Training

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Getting ready for the big day!

 

Save the pampering for after the walk

Written by on June 22, 2009 at 11:28 am

I just got my last pedicure before the walk!! I know that it is so nice to wear summer sandals and have nice soft heels to show the world, but you are a walker, and you need to toughen up those feet. You only have three months left to grow those hooves!

It's a little bit sad, but believe me, you will be thanking me when you are not walking 50 miles on baby-soft skin. Just think: it will be the perfect treat a couple of days after the walk to pamper yourself with a relaxing soak and a gorgeous pedicure. You can still wear your summer shoes right through September.

But remember: no more pedicures does not mean you can't get manicures and facials!

Caroline is getting ready to walk her fifth MS Challenge Walk. This is also the anniversary of when she was herself diagnosed with MS. Her walking team is Kranny's Cruisin' Divas. Caroline spoke at last year's last year's August Celebration and is a member of the walk's steering committee.

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From couch potato to workout queen

Written by on June 10, 2009 at 10:40 am

"Pinch me — I must be dreaming!"  I'm inside the gym, and it's packed with people in no better shape than I am. Shoulders slumped, heads bowed, Spandex stretched beyond the point of elasticity… and there isn't a single Olympian to be found.

Following advice given to me as I trained for my first MS Challenge Walk, I throw a yoga mat on the carpet, intent on stretching for at least five minutes. After a couple of half-hearted attempts to bend my leg back so that my foot touches my backside, I become distracted by the rumbling of my stomach. Oh, oh… this can't be good. I'm hungry, and I haven't even broken a sweat.

"Focus!" I remind myself, and onto the treadmill I jump. Thirty minutes later and I've walked 1.5 miles; the training has begun.

But what about the stretching I skipped, and what does a body really need to make the leap between couch potato and workout? MS Challenge Walkers should focus on avoiding injuries at the Walk, and part of the key to that involves smart training. I found an article at webmd.com helpful on proper stretching techniques that you might want to check out along with other resources both online and also through the National MS Society Web site. In particular, starting on page 19, the the Training and Fundraising Guide outlines the value and methods of three forms of cross-training: stretching, strength, and cardiovascular.

What's your favorite workout or warmup?

Joan joined the MS Challenge Walk in 2004 when her friend and now Blister Buddies team captain, Patty Thorpe registered to walk. Patty, diagnosed with MS over 10 years ago, shared her diagnosis with Joan early on in their friendship. The undertaking of that first Challenge Walk and the three that followed not only strengthened Patty's and Joan's friendship, it began an MS educational journey that continues well after mile fifty each year.

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Riding the Challenge Walk

Written by on May 18, 2009 at 2:20 pm

Looking to mix up your Challenge Walk experience? Consider hopping on a bike!

Looking to mix up your Challenge Walk experience? Consider hopping on a bike!

I received a good question today from my friend Melody, who has walked the Challenge Walk these past few years. She's decided to join the bicycle support crew in 2009 and wonders, "I am a little concerned about the training…how much do you usually ride before the walk?" I made a similar transition from walker to crew last year and discovered that being on wheels doesn't take the "challenge" out of "challenge walk"! I am not an expert bicyclist, but I'm happy to share my experience.

I rode only 2-3 times a week leading up to the event. I got accustomed to going 10-20 miles at a time, though one Sunday I did drive down to the Cape Cod Rail Trail and ride its length and back, which proved to be about 55 miles. It can be very useful if you have a little onboard computer that calculates your mileage.

The farthest I've ever ridden in a single day is a metric century — that is, 100 km, or 62 miles. Unfortunately, that was the first day I'd been on my bike in two weeks. Was I SORE!! Consistency is the most important quality of training.

Depending on how you handle being on bike crew, you may go as few as 25-30 miles a day, or as many as 50+. Since it's not hard pedaling, you may find the greatest challenge comes just from being in that seat for so long… so make sure it's a comfortable one!

Whether you're a first-time rider like Melody or have done it before like me, every crew member should sign up for the NMSS's crew training session, where you can get all your questions answered… even the ones you haven't thought of yet.

