Training for even a one day trek is very important. Some people incorrectly think that training is not necessary - but it is not every day you wake up and go for a very long walk. It takes preparation - both mental and physical - to properly prepare. The very first part of training is selecting the proper items that will be used on your trek.
Number one - shoes - whether you select walking shoes or boots - they must be properly fit to allow for swelling of the feet - type of ground that you will be walking - and other conditions such as rain. For our preparation for our Camino in Spain - we have tried out three different pairs of boots in search of proper fit. At this point we are fairly confident that we now have properly fitted boots. For this one day walk we will wear those boots - for those doing only this one day walk - it is not necessary for you to buy hiking boots - but you must choose wisely the shoes that you will wear. Sandals are not an option - although most of the walk will be on flat surfaces - you have to consider what is healthy for your feet to be able to walk approximately 9 miles - much on hot asphalt roads - some on grassy right of ways along country roads.
The second item is socks - quality wool socks are the ones of choice - not cotton - as the wool will wick away moisture from the feet much better than cotton. Many trekkers will wear two pair of socks - one thin wool pair under a second thicker pair. Some will bring extrta socks with them so that they may change socks during the walk - especially if their feet prespire a lot.
The third most common walking aid is either trekking poles or a walking stick. Both provide stability on hilly uphills and downhills. The double pair of trekking poles works similar to ski poles to add stability and assistance in balancing your body. It is also suggested that using trekking poles helps offset the weight of your back pack - helping to shift approximately 25 percent of the weight forward from your back and spine to your arms.
Fourth item necessary for any walk is hydration equipment. This might be as simple as a water bottle or as complex as a hiking hydration pack. Although convenient - water bottles do take up at least one hand which means one less hand free if you want to use trekking poles. With a hydration system your hands are free to use as needed.
A lightweight backpack is needed if using the hydration system and will also provide space for carrying your food - extra socks - sunscreen - first aid - emergency equipment - head lamp - and whatever else is needed for your trek. Most do have side pockets and will hold a water bottle - if a hydration pack is not in your plans.
All of the items above require proper fit and instruction in their use. As you can see from this simple list - there is more to training than just walking.
Buen Camino
Deacon Dale
Number one - shoes - whether you select walking shoes or boots - they must be properly fit to allow for swelling of the feet - type of ground that you will be walking - and other conditions such as rain. For our preparation for our Camino in Spain - we have tried out three different pairs of boots in search of proper fit. At this point we are fairly confident that we now have properly fitted boots. For this one day walk we will wear those boots - for those doing only this one day walk - it is not necessary for you to buy hiking boots - but you must choose wisely the shoes that you will wear. Sandals are not an option - although most of the walk will be on flat surfaces - you have to consider what is healthy for your feet to be able to walk approximately 9 miles - much on hot asphalt roads - some on grassy right of ways along country roads.
The second item is socks - quality wool socks are the ones of choice - not cotton - as the wool will wick away moisture from the feet much better than cotton. Many trekkers will wear two pair of socks - one thin wool pair under a second thicker pair. Some will bring extrta socks with them so that they may change socks during the walk - especially if their feet prespire a lot.
The third most common walking aid is either trekking poles or a walking stick. Both provide stability on hilly uphills and downhills. The double pair of trekking poles works similar to ski poles to add stability and assistance in balancing your body. It is also suggested that using trekking poles helps offset the weight of your back pack - helping to shift approximately 25 percent of the weight forward from your back and spine to your arms.
Fourth item necessary for any walk is hydration equipment. This might be as simple as a water bottle or as complex as a hiking hydration pack. Although convenient - water bottles do take up at least one hand which means one less hand free if you want to use trekking poles. With a hydration system your hands are free to use as needed.
A lightweight backpack is needed if using the hydration system and will also provide space for carrying your food - extra socks - sunscreen - first aid - emergency equipment - head lamp - and whatever else is needed for your trek. Most do have side pockets and will hold a water bottle - if a hydration pack is not in your plans.
All of the items above require proper fit and instruction in their use. As you can see from this simple list - there is more to training than just walking.
Buen Camino
Deacon Dale
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