Training isn't just about walking

Training to walk 20 miles in one day, much less doing that for 3 days in a row, is a very hard thing to do. I know we all know how to walk, we've done pretty much everyday since we were a year old. But training yourself to walk that far for that long is about more than just muscle conditioning and endurance training. It's about finding out what works for you while you are within a few miles of home and not stuck out on the 3-Day with something that annoys you, or worse yet, hurts you and causes injuries.

Things to think about and try out on your walk...of course, you need to find the right shoes. Everyone's feet are different and everyone walks differently so what might be "THE PERFECT" shoe for one person may hurt you like crazy. I recommend visiting a local running store (not a chain place) and getting a professional fit. They should watch you walk and make recommendations for you based on how you walk. Also, make sure you break in you shoes for a few weeks before the 3-Day. It might seem like a good idea to open a brand new box of shoes full of cushioning at the starting line, but trust me it's not.

Another important thing to think about are your socks. Here again everyone is different. Some people like thick cushioned socks and other prefer a thin sock. Get a few pairs and try them for yourself. Some recommendations I have are Thorlos and WrightSocks.

Other things to consider what clothes are comfortable and don't cause chaffing. What will keep you warm or cool (depending on what the weather is when your walking). Also, what type of fanny pack or back pack will be most comfortable while walking and hold everything (I'll post later on what you should carry) that you need including one or two water bottles. You'll want to be sure you train with full bottles of water/sports drink and a fanny pack full of what you'll be carrying on your walk. You might not thing that the extra 5 pounds of gear will make a difference but on the 18th or 19th mile for the day it might be the straw that breaks the camel's back.

Don't forget you'll want to spend sometime training in the rain and trying out your rain gear. It's easy to say during traing or I'll just wait til later today or tomorrow to go for that wealk because I don't want to walk in the rain, but remember on the 3-Day there's no waiting til later or tomorrow to start walking. You don't want to get out and on the first mile of a rainy day find out that your shoes leak really bad or that your poncho has a hole in it. Take a short walk in the rain to check everything out. Oh and a tip I picked up from someone else (can't remember who) but to keep your feet dry (or drier at least) in the rain take some plastic bags and tie them over your socks and shoes. Plastic grocery bags work great, just be sure they aren't tied too tight because you don't want to cut off circulation.

Good luck with your training!