Training and Preparation to Make Your Event Better
While the
Overnight Walk is not a contest or race it remains an endurance event, and the distance itself (as well as the hours we are walking) are a bit
more trying than many of us are used to in our everyday life.
We also walk with a purpose and as we move through the streets of Washington, DC we have the unique opportunity to share our experiences with others in the community.
The combination of these
aspects makes for an event that is at once inspiring and tiring, and Walkers
who have prepared themselves with a training regimen in the weeks and months
leading up to the Overnight have a much better experience overall.
The Basics of Training for a Distance Walk
The Overnight route is
designed to be a safe and simple route for our Walkers and is generally as
accessible and simple as possible in each host city.
The main challenges that
most Walkers face are:
- The distance of 16-18 miles
- The fact that we are exercising during irregular hours
These challenges can be
easily overcome with a bit of pre-event training on your part. Following a
simple regimen and some best practices while you train will help get you in
shape and up to the task.
Start small
and work your way up to longer distances
Walk regularly and often to increase your comfort and ease
Stretch before and after your training walks
Hydrate
before, during, and after your training walks to get yourself used to drinking
water or sports drinks while exercising (during the walk itself, your body will
need more liquid than you are used to)
Team up
with other Walkers and set a schedule for regular training walks (joining with
others and having a schedule helps most of us train more frequently and
regularly)
Want more Training Help?
We have many tools, tips,
and activities designed to help you train for and enjoy your walk experience
and they are all available to all of our Overnight participants.
Sign up for the E-TrainingGuide and receive training schedules, tips, and more.
Join a Training
Walk in your area and meet fellow Walkers while you practice and train.
If there isn’t already a Training
Walk in your area, consider starting one! We’ll help you with everything
you need from ideas and support to posting online and letting other local
Walkers know that your walk is happening.
See our training section here
for more ideas or simply call our Walker Coaches and ask them for help and
advice about training.
If you have any questions about
fundraising, training, or about the Overnight Walk in general, please contact
us at 888-THE-OVERNIGHT (888-843-6837) or coaches@theovernight.org and we will
be glad to help.