Ken, a Worcester resident, joined the MS Challenge Walk in 2005, more than a decade after his mother was diagnosed. After walking for three years and 150 miles, he switched to the support crew and now rides his bicycle along the trail, providing whatever encouragement (and snacks!) he can to the 600 walkers. He is also on the event's steering committee and is this site's webmaster.

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Don't count blisters

Written by on May 15, 2009 at 1:11 pm

When recently asked about my experience as a four-year Challenge Walk veteran, the word "counting" popped into my head.

"So," you might ask, "what do walkers count?" Walkers count miles, of course — those we've trained and each and every one between one and fifty. We count the distance to the next rest stop, and we keep an accounting of our fundraising money.

Sadly, also to be counted, are blisters. Over the past four years, I have seen some pretty scary blisters — blisters whose size and quantity become legendary through bunk bed whispering and campfire tales. However, those blisters have been on others' feet, not mine. What lies between my skin and sneaker is what has helped keep my count low.

Here's what works for me:

  1. Lubricate. Friction is not your friend. Products such as BodyGlide work. Most drug and sporting good stores sell it and it's often for sale at the Challenge Walk kick off party. I use Vaseline. It's cheap and I find I get better coverage than using a stick application product. The downside is it's messy.
  2. The right (and left) socks. Walkers' feet need to stay dry, and 100% cotton socks don't do the job. I wear a moisture wicking liner under a cushioned sock such as Thorlos. Do some price comparisons online at sites such as Sports Unlimited or NexTag. Target and other retailers are a resource as well. Best deals are generally packages of multiple pairs.
  3. Be fresh. Each day at the lunch stop, reapply the lubricant and change into fresh socks. The one time I skipped doing this resulted in two of my four blisters.

Taking the time to prepare your feet helps to prevent blisters and that's something you can count on.

Joan joined the MS Challenge Walk in 2004 when her friend and now Blister Buddies team captain, Patty Thorpe registered to walk. Patty, diagnosed with MS over 10 years ago, shared her diagnosis with Joan early on in their friendship. The undertaking of that first Challenge Walk and the three that followed not only strengthened Patty's and Joan's friendship, it began an MS educational journey that continues well after mile fifty each year.

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Training schedules for the long road ahead

Written by on May 7, 2009 at 10:17 am

Yup, it is definitely that time of year: when the weather starts to turn beautiful and I begin to get out and walk. It is always such a moment of reality at this time of year when I begin to train for the Challenge Walk. I walked about 3 miles yesterday and can't image building up enough endurance to be able to walk 20 miles in one day by September. It helps me remember that there is a lot of work ahead of you.

But believe me, it is amazing how quickly your body will respond to training and conditioning. The best way to be ready for September is to slowly work your way there. There are some great training schedules; for example, if you start now, you can build your strength slowly with the 18-week training program. (There's also a 12-week training program on page 17 of the training manual)

You can do it! So get on out there, and let me know how the training goes!

Caroline is getting ready to walk her fifth MS Challenge Walk. This is also the anniversary of when she was herself diagnosed with MS. Her walking team is Kranny's Cruisin' Divas. Caroline spoke at last year's last year's August Celebration and is a member of the walk's steering committee.

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Training — It's not for procrastinators

Written by on May 5, 2009 at 6:00 am

When I ripped the March page off my calendar, it signaled the end to a dreadful winter. My joy was short lived. My knees began knocking, my heart skipped a beat. Was I experiencing the symptoms of spring fever? Nope. I was feeling the guilt of having once again not worked out immediately following my last Challenge Walk.

Each year I make a vow to allow myself only a few weeks of rest before hitting the gym again. Each year I promise myself that I'll be in better shape next year.

So what happens to keep regular people like me (as opposed to Olympic athletes) from training? Let me identify some training pitfalls you should try to avoid…

Click to continue »

Joan joined the MS Challenge Walk in 2004 when her friend and now Blister Buddies team captain, Patty Thorpe registered to walk. Patty, diagnosed with MS over 10 years ago, shared her diagnosis with Joan early on in their friendship. The undertaking of that first Challenge Walk and the three that followed not only strengthened Patty's and Joan's friendship, it began an MS educational journey that continues well after mile fifty each year.

Posted in Training | Print | Post a comment »

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