Conditioning

The Trek will be an uplifting and spiritual experience, but will also be physically demanding.  It is important to be as physically fit as possible before the start of the trek. You will be walking 5 - 8 miles a day on Trek!

Getting in-shape for the Trek / Preparatory Hikes
  • Prepare by going on walks and hikes and wear the shoes you are planning to wear on the trek.
  • In the months leading up to the trek, follow these guidelines:
    • Walk for at least 30 minutes a day, several days a week.
    • Vary your walking route.
    • About 4 times before the actual trek, walk longer periods of time up hill
    • Drink lots of water leading up to the trek, and limit soda pop consumption.

Choosing the right footwear
  • Finding the right shoes for the trek is critical. Wearing the wrong shoes will cause foot pain and blisters.
  • Wear shoes that aren’t too tight. Your feet can swell as much as a full shoe size, so make sure there is room for them to expand.
  • Hiking boots are the preferred footwear for this trail, as ankle support will be very important. High tops will also work if you can't find boots that work for you. You will need to bring a second pair of shoes that can get wet during our river crossings.
  • Make sure your shoes are comfortable and well broken-in before the trek.