Training - No Pain No Gain

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So having read about the Corfu Trail and look at sites of Worldwide Walks and Explore it was evident that this walk cannot be undertaken without a level of fitness. It is listed as a B/C walk, has two peaks of 576 and 906 meters and one morning of 800 meters assent continuously. Average daily distances of between 15 and 25 km. Terrain is mostly footpaths, tracks and ancient cobbold paths but also sand and tarmac. Whilst they say walking south to north is best as the days get harder while you get fitter this alone will not get you through unless you have a level of fitness. A walking holiday needs walking training but as I was unfit and overweight I had to get fit and lose weight. I knew what to do re diet but needed a training plan for the walking. I obtained a book via Amazon called "Walking for fitness" by Nina Barough and can highly recommend it. I looked at the plans and then drew up one suitable to my needs. I weighed myself and was shocked to find I was 20 stone 11lbs. Training began in September 2009 with 3/4 walks a week of between 40 minutes and an hour at a good pace; I soon got blisters. Strapped up I carried on whilst looking at cure and prevention. I brought new trainers and some '1000 mile socks' which are guaranteed to prevent blisters; however they do not cure existing ones! Whilst I increased my pace and training to 4/5 times a week with one walk of 80 or 90 minutes the blisters were slow to heal. My pace was improving and the weight falling off as I always wore a football training top over my t-shirt and a woolley hat. Then mid December we had snow; the Chilterns where I live had three or four falls of over 6 inches during the next 2 months. Pavements became ice traps and side roads were not much better. Power walking was out of the question; i was doing some walking just to get to work. Should have done exercises and more alternative training like swimming but didn't. The plus side was it gave time for the blisters to heal completely. The break also lost some motivation to get out there and walk so it was March before I got going again. No blisters and new shoes broken in so I upped my pace again and the distances, now doing 5 or 7 miles on 4 nights with a 9/10 miler at the weekend. I suffered but refused to cut the pace and had lower back pain and a thigh strain. I was sure it was just as I was pushing myself as once warmed up I was fine walking just in some discomfort when sat at work or on waking up in the mornings. I got a strapping for the thigh and within 2 weeks the pains are now just those you expect after hard training sessions. Two weeks ago I peaked the training with 4 walks of over 7 miles, one of 11+ and one of 15 miles. Times were excellent despite using hilly routes and some woodland paths. I only seemed to ache between walks now. The last week was again 4 x 7+ miles but the longer walks reduced to 10 and 8 miles but on flat ground so faster. This week being last before the off is easing back, 7+ last night, 5 on Thursday and Saturday is all I'll do. Yes I could and should have done more training; especially exercises and at times my diet has slipped (but hey we all need a takeaway sometimes!). But I feel so much fitter, have lost just over 5 stone and am confident the walk will be completed in full. Hey if I can do 15 miles in under 3 hours I sure can walk the same in 6/8 hours on holiday and enjoy the surroundings. Had I done more I may have lost too much weight too quickly which could have left me weak or injured. Another thing I didn't do but would recommend was visit my GP before starting the exercise for a check up. I hadn't exercised for over 5 years so really should have. I would have ignored their diet advice as I considered I ate reasonably healthily having cut the snacks and I had also cut back the lagers to just one night a week. I feel I have done enough to achieve my holiday without discomfort and am happy with my weight loss. It really is a case of having a reason to be motivated, stick to plans as much as possible and enjoy it despite the pains as you know what you have to look forward too. No pain, no gain they say; will it have been worth it..........you can guarantee it will. Tomorrow, a brief chat about Corfu.

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Comments

[Alison]

Good luck
Looking forward to reading about your progress walking the trail. I will make a donation to the donkey sanctuary. Good luck.

[andy lee]

Go for it
Iam a keen cyclist and one year did Land's End to John o@Groats. I have tried running/walking during the winter and my god it's hard. I cycle around the North of Corfu so I know it's going to be a real challenge. So good luck to you in your adventure...I wish I could have joined you!!! All the best and will be reading your updates with interest. Andy Lee. Karousades/South Shields.

[Daveyh]

Corfu Trail
Hi Alison, Many thanks for your support of both the donkey sand my walk.

[Daveyh]

Corfu Trail
Hi Andy, I have seen cyclists going up Pantokrator and admire their energy and ability to avoid the cars on the hairpins!! Thanks for your support

[andy lee]

No problem. Yes it may have been me heading up Pantokrator, i try to do this every year. One year didn't drink/hydrate enough...then on the way down drank a couple of litres of water, ended up very sick and was told i nearly had water hypoxia. Now sip a well know rehydration fluid when I am in Corfu on the bike.

[Daveyh]

Good point Andy, I must remember to have sufficient water when up there especially if a warm day.