Centurions1911

How to train for long distance walks

We can offer a lot of advice to anyone embarking on their training for a 100 mile or 24 hour race. 100 mile races usually have a 24 hour time limit, but there are also 24 hour races - ie how far can you go in 24 hours! Subtle difference - a difference which perhaps only your feet can determine!
For Centurions, walking 100 miles within the 24 hour limit is the goal!

There are many non-competitive walks in the "walking calendar" here in the UK and abroad. and many are listed in the Events Calendar.

In the UK, many Centurions "cut their teeth" on Long Distance Walkers Association (LDWA) challenge walks and still participate in these events which are highly enjoyable. 
Whilst it is not always possible to maintain  "proper" race walking technique as they are on footpaths and country trails and follow a route description or map, they do range from  around 20 to 100 miles in distance. This means you can build up your distance in stages.

TRAINING FAQs
 
Q. How do I train for the 100? 
Read articles by the experts
Join a race walking club and enjoy the benefits of camaraderie - advice - someone to train and race with - and so much more.

Q. What do I wear? 
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 or 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 paramedics 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?
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, H 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?
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 begin to be thinking about re-fuelling.