It's 26 August now and The Spink Walk is taking place on Saturday, 12 October. For those of you wondering how to prepare for this, you can follow the training guidance put together by Aideen Ratteray Pryse (Class of '80). Remember: The Spink Walk is not a race. It's an opportunity to get together with friends and family, enjoy the Sussex countryside and do some good. The beneficial side-effect is that you might end up healthier!
Aideen says "I used Jeff Galloway's training programme when I prepared for my first half marathon many years ago. I am not a doctor or sports professional; just someone who exercises regularly. This is my version of the programme where you walk three times during the week for 30 - 60 minutes and then on the weekend you do your long(er) walk. I like Jeff's concept because it is more about regularity than distance. You may not have time for 60 minute walks during the week, and that's OK. Just get out there and do something!
The practice walks have the benefit of getting your body accustomed to the exercise and your feet comfortable in your shoes. You can figure out which clothes will suit best for the big day too. Of course the cardio benefits are great too!
If you've done no exercise for years then, hey, use this as an opportunity to break new ground!"
7 Mile Spink Walk - Walk 30 - 60 minutes three times a week and on the weekend do a long walk. Add a mile to the long walk each week. As you get closer to the 'big day', try to increase your mid-week exercise until you are walking 60 minutes at least twice a week, with the third weekday walk being shorter if necessary.
15 Mile Spink Walk - If you have not done much exercise in the past three to six months, you may want to stick to the 7 Mile distance. If, however, you are up for the challenge, then walk 45 - 60 minutes three times a week. On the weekend do a long walk and each weekend add two miles to the distance. As you get closer to the 'big day', increase your mid-week exercise until you are walking 60 minutes three times a week.
Whichever walk you choose to do, make sure you incorporate rest days in your training, especially before your long walk day. If you do other forms of exercise, that's fine; cycling, swimming and the like are good too.
People who are exercising regularly already probably just need to add long walks to their exercise regime.