Many people, including myself, are preparing diligently for the Great Walk and I would like to share some simple tips to make this endurance test as successful as possible for you. Aside from your recommended daily walking training I would suggest 15-30 minutes of yoga or stretching. A few simple postures can also be used on the road during the event. Knees, ankles, hips, calf and hamstring muscles can all seize up and a quick stretch on the road will ease the pain. Any book on yoga will give you the basic postures, or visit your local fitness centre for suggestions. Keep the upper body strong with weight lifting and the abdominal muscles strong with sit ups to ease shoulder tension and back pain during the walk.

The proper nutrition before and during the walk can make all the difference in fatigue and pain levels. The longer you walk the more your digestion will shut down. At first you may find yourself quite hungry but towards the end you will find that even water will just jostle around in your stomach. During this time I recommend that you take your own electrolyte balance solution called Lepin. This will quickly digest and give you more energy. To help with lactic acid build up and the oxidation that occurs with extended exercise I suggest a liver protein powder called Ultra Clear Plus that will help your liver metabolize these. At each checkpoint you will be able to get water or juice, so this powder can be easily mixed in a shaker cup as you progress through the walk. Whenever you feel the pain accumulating take a scoop of this powder.

Along with the Ultraclear Plus I recommend taking two homeopathic remedies alternating every hour. Arnica and Rhus Tox in 200C or 1M strengths immediately and effectively decrease lactic acid build up and help with overall trauma to the muscles and joints. These can also be taken after the walk for few days to speed healing.

Another powder supplement that helps walkers is Green Alive or Greens Plus. This chlorella-based product has many ingredients including ginseng, royal jelly and bee pollen, which help with energy. It is easily metabolized and can be mixed in a shaker cup at the checkpoints.

If you are contemplating doing a cleansing program, now is the time to do it. There are many simple 7-14 day programs available in the health food stores.

Two days prior to the walk eat a lot of healthy carbohydrates such as rice and potatoes, and one day prior to the walk eat small amounts of all healthy foods frequently. This will mimic what you will be experiencing on the day of the walk.

To prevent blisters tape up your feet before you start the walk with moleskin or some similar blister prevention materials available at your local pharmacy. If you don't know where the sensitive areas are on your feet, tape your heels and your toes and as soon as you feel any pain while on the walk, stop immediately and take the time to tape your feet. This will save you hours or even days of suffering during and after the walk! Wear socks that are made of polypropylene or wool and do not wear cotton. Cotton will chafe and cause blisters. Polypropylene will wick moisture away from your feet and when worn underneath wool gives good protection for your feet. Some walkers have had good success with thurlos socks.

Good luck on your millenium walk! I welcome your suggestions!