Key Steps To successfully Completing Oxfam Trailwalker.

Key StepsTo successfully Completing Oxfam Trailwalker

Team Work

Challenge of Trailwalker is to cross the line as a team

Important to train and plan together Set yourselves realistic goals Assess and reassess these goals

during training

Fitness regular cardio exercise essential hill climbing especially important if no time during week,

incorporate exercise into lifestyle in any event, at least once a

week, do “trailwalker” type of exercise

no excuses!

Trail Training each part of trail at least once during

training at very minimum, do start of stage 3

to end of stage 8 familiarity will help pace self and give

ideas of timing watch supplies/ weather for training may assist to do some night practice peak 3-4 weeks before event, then taper down

Kit & Supplies Clothing – comfortable and well worn as

against “style” Shoes – avoid heavy boots Equipment – consider all likely weathers. Torches, bulbs and batteries most

important Food and Drink – do not rely solely on

that supplied for event

Nutrition Test different foods/drinks in

training Most important to keep hydrated

and fed Bars/gels Water v. Sports drinks Will lose appetite Plain, easy to digest food often best

PreparationEnsure you are well rested and

not stressed in advance of the event

Use Common sense Diet importantTeam Dinner before Event Trying to sleep the night before!

Attitude

25% Fitness: 75% Attitude Right attitude to emotional ups and

downs Pace yourself in early stages and ignore

other teams DON’T PANIC! regular short rests better than fewer

longer rests good attitude to hills

Finishing as team Work together during the event Support each other Don’t run ahead to check points Regular checks to make sure team

is together – particularly at night if one member lagging, fittest

member should stay with them

SUPPORT

Why do you need a support team?

Trailwalker is more challenging than most people imagine

Anything to alleviate pain/exhaustion helps

Very much part of the team and not an “optional extra”

What is a support team?

Carries supplies (food/clothing) Acts as support/ photographers

and adds to team spirit Also preparation of food/ other

supplies Medical/ psychological roles

Who can be support team?

Numbers – ideally 3 to 5 (including driver)

Must be organised/ trustworthy/ hardworking

Previous trailwalker experience helps “Characters” also good, provided

satisfy these requirements Rotating support team for longer

times

Preparation When to start? Now Routes, points and times must be

agreed together with “fall back” position

Plan menu and resources at each point (particularly the earlier and busier stops)

General organisation of supplies Support team’s own needs

AlternativesTry and avoid this but situation, if not

possible:- No vehicle – still possible (e.g. taxi)

but may need to restrict supplies Sharing with another team

(provided similar schedule) Friends/ families to meet you at key

points

Goals Good PreparationGood Training Good Teamwork Good Attitude

and…