The Challenge

Time to walk the walk and talk the talk

The basics

Here are the easy steps you'll need to March For Veterans:

As part of your registration, you will set up a fundraising page on everydayhero. This is where people can sponsor you. You'll also use it to track your challenge — you can find out how further down this page.

Set a fundraising target on your fundraising page, we recommend £75 (We know…£75 is a doddle, if you fancy a challenge you can double it – don’t let us stop you. £150 would pay for to TWO blind veterans to come to one of our centres for Christmas dinner, and just like that…you’ve done your bit to end isolation!)

Let your friends and family know you are doing the challenge and share your fundraising page far and wide.

Get walking! To complete 100 miles it equates to walking approx 25 miles a week for four weeks. You can do this wherever and whenever you want; doing more on some days and less on others according to your schedule (or the weather!).

A close up image of someones shoes standing still

Remember to track your miles

You can link your fundraising page to your Fitbit, MapMyFitness or Strava app. It should make tracking your challenge much easier. You’ll also be able to share your routes and distances online, and show off your stats with friends and family!

Alternatively, you can input your miles manually on your fundraising page. Check out our FAQs for all the info you need to set you your tracker or track manually.

For a tougher challenge, you can do it faster

If you really want to challenge yourself then try setting a time for your walks.

Find out how quickly you can cover five miles.

Simple ways to get walking

We recognise that everyones lifestyle is different. So here are some ideas to help you get through:

Try walking to work, getting off the train/bus a few stops early or going for a lunchtime stroll.

Give up public transport. Save money for yourself while you raise it for others.

Do the challenge as a team. Recruit some pals to do the challenge with you or try getting friends to join you on different days of the week.

Essential items for your Walk

Clothing

If the weather is going to be warm, you want to start with a breathable shirt/top as your base layer, made of a breathable fabric rather than cotton. It may also be a great idea to take a windproof, water-resistant jacket if the weather is a factor. And if it is cold, add an insulating layer of polyester microfleece. This way you can take off a layer if you have warmed up or put one on if you are feeling cold.

Walking Shoes

You will need to invest in your feet with a good pair of shoes. Walking in any old broken-down, non-supportive shoes is a set-up for injury. Do your feet a favour and find some comfortable and supportive shoes.

Walking Socks

Cotton holds moisture next to your skin and increases the risk of forming blisters. Instead, you want socks made from breathable fabric or Merino wool. These socks will help keep your feet dry and happy. Be sure to try on socks with your walking shoes to make sure you haven't chosen a sock with too much padding that will crowd your feet in your shoes.

Water

Walking is an aerobic activity and you will be losing water as you walk. Make sure you start off well-hydrated with a big glass of water about an hour before your walk. There will be water available at the beginning and at the end of the walk.

Backpack

It's wise to use a backpack to carry any on the day essentials you may need, e.g. water/phone/keys/maps.

General walking tips

If you have not walked distances for some time, you should start slowly. Increase the length and pace of your walk gradually. Here are some tips on how to get started and how to prepare for walking.

Warm-up
Start by doing a few warm-up exercises and stretches first. Remember not to start to walk immediately after a big meal.

Build it up slowly
Start with a 20 minute walk then increase gradually. Try to walk at least three times per week.

Use the correct technique
Walk at a steady pace, swing your arms freely. Your feet should step in a rolling action from the heel to the toe.

How fast should I walk?
Walking speed will depend on your level of fitness and walking experience. Difficult terrain or travelling uphill and downhill also affects your overall speed. Assuming a level and firm pathway some general guidelines can be given below.

An average walking pace on country and forestry footpaths is: 20 minutes per mile.
For a person with good fitness, an approximate moderate walking pace: 15 minutes per mile.
A fast walking pace or speed is: 12 minutes per mile.

Cool down
It is important that you cool down after a long fast walk. Do a few stretching exercises, this will help the legs!