Long Distance Walking - Questions
Discussion
A chum & I are in the planning and training stages of a 100-mile walk. We've decided that we'll do the Cotswold Way in 48hours, but I'm pondering whether the overnight rest might be more to our detriment than benefit and that a straight-through 24hours might actually be better to prevent stiffness, etc? Can anyone offer any experience / wisdom on this respect?
The second question regards timing, and assuming 48hours ? Would the hive-mind suggest 2 full days with a night's break, or a midday start - overnight rest - full day - overnight rest - half day to finish?
The second question regards timing, and assuming 48hours ? Would the hive-mind suggest 2 full days with a night's break, or a midday start - overnight rest - full day - overnight rest - half day to finish?
Are you sure you can sustain the pace needed to be able to achieve this? I know a guy who routinely walks these kind of distances, he's also a runner, and generally won't do much more than 26-28 miles in a day.
You won't have a lot of time to sleep in that 48 hours.
How far and how fast have you managed to achieve and sustain so far?
You won't have a lot of time to sleep in that 48 hours.
How far and how fast have you managed to achieve and sustain so far?
Likely depends on how much kit you will carry and if you jog on the downhill and flat sections. Furthest I've done is 30miles with about 40 pounds in 8 hours. It wasn't that bad but when I stopped my legs seized up big time.
Food and water stops plus the relevant support needs to be considered
Food and water stops plus the relevant support needs to be considered
Also places to buy food and water, as you won't be able to carry enough water to do the whole trip. Also toilet stops need to be factored in, are you taking toilet paper with you in case you're 20 miles from anywhere when you need to 'go'? You might need a small spade to bury the waste, or a poop bag, like you would for a dog.
It's one heck of a challenge, from reading around, people seem to run a good proportion of it. I'm interested to know how you plan to do it, as this sort of thing fascinates me, although I'm not sure I'd ever be fit enough to actually try it.
It's one heck of a challenge, from reading around, people seem to run a good proportion of it. I'm interested to know how you plan to do it, as this sort of thing fascinates me, although I'm not sure I'd ever be fit enough to actually try it.
Thank you for the input chaps.
I am used to a "scouts pace" mode of travel and on a test last week quite comfortably sustained 5mph over 10-miles. Will be upping to 15-miles this week and increasing my total weekly mileage to 40-miles, whilst also trying to see if I can sustain 6mph. There is a long way to go to build the mileage required, but equally quite some time until we plan to do the walk.
In the past I semi-regularly used to complete 30-mile walks in 6 hours but this is understandably a different animal. However, it isn't a challenge if its easy...
We have a support crew lined up who will meet us at strategic points with food, drink, socks, dry clothes as needed so packs need consist of snacks, liquid, waterproofs, map, mp3, phone, first aid, bivvy bag, etc.
The key question for me is really whether we should break for the night or just push through. The training side of things I am comfortable with.
I am used to a "scouts pace" mode of travel and on a test last week quite comfortably sustained 5mph over 10-miles. Will be upping to 15-miles this week and increasing my total weekly mileage to 40-miles, whilst also trying to see if I can sustain 6mph. There is a long way to go to build the mileage required, but equally quite some time until we plan to do the walk.
In the past I semi-regularly used to complete 30-mile walks in 6 hours but this is understandably a different animal. However, it isn't a challenge if its easy...
We have a support crew lined up who will meet us at strategic points with food, drink, socks, dry clothes as needed so packs need consist of snacks, liquid, waterproofs, map, mp3, phone, first aid, bivvy bag, etc.
The key question for me is really whether we should break for the night or just push through. The training side of things I am comfortable with.
Ok, to me the pace seems daunting, but then it's not really what I'd call a walk, as I tend not to run if I can help it 
As for the overnight break, good question, it's something that you'll probably get a 50:50 set of answers for. I'd be inclined to break for the night, to allow a bit of recovery time etc., and for your nutrition to do some work. However, the next morning might be fun for a while whilst you warm up again! I suspect psychologically it'll be of benefit too, depending on your personal mindset of course.
Good luck though, when are you planning on doing it?
As for the overnight break, good question, it's something that you'll probably get a 50:50 set of answers for. I'd be inclined to break for the night, to allow a bit of recovery time etc., and for your nutrition to do some work. However, the next morning might be fun for a while whilst you warm up again! I suspect psychologically it'll be of benefit too, depending on your personal mindset of course.
Good luck though, when are you planning on doing it?
Impressive challenge - that's one hell of a pace.
I did the Oxfam Trailtrekker last year. Did 63 miles in under 24 hours. Only averaged 3mph and the state of my feet was the biggest challenge. I'd not done enough serious distance before hand. Had done a couple of 30 milers but I really found the extra distance made keeping the feet happy the tough part.
Having said that the record is about 11 hours and it sounds like you have a much better level of distance fitness.
