65km is a long way to walk. If you want to make the distance you will need to train and prepare. This page will help you think through what you need to do on the day and how to prepare.
The weather will have a huge impact on the walk. You will need to consider good sun protection if the day is hot and sunny, but also if the day is overcast – UV will find you when you are walking for around 13 hours. Rain will mean you need to consider wet weather gear. You should come prepared for both eventualities. Consider getting quick-drying walking gear, as you will be more comfortable in drier clothing than in sticky, sweaty clothing.
The walk will start before dawn. While many parts of the walk are lit, some areas are not well lit so you should carry a flashlight or headlamp.
Water will be vital to you, especially if the day is hot. You will be exerting yourself regardless of the weather and during the course of the day losing litres of water. You need to be drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. If you become dehydrated you could experience headache, fatigue etc, your performance will suffer, and it will be difficult to correct. Stay ahead of the game. There are a couple of bubblers along the route but it is worth carrying your own supply.
Food will also be important, as fuel for your exertion. It is likely you will be burning off 3000 – 4000 calories during the course of the day, dependent on your weight, speed etc. Eat well and snack often – trail mix, muesli bars and bananas are good options for maintaining energy.
The right clothing is very important. Clearly you will need good walking shoes that you are ‘broken in’ – don’t start this walk in new shoes, that will guarantee blisters. Bring changes of socks so you can remove damp, sweaty socks that will make the skin of your feet soft and blister-prone. Chafing of thighs, nipples and any other part of your body rubbing against your clothing for each step of the 65km is painful and can take you out of the walk. We strongly recommend tight-fitting shorts such as Body Science shorts which will help remove that risk. Also use vaseline to minimise friction and pain. Consider alternate shoes that might give your feet a slightly different experience for some of those many steps. If you’re unsure about how bad this can be, divide 65000 metres by your stride length in metres, then imagine scraping clothing across your sensitive skin this many times. Don’t forget to bring stuff to clean up with too – it can make a big difference psychologically to be able to freshen up.
Change walking partners. Talking to someone new makes the laps go faster and breaks up the day. Consider inviting friends to join you for a lap or two, or have your group join with another group for a lap. Consider a change of direction – this not only gives you some different views, but allows you to pass and greet the other walkers.
Don’t walk too hard or too fast too early. You will pay for it. This is an endurance walk not a race. The last two laps are harder than the first seven.
You will need to make your own call about what you carry with you and what you leave with the support crew or in your car. The route will return you to the start point every 7km, so you can either refresh sunblock, drinks, snacks etc then, or you can carry items with you. At a very minimum you should have water with you at all times.
Consider carrying with you:
- Daypack
- Water
- Snacks
- Wide-brimmed Hat & Sunglasses for sun protection.
- Sun-block. Carry at least one layer on exposed skin!
- Compression shorts or similar (to prevent chafing!)
- Quick drying pants/shorts/shirts.
- Torch / Headlamp (it will be dark for some laps)
Consider leaving with support team or in your car:
- Spare shirts and shorts – quick drying clothing is preferable.
- Spare socks
- Spare shoes
- Wet weather gear
- Toothbrush & paste.
- Towel
- Other personal toiletriesAny medication needed
- Vaseline or talcum powder (to prevent chafing!)
- Food – more sandwiches and snacks than you think you will need
- Sun-block
- Torch (you won’t need it during the day).
- Insect repellent
