FAQs

FAQs If anyone would like to put forward advice - please let us know and we will add it this page.
Q	How do I train for the 100?

A	Go to the Training Advice page and read articles by Sandra Brown and Tim Erikson Join a race walking club and enjoy the benefits of camaraderie - advice - someone to train and race with - and much more..
Q	What do I wear?

A	Anything that is comfortable, and as with any distance, make sure that nothing chafes - seams, labels, fasteners, etc. Whilst you have 24 hours, you don't want to squander that time changing clothes. Wear lightweight man made fibres as they dry out quicker than cotton. You will need a variety of clothing (especially in the UK where the weather is variable). If it is a "summer" event : vest/Tshirt, shorts, long leggings for the night (this is permissible) thermal / lightweight fleece top or sweatshirt, waterproof top and leggings, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (well you never know!) spare socks/thin gloves. Err on overkill and take 2 of everything - right down to underwear. For a spring/autumn event - as above but even warmer clothes eg woolly hat, warmer gloves, etc If you are not sure about your trainers - take a spare (larger) pair, as your feet will swell! First aid kit : blister kit, vaseline, taping plaster. Continental races always provide excellent para medics who know what they are doing - especially when treating blisters. Keep a "kit list" for your races and amend as necessary after each race eg - "didn't need this" or "could have done with that" etc. Especially if you are going to make a habit of doing these 100s !
Q	What should I eat and drink?
A	Each to his/her own! Some walkers eat shed loads, others don't! Food: When out training you may need to experiment. Some form of carbohydrate is a must to keep you going for 24 hours, whether it be rice pudding, mashed potato, pasta - these all slip down easily . Drink water, coke, lemonade...are all popular choices, as are commercial products such as Isostar, Hi five, Leppin, etc. A hot cup of something during a wet or cold night can work wonders - soup, hot chocolate, tea, coffee.... Make sure that during very hot days, the drink is not ICE cold - this can have an adverse affect on your stomach. Lemonade or peppermint is very good when suffering from stomach upsets. Coke (coca cola) is sometimes more effective watered down.
Q	How often should I eat and drink?
A	As a rule, start drinking after 30 minutes (especially if it is hot). The general rule, is that if you start to feel thirsty - its too late. Eating comes a bit later, but again it depends on personal preferences, TWO hours into the race and you should be definitely beginning to start to be thinking about re-fuelling.
Q	If it rains, can I walk with an umbrella?
A	And why not! You might not walk very fast,, your style might not be stylish, but it has been done. And there is no rule to say that you can't.