I didn't find tiredness (lack of sleep) a big issue. In fact I didn't sleep until about 8 hours after the event. If you're able to maintain a 5mph pace and finish the 100 miles in 24 hours (allowing for stops) then I'd suggest you just plough on.
Keep us posted, love to know how you get on.
I did the Oxfam Trailtrekker last year. Did 63 miles in under 24 hours. Only averaged 3mph and the state of my feet was the biggest challenge. I'd not done enough serious distance before hand. Had done a couple of 30 milers but I really found the extra distance made keeping the feet happy the tough part.
Having said that the record is about 11 hours and it sounds like you have a much better level of distance fitness.
I didn't find tiredness (lack of sleep) a big issue. In fact I didn't sleep until about 8 hours after the event. If you're able to maintain a 5mph pace and finish the 100 miles in 24 hours (allowing for stops) then I'd suggest you just plough on.
Keep us posted, love to know how you get on.
100 miles in 24 hours is certainly doable but I would suggest doing it over 2 days first and then go for a 24 hour attempt the next time.
Lots of advice available with a google search for these types of events. Apart from doing the requisite training the main ones I would stress is to get the support element spot on and learn how to look after your feet, zinc taping, spare boots, socks etc. Also, learn what food/hydration plan is the most acceptable for you and your requirements.
If you get the support part right then you will only have to carry the essentials and that is a big help, every extra kilogram is extra pressure on your precious feet. Too many people do these events carrying 20-30 pounds of unnecessary kit when they could be covering ground faster and with less impact on the body.
Good luck.
Lots of advice available with a google search for these types of events. Apart from doing the requisite training the main ones I would stress is to get the support element spot on and learn how to look after your feet, zinc taping, spare boots, socks etc. Also, learn what food/hydration plan is the most acceptable for you and your requirements.
If you get the support part right then you will only have to carry the essentials and that is a big help, every extra kilogram is extra pressure on your precious feet. Too many people do these events carrying 20-30 pounds of unnecessary kit when they could be covering ground faster and with less impact on the body.
Good luck.
Thread resurrection!
I need (yes need) to do a long distance walk in May.
I was all set for the West Highland Way (still my 1st choice) but the train times from Fort William to get me back Home (Leeds) is not great.
Any alternatives?
Essential:
Needs to be done in 5 days.
Wildcamp all the way.
I am hiking/wildcamping savy. No problem with 20 miles with a pack.
Edit: I like the look of the Dales Way but wild camping looks tricky - not normally a problem as thats my playground bit for some reason WC looks tricky for 2 thirds of the way.
I need (yes need) to do a long distance walk in May.
I was all set for the West Highland Way (still my 1st choice) but the train times from Fort William to get me back Home (Leeds) is not great.
Any alternatives?
Essential:
Needs to be done in 5 days.
Wildcamp all the way.
I am hiking/wildcamping savy. No problem with 20 miles with a pack.
Edit: I like the look of the Dales Way but wild camping looks tricky - not normally a problem as thats my playground bit for some reason WC looks tricky for 2 thirds of the way.
Edited by MonkeyBusiness on Tuesday 12th February 18:28
You'll be able to Wild camp the Dales Way. You just need to "off route " a bit as the whole point of the Dales Way is it follows the valleys. Get yourself a ood set of the latest OS maps that show CROW land. You may need to head 1/2 mile up away from the valley (Grassington Dale) or onto a moor, but by 'eck there are a myriad of places you can camp, especially for 1 night being discrete and moving on.
See Alfred Wainwrights book of his pre WW2 "A Pennine Journey: The Story of a Long Walk in 1938" - contains lots to do with the route you'll be on / deviating to wild camp!
PM if you can't work out sites.....the best one I had was above a tunnel entrance, hint hint!!!!!!!
See Alfred Wainwrights book of his pre WW2 "A Pennine Journey: The Story of a Long Walk in 1938" - contains lots to do with the route you'll be on / deviating to wild camp!
PM if you can't work out sites.....the best one I had was above a tunnel entrance, hint hint!!!!!!!
StanleyT said:
You'll be able to Wild camp the Dales Way. You just need to "off route " a bit as the whole point of the Dales Way is it follows the valleys. Get yourself a ood set of the latest OS maps that show CROW land. You may need to head 1/2 mile up away from the valley (Grassington Dale) or onto a moor, but by 'eck there are a myriad of places you can camp, especially for 1 night being discrete and moving on.
See Alfred Wainwrights book of his pre WW2 "A Pennine Journey: The Story of a Long Walk in 1938" - contains lots to do with the route you'll be on / deviating to wild camp!
PM if you can't work out sites.....the best one I had was above a tunnel entrance, hint hint!!!!!!!
Thanks I'll take a look. I've wild camped all around the Grassington area :-)See Alfred Wainwrights book of his pre WW2 "A Pennine Journey: The Story of a Long Walk in 1938" - contains lots to do with the route you'll be on / deviating to wild camp!
PM if you can't work out sites.....the best one I had was above a tunnel entrance, hint hint!!!!!!!
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