Hints and Tips

Underground Guide to Breast Cancer Walks
Larry Roshfeld wrote a fantastic article which provides a comprehensive view of engaging in fundraising walks.  There is detailed information on what to pack and how to pack, tenting, training, porta potties, etc.

Somethings I didn’t know:

Bring 8 clothespins or black binder clips. They are used to clip the tarp tightly to the top of your tent, otherwise it will flap in the breeze and drive you crazy as you try to sleep.

If you wear a knit hat to bed (e.g. a ski cap), it will keep you much warmer while you sleep, since you tend to lose a lot of heat from your head. And no one but your tent mate will ever know. This is particularly helpful if you don’t have much hair on your head.

As a rule of thumb, your clothing (with the exception of your jacket, sneakers, fanny pack, sleeping bag and air mattress/pad) should fit into a paper grocery bag (just to measure). If you’ve got more than that, you maybe bringing too much.

Click here to read the guide: Underground Guide

Suggestion for blister prevention
Kearney provides this suggestion for those who suffer blisters as a consequence of walking distances:  I learned it as a half marathon runner and it seems to work for me. Go to the pharmacy and buy CALLEX  and rub you feet with it before you put on your NON COTTON socks.  I like bike socks since they are cushioned in the toes and the heels and have spandex so they really cling to the foot.  The callex prevents you form rubbing and in my case, prevented blisters on my long walks and runs.  You can buy it in the pharmacy..expensive, but worth the money.  I am  bringing mine in my fanny pack so when I change my socks, I can reapply.

Suggestion for caffeine hounds
Julie, a five time walker, had a great hint. If you need an afternoon java jolt, buy a Starbucks or Dunkin Donuts prepaid card before the walk. When you dash in for your coffee fix, you won’t need to worry about cash.

What to bring on the walk
For those of you on your first walk, you probably are wondering what to bring on the walk. The number one item is: a smile.

Everyone probably has their own list. This is what I found useful last year.

Fanny pack with 1 water bottle
2 extra pairs of socks day 1
1 extra pair of socks day 2
emery board
mole skin
small scissor to cut mole skin
camera (optional)
hat
sunscreen
sweatshirt or light jacket (last year day one was drizzly and cold in the morning)

Things you do not need
A second water bottle. There are gatorade and water jugs available at all rest stops. Refill your one bottle.
Food – unless you have a special diet, you do not need food. Snacks are available at all rest stops. Lunch is provided.