Distance Walking Tips

Take off Rings -Walking for an extended period of time causes the hands and feet to swell. Many unfortunate walkers have had to have emergency staff cut off rings that were stuck and dangerously blocking circulation. 

Stay Hydrated -Drink plenty of water at rest stops to prevent dehydration. We encourage carrying the supplied water bottle as we will have refill stations along the way, but no cups to minimize litter. Comfort stations (every 2.5-3.5miles) will provide appropriate nutrition and each stop will also have communications for alerting medical, police or emergency officials if the need arises. 

Clothing - Select snug-fitting (but not tight) clothing. Shorts or sports bras that are too tight or loose will create friction and rubbing. Do not wear untested clothing on a long walk and never wear unwashed new clothing.

Stay Dry -Use powder or cornstarch to stay dry. Gold Bond is highly recommended and can be found in most drug stores. 

Shoes - To prevent many other walking ailments, begin with the shoes. Your shoes must fit properly to avoid blisters. Too snug or too loose is always a problem. Ensure that there is 1/2-inch space between your longest toe and the end of your shoe. Be sure that you have enough room to wiggle your toes inside the toe box, and that your heel does not slip when you walk. 

Socks - Select socks that fit your feet without being too tight or too loose. Stay away from tube socks as they don’t fit close enough to the foot. Choose soft wicking fabric such as cool max (NO cotton). Cotton absorbs moisture and is usually a little rough in texture. Thorlo, WigWam and Thermolite are a few of the popular brands. When distance walking, carry a spare pair of socks. Change during your walk if your feet become sweaty or wet. (Tip: dust the inside of your spare socks with powder and place in a zip lock bag inside your sport sack.)