Long Distance Walking - Questions

[PoshTwit]

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?

[PoshTwit]

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.

[PoshTwit]

Thanks! The current plan is to go for March time to avoid the worst of the weather but also ensure it isn't too hot to add to potential dehydration.

Have to add that the overnight would be in a proper bed!

Will advise finer planning details when we bash them out.