by Mal Grey » Fri Mar 09, 2018 11:31 am
As above, feet are the most likely thing that will hurt people. Good fitting walking shoes/boots will be essential, something fairly light will be more than adequate. The key thing is that the foot should not move in them, especially the heel rubbing up and down. Also, make sure there are no pressure points on the toes, especially the side of the little toe.
Also good socks, I suggest a new set for each day would be worth having. I like to use a thin liner sock under a thicker outer sock.
Fitness obviously needs to be as good as you can get it by then, train by walking, in the footwear you plan to use. You can add other training too, but walking can be slightly different than running/cycling/gym so concentrate on that if possible, though I know it can be hard to find time for long walks. Getting your body used to recovering quickly will be useful, that's where the other exercise can help lots.
Some folk, often those past their youth like myself, use trekking poles. I do find it helps me both with reduced impact on joints, and with a slight "push" forwards that reduces fatigue over the days. Normally I only use them on the hills, or when carrying a big pack, but I'd probably also use them for a longer trip like yours.
Make sure you get plenty of rests, carry and share snacks around, helps keep up morale if as the last person in a group reaches a rest stop, knackered, and is handed food and a drink.
Enjoy!
