Walking a Marathon (in a day)

Hi Frankel, sounds like you worked incredibly hard to get ready for the 2011 Marathon. 5 hours sounds good to me. I reckon it will take me 10 for the trekathon. Thanks for the advice.
Very good luck to you for your 5 Half Marathons, and for your Astro fundraising.

I ran the London Marathon in 2011 - quite slowly in just over 5 hours. For that little adventure, I bought a book called 'How to run a Marathon'. I guess there must be books [as well as websites, as Shysal has found] about walking long distances - and 26 miles is a very long distance. Key to running a marathon from scratch was building up to longer and longer distances over about 6 months, up to around 20-22 miles. I ran over 400 miles in training. I'm not sure how walking would compare to running but I imagine it would be best to get a few, very long training walks in before the big day. Tips that would transfer from running to walking would include not wearing any new kit on the day, making sure you have good, comfortable boots - and cutting your toe-nails before the walk! Very good luck with your training, fundraising and your walk. I'm doing a 5 Half Marathon Challenge for Astro [for brain tumour research] this year - 5 half marathons is physically a much easier challenge than the London Marathon.

I realise I had already checked the runtheplanet site, thanks shysal) and started trimming their training programme this morning! I have just 8 weeks to go, so it is definitely the 18 miles, (twice around Richmond Park) goal for me on Monday. Watch this space....

Thanks again for all the helpful comments and encouragement re Meindle shoes, so far so good.
I response to Soupy's comment. I sincerely hope I don't have to dress up--just getting the right gear to cope with all the vagaries of the English weather is enough! So far I reckon I shall need everything from sun protection (hope springs eternal) to very waterproof hat, jacket, trousers and boots, and poles to stop me slipping on the muddy hills.
I'm sure I'll probably get straw stuck somewhere so suppose I could qualify as a scarecrow...
Please carry on with the helpful comments. I'm about to try shysal's links.

Respect - I am full of admiration for you and hope it goes really well. How wonderful you will feel when you have done it!

I found a website especially for marathon walkers, hope it helps.
www.runtheplanet.com/trainingracing/training/walkers/walkathon.asp

I too like Meindl boots because I have a bunion and need a wide fit. I also replace the insoles with Superfeet ones, which come in various types to suit your feet and walking action. www.healthandcare.co.uk/superfeet.html?gclid=CIXlw_DzmLECFU6JfAodEBvP5A
A shop like Cotswold Outdoors should be able to advise you.

I live in France, and I got my boots from my favourite shop - Decathlon, for only €25. They do have branches in England. My daughter paid over £100 for her boots but I feel mine are just as good.

I have Meindle walking boots, which I had fitted in our local shop. They are German and apparently a wider fit but I've never had any problems with them and find them extremely comfortable.

26 miles is the same distance as the Moonwalk, which is usually walked at night. I know people who have done that and they certainly train for it and build up their walking time.

Is yours one where people dress up?

Thank you all for your helpful comments. I am walking about 5-6 miles three or four times a week. I've walked the walls of Richmond Park, Surrey, which is 9 miles. It has quite undulating ground and a couple of hills, so that is useful. I intend to walk twice around the Park next week.
Last time I wore some really good boots I have had for 18 months, but my feet have changed (!) and I got 3 black toes. I now have some Meindle walking shoes which I am breaking in.

I think I'll take a pole or maybe 2, although I don't do Nordic walking (thanks for positive comments on poles, Greatnan and shysal). Love your possum fur socks, Greatnan, but don't think I'll find them locally!

Which boots do you find so comfortable? I've been to Cotswold Outdoor and had my feet measured etc, but I'm still not 100% sure I've chosen the right ones.
All comments welcome...

I swear by '1000 mile' socks, which are double-layered with cotton for the inner layer. I have never had a blister, but not covered more than 15 miles. I would suggest you wear good quality boots and break them in well before the event. Using a pair of poles would take some of the pressure from your knees, and you can get a good rhythm going. Good luck GrandmaMiney, it is for a great cause.

My longest walk so far is 11 kms but I walk every day, usually for two or three hours and up very steep mountain paths. You will certainly need to build up to 26 miles. Do you have the time to fit in about four hours a day? You will need plenty of water but I expect it will be supplied en-route. I walk in walking boots with good ankle support but I am not usually walking on hard surfaces.
I do carry blister plasters but haven't needed them so far because my boots are so comfortable and I wear thick socks (actually made partially of possum fur - I got them in New Zealand).
I use Nordic walking poles which are a huge help - would they be allowed on your walk?

Go Sue.
I guess you will need to work up to some training walks of around 10-15 miles.
Take Compeed dressings for the blisters they are incomparably better than the old fashioned kinds.