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Once-A-Year Walker's Survival Kit
How to Make it Through a Charity Walk

By , About.com Guide

Updated April 08, 2007

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Red Hot and Rolling Team

Red Hot and Rolling Team

Wendy Bumgardner © 2002

You were just recruited to walk in a charity walking event - the Race for the Cure, March of Dimes WalkAmerica, the MS Walk, etc. But you're not a walker! Now what will you do? How are you going to make it through those miles?

First - take a deep breath. Your feet were made for walking. Let's take it one step at a time.

Start Walking

It's best if you have several weeks before the event to get in some training. Start now and plan to walk at least 15 minutes every day, gradually increasing your time and distance. My Absolute Beginner's Walking Tutorial is perfect if you have a month or more before the walking event to prepare. Follow the schedule shown and most people will be able to complete distances up to 5 miles.

But It's This Weekend!

I give you a hand for your support of the charity, but you had better get walking TODAY. Depending on your normal activity level, walk for 15 minutes to a half hour each day before the event.

How Far is That? How Long Will it Take?

Uh oh, you don't even know what 5K translates to for miles or how long it will take you to walk it? I have a cheat sheet for you:
Kilometers to Miles and Minutes Chart
Miles to Kilometers and Minutes Chart

Next: Shoes for the Non-Walker

Explore Walking
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