TREAT YOUR FEET
Wear shoes that you’re comfortable walking long distances in and give them a test run before the day to make sure they’re walk ready!
TRAIN UP
Start small and gradually increase week on week. Add 30-45 minutes each week and use time as a guide. Your longest walk should be around two weeks before the big day, and don’t go above 75% of the end walk distance.
“I didn’t train last year because I thought ‘umm walking? I can do that with my eyes closed!’ but I really can’t stress enough the importance of training walks."
CALM Ambassador Shareefa J
BE ON YOUR FEET
Walk whenever and wherever you can, as much as possible.
DRINK UP
Drink plenty of water. Dehydration will increase fatigue and make you feel sluggish so get that water down you!
“Be prepared that you might need to go to the bathroom in a bush, so pack supplies for that eventuality.”
CALM Ambassador Shareefa J
REMEMBER TO REFUEL
Walking for several hours is no joke (especially through the night) and will likely leave you feeling hungry and tired. A couple of well-placed snacks will keep your energy up and keep the hunger at bay.
IT'S ALL ABOUT THE LAYERS
Multiple thinner layers will keep you warmer than a single thicker layer, pack spares and don’t forget your woolly hat and gloves too!
“There’s something powerful about walking through the night when the pain starts to set into your body. It almost mimics what many people go through with their mental health - that feeling that you’re in pain but you can keep going.”
CALM Ambassador Shareefa J
REMEMBER THE CAUSE
However far you choose to walk, remember your reasons why and the bigger picture. You’re raising money and awareness to help CALM save lives, and showing that together we can deal with grief differently and defiantly.
MAKE A MATE
There might be points on your Lost Hours Walk that feel challenging - check in with a mate if you need a bit of cheering on, or use #LostHoursWalk to connect with walkers across the UK.
ARTICLES YOU MIGHT FIND HELPFUL
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When Izzy lost her brother Harrison to suicide, she decided to do something in his memory. Here's how she helped us be there, no matter what.