The Challenge is on

One day to go before I take on the 25KM Thames Path Challenge walk and I am really looking forward to it.

It is walking from Putney to Hampton Court, I am raising money for Help for heroes and my mum is walking in honour to raise money for The British Heart Foundation.

​See Fundraising details on my Home page. 

I have all my gear ready see picture below, and if you are also doing a walk for charity this year, or thinking about taking part in a walking fundraising challenge then here are my tips for getting started:

1. Never jump before you can walk. Start adding more walking into your daily lifestyle, so if you don't live that far from work for example then walk it. Just set up a map on your phone or carry a little map with you. 
2. Work your way up. Build up to walking 5KM, to 10KM, to a half marathon and then onto the bigger challenges, even if you have already booked a walking challenge, work up to the event, by taking on those distances first mentioned above to help you prepare for the event. 
3.What ever shoes you have used, apart from stilettos, not advised, for walking and are comfortable to wear then wear them for a walking challenge. That's unless they have become worn, then change them but remember to practice walking long distances in them, slowly working your up to the bigger distances. Not advised to do a 5KM on first day worn. 
4. Prepare for all weathers. Living in the UK it is hard to tell even checking the weather forecast before hand how the weather is going to be. Prepare for all. Take a waterproof jacket or a fleece, sunscreen, winter event then remember thermals and avoid any clothing that can cause chafing. You will be walking so your body temperature will increase, so you may not need full coverage whilst walking but once the event is completed you will need to prepare for when your body cools down.
5. Book an event that you have plenty of time to prepare and train for. There is no point booking a 10KM walk for next week, when you find it hard to walk 10 minutes down to the shop and back. So book an event you know you can spare the time to train for, and do a training schedule. Download this templates I have prepared below for you or use it as an example and guide to create your own. 
The first schedule I have created using an existing word document, is for one month at a time, which is a great way to break down the training. 
The Second is a schedule for when you have a month, a few weeks and days to go. 
6. Set up a training folder on your computer and in physical form, so you have all the details of the event you are taking part in and your training schedule. Great way of keeping everything together and to take with you for the day of the event. 
7. Check your emails or mail, as the charity or event you book to do will send you information leading up to the challenge, right up to the week or days before. It is important you know if you have to register before the event and at what time. They will also give you details of when the event will start and from where. 
8. As well as a schedule keep a training journal for each training and walking session you do, great way to keep track of your progress, how you coped in different weathers and if you have any fears. 
9. Technique: Back straight, never slouched and let you feet and legs take control, so your mind can wonder, and your eyes can keep track of where to go. 
10. Prepare for Travel issues. If you have to travel to the event, plan your route ahead on how you will get there and if there are disruptions on the roads or transport. 

My own image: My gear ready for the 25KM Walk.

I have Published another What's in my bag video, see link for new video: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqoY7YAsJJU

I have been sticking to my new Diet change see my blog I wrote on my Monday Check in Page. I wrote about giving up normal milk and having Hot water and honey at the start of each morning and my herbals teas, and I have been sticking with that. I am lovely #fennelteabags which are the Twinings brand. They have no caffeine in them at all, and I think I am going to have to avoid any caffeine drinks altogether. 

I did try to have a black Earl Grey Teabag that contained Caffeine and got a stomach ache again. As soon as I drink hot water and honey or my herbal teas, or decaffeinated tea or coffee with Soya milk I feel fine.

When training for an event the same as diet changing, you do have to listen to your body.

So I am ready to take the challenge on and start my weekend with a buzz. 

Have a good weekend everyone and see next week. 

Many thanks for reading, 

Carrie X