Neil the Project Manager is stepping up into full gear. Read his latest training guide below...

Been doing research and from my own experience (sorry it sounds so patronising I know!):

- do not worry about speed, getting the miles in your legs is more important
- as far as you are able, wear what you are planning to wear in April - I have already discounted some socks cos they rubbed more than others and found that a pair of quick dry trousers may be quick to dry but were very quick to get wet when it rained! This includes carrying your rucksack which should have straps that come round your tummy and chest and which you should fasten all the time to reduce back problems
- dont stop too long for lunch (30 mins max) or you will get cold, lose momentum, get stiff - however do stop every hour for a few mins
- do not eat Mars Bars all the way round - go to Holland & Barrett and get some nice bags of dried fruits (e.g. dried apricots, cranberries and raisins mixed up) taste nicer, give you slower release energy and you can nibble them as you go (let;s face it, if you open the Mars bar you are going to eat all of it at once) - also you will get less fat which brings me to
- we all do not really have time to do loads of practice walks, so the best thing you can do in the meantime is get generally fit and LOSE WEIGHT - you can prepare for your day sack to weigh 5, 6 perhaps 7kg (e.g. 3 litres water = 3kg) - if you lose 5 kg in between now and April you get to carry your daysack "for free"! 5 kg is probably too much practically to lose for most of us but you see what I mean..you will also reduce the pressure on your feet, shins and knees..
- so it's going to need discipline - throw in a few sit ups when you get up, a press up or 2 before bed, walk everywhere you can instead of getting in the car, go for jog, less booze (Chamonix excepted!), less pizza etc etc I'm carrying my laptop home in my rucksack everyday - I have no intention of using it, it's just a bit of practice and a bit more energy spent...

Btw - I've done the Penshurst walk its really good and some lovely scenery as well. Good luck!

Neil