
There is about one kilometer in the trees, the other 64km are in the elements so use sunscreen. This is not a day for sun tanning. When you change socks reapply sunscreen. The sun is very intense - it may finish you before you finish the walk. A hat or visor is highly recommended.
Food/Drink:
You need to conserve all your energy for the walk. Hydrate yourself. Take the 2 days totally off before the walk to fuel your tank. Carb up the week prior to the walk. This will help fill your tank and give you some reserve. Control yourself: don't indulge; eat a light breakfast; drink lots of fluids; keep your electrolytes up. There are soft drinks on the market that are made for this (Gatorade, Powerade...). Stop at each checkpoint for your refreshments, and a light lunch at the river. You will need something to keep you going. Bananas are a great food choice.
Conditioning:
Training is essential. You must be walking months before the walk date. Walkers should be doing an average of 6 to 10 miles a day in the weeks prior to the walk. Get yourself at least a 12 week training program. Granted, people will finish without training, but it will take weeks to recover.
Hills:
Hills are killers once you have made the long Trek up. Your heart may stop pounding but your knees don't. The descent down a hill impacts your knees and toes. Don't run. If you have a walking stick this will greatly reduce knee strain. Consider having a walking stick in your support vehicle.
Pace:
Remember that you have trained at a certain pace. Begin slowly, finish strong. Going out too strong in the beginning could burn you out by the end. You will have time to visit your friends at the end. WALK YOUR OWN PACE.
Alcohol:
Avoid alcohol the week prior to the walk. It will deplete any energy stores you have. You can celebrate at the finish line.
GET ADVICE FROM OTHER WALKERS:
It will make a difference. A walk of this magnitude is 10% physical 90% mental.
LINKS:
Also go to our page of links where there are excellent websites with very useful information and motivation.