This Marathon is for girls. And you’ve joined it.
Welcome to your little hub of everything Moved-Marathon-related. It’s intended to help you get ready for our big, beautiful day. But it’s not a training prescription. We’ve all got unique bodies, lifestyles and schedules. So, training should feel intuitive. It needs to work for you if you’re going to stick with it.
Below, I’ve shared a little insight into how I prepare for an endurance hike and how I take care of myself during and after one. And — wherever you’re at — the first step is simply to start walking.
Sophie x
THE DETAILS
DATE: Saturday, September 27th
START TIME: 6:30 am
FINISH TIME: 6:30 pm approximately
START LOCATION: Outside Turner Contemporary, Margate
ROUTE MAP: Click the link to access Google Maps
TRAINING DATES
First of all, there’s Moved hike every month. And, at this time of year, they’re all a pretty decent length. So here are some potential training dates for your calendar:
SANDWICH TO DOVER | 25km | £8
Saturday 19 July 2025 — 10:00 17:00
CANTERBURY TO SHEPHERDSWELL | 18km | £8
Saturday 23 August 2025 — 10:30 16:30
ROCHESTER TO MAIDSTONE NORTH DOWNS WAY | 23km | £8
Saturday 20 September 2025 — 10:00 18:00
Now, onto the prep!
JUST START WALKING!
Getting your body used to moving most days is key in the run-up to a big event. It doesn’t have to be miles and miles at first. But I’d recommend that, in the month before the Marathon, you try to build in 10 km days at least three times a week, with some longer stints at weekends.
That might sound daunting, but you can split those daily distances in half and maybe mix it into your morning and evening commute now that the days are longer. For me, building stamina is simply about practice.
SPRINKLE IN A FEW BIG DAYS
The training tip that I swear by before an endurance event is making sure I have two weekends where I attempt to get close to the event distance — close, but not right up to the same mileage. You’ll want the adrenaline of that extra push to get you to the finish line on the day itself.
The important thing here is: don’t cram your training into the couple of weeks before the ‘big day’. You’ll want to walk on rested legs when we do the Marathon itself. I’d try to do these big-distance days within two months of the Marathon, and not in the last two weeks before the event. Try to aim for 30 km on one of those weekend trainings, then 35 km on the next. If you do that, I have no doubt you’ll be fine on the day!
GET THE RIGHT KIT
When I say the ‘right’ kit, I don’t mean that you have to run out and buy really expensive new gear. In fact, a tried-and-trusted pair of walking boots, trainers or trail shoes (my preference) is much better than a new pair. So, if you haven’t got shoes or boots already, get some ASAP. You’ll need plenty of time to wear them in.
I rate Salomon for a good, shock-absorbing pair of trail runners. But there are loads to choose from. Here’s GearLab’s, top picks. You’ll also want to invest in a well-fitting daypack if you don’t already have one. We’ll be carrying at least two litres of water at any given time, plus snacks, waterproofs, layers, extra socks and any first aid bits and bobs we might need. So a backpack that can be adjusted to fit and doesn’t dump all the weight on your shoulders will make a big difference.
In terms of the rest of the kit list, here’s what’s essential, along with a few recommendations.
FUEL YOUR BODY
The key to hiking all day is feeding yourself the right fuel to sustain your body. I noticed, in prepping for my latest ultramarathon, that I was exhausted by the end of my first big training day. And I felt hungover for a day or two afterwards, despite not drinking. Then it dawned on me that I’d forgotten to eat for endurance.
On my next training stint, I packed loads of nuts, dried fruits, flapjack, dark chocolate, bananas, etc. Plus, I ate a cinnamon bun the size of my head and drank three coffees, loads of water and plenty of electrolytes. I felt fine at the end of it, and the next day.
So, train with plenty of food and hydration, and be attentive to feeding yourself often during the Marathon day. For me, a telltale sign I need to eat something — even if I don’t feel hungry, which is often the case — is that I start yawning and feeling fatigued, or I get a little woozy. Put the right fuel in, and you’ll get enough energy out. I’ll share my ‘snack packing list’ closer to the event.
STRETCH IT OUT
Pre, during and post-Marathon, you’ll want to stretch out those calves, hips and glutes so that you don’t seize up. A few of my favourites are pigeon pose, low lunges and simply placing your ankle on the opposite knee while seated, then gently leaning forward. Stretch for a few minutes before you set off on the day, or during your big training days, and a few minutes after. And, when you stop to refill water or eat a snack, have a little stretch then, too.
Again, I’ll share my simple stretches with you closer to the event. I highly recommend yoga, full stop, as a means of staying limber. Whether you’re training for endurance or otherwise.
TOP-UP YOUR MAGNESIUM
Though I can’t recommend a magnesium supplement to everyone for medical reasons, I take one every day. And it helps to speed muscle recovery following an event. But what I do always recommend to Moved hikers is a magnesium salt soak — either in the tub, if you have one, or just a makeshift foot bath. Both allow magnesium to be absorbed into the body to ease those aching limbs. And a full magnesium bath after an endurance event feels simply divine!
LISTEN TO YOUR BODY
Only you can know the difference between a niggle and a potential injury. Dull, aching muscles or cramps are indicative of overuse, which, of course, most of us are likely to feel during a marathon. But sharp, unignorable pain might suggest a strain or sprain, and this isn’t something we should push through.
So, learn to listen to your body and understand the difference between what you can soldier on with and what shouldn’t be ignored. We are all responsible for our own health and wellbeing on the day.
