HEroes we train - Mighty Hike training plan: South Coast - Macmillan Cancer ...

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HEroes we train - Mighty Hike training plan: South Coast - Macmillan Cancer ...
we train
hEroes

Mighty Hike training plan:   In partnership with

South Coast
2021
HEroes we train - Mighty Hike training plan: South Coast - Macmillan Cancer ...
Macmillan Cancer Support   Mighty Hike training plan: South Coast   Getting started   2

             getting started
HEroes we train - Mighty Hike training plan: South Coast - Macmillan Cancer ...
Macmillan Cancer Support              Mighty Hike training plan: South Coast               Getting started     10 Top Tips                                                                     3

10 Top Tips
               1. Find the right shoes                                                                       6. Get strong
               Different shoes work for different people. Make sure you spend time                           For this challenge you’ll be on your feet for several hours, so building a
               trying on different styles and find something with good support and grip                      strong core and having good posture will really help the miles feel easier
               that suits you.                                                                               and reduce the likelihood of injury.

               2. Train to time                                                                              7. Fuel and recover
               Always thinking about how many miles you are covering can become                              You need to take care of your body when you’re training to reduce the risk
               stressful, which is why our training plans are mostly set to time. This                       of injury and fatigue, so we have included sections with information on
               means you can focus on building sustainably as the weeks go by.                               stretching, energy and nutrition to make sure you’re in the best condition
                                                                                                             you can be.

               3. Have a routine                                                                             8. Plan your route
               Work, family and social life means that you might need to rework our                          Look online for popular hiking trails in your area or ask friends and family if
               training plans to make them fit around your lifestyle, and that’s ok.                         they have any recommendations. However you do it, make sure you have
               Schedule in your training for the days and times you know will give you                       a plan before you set off, so you can prepare for the distance you’ll be
               the best opportunity to focus on each session and get the most out of it.                     covering and won’t spend precious training time figuring out where to go.

               4. Set targets                                                                                9. Keep it social
               Starting at the beginning of a training plan can be daunting, so try and                      One of the best things about walking is that it’s an accessible and
               break it up into manageable chunks and remember to reward yourself                            sociable activity. Invite family and friends along on your training walks
               for reaching personal milestones!                                                             to keep you company and to keep you motivated.

               5. Don’t just walk                                                                            10. Any weather
               Including cross-training such as cycling, running, swimming and gym                           The changeable British weather is part of the excitement and challenge
               work can quickly enhance your fitness, especially if you’re struggling                        of walking. Check out the kit section for our top tips on making sure
               to fit in the much longer training walks.                                                     you’re prepared and comfortable in all conditions.
HEroes we train - Mighty Hike training plan: South Coast - Macmillan Cancer ...
Macmillan Cancer Support             Mighty Hike training plan: South Coast          Getting started         Training Triangle                                                           4

Training Triangle

                                                                                                                                 T
Keeping it all in balance

The three key factors that go toward being in the best
physical condition for your Mighty Hike are training, rest
and nutrition. Most of us focus on the training but forget that
we can’t build fitness unless we sleep and eat properly too.
As you train make sure you listen to your body and keep the
triangle in balance. Read section ‘Energy and Nutrition’ later
in this guide for more detail and tips.

                                                                                              R                                                            n
   Training                                                         Rest                                                         Nutrition
   Your hikes, conditioning and cross-training is                   Your body improves and progresses during rest                Fuel your training and recovery correctly by
   designed to progressively overload your muscles.                 phases, rest days and as you sleep.                          ensuring you have healthy carbohydrates, protein
   When they recover from that overload they get                                                                                 and the right micro and macro nutrients in your diet.
   stronger. Our training plans include a mix of                                                                                 This will give you the energy to train for longer and
   different effort levels and distances to progressively                                                                        also allow your body to heal afterwards.
   build your endurance.
HEroes we train - Mighty Hike training plan: South Coast - Macmillan Cancer ...
Macmillan Cancer Support        Mighty Hike training plan: South Coast    Getting started        Choose the right kit                                           5

CHOOSE the right kit
Kick off your training by
finding the right pair of shoes.

Why is this important?                                                             What about socks?
Wearing the wrong shoes is the key cause of blisters, and 13/26 miles              Your socks are just as important as your shoes. Look for padded and
with blisters is not the experience we want you to have. Wearing the               breathable socks made with wicking material and make sure they go
correct shoes will make sure your feet stay comfortable and will also              higher than the top of your boots.
play a huge role in preventing injury.
                                                                                   Your feet have got to carry you a long way so show them some TLC.
Spend time exploring the different brands and styles available – whether           Take some fresh socks whenever you go out training and on the Mighty
this be lightweight boots, walking trainers or trail trainers – and find a pair    Hike, which you can change into when you have a break. Wear your
of shoes with good support and grip that suits you.                                thicker socks at the start and then as your feet start to spread, change
                                                                                   into a thinner pair.
Going the distance
When you walk for more than a couple of hours your feet can swell from             Walking poles
the heat, so it’s important that they have room to ‘spread’. Remember              Using walking poles is completely optional. If you feel that you could use
that new shoes need to be worn-in, which is the best motivation to get             some extra support, particularly over uneven terrain or on steep ascents
out and do some training.                                                          or descents, then go to your nearest outdoor shop to seek advice. If you
                                                                                   experience joint or muscle pain then your doctor or physiotherapist may
                                                                                   advise using them.
HEroes we train - Mighty Hike training plan: South Coast - Macmillan Cancer ...
Macmillan Cancer Support         Mighty Hike training plan: South Coast   Getting started    Other essentials                                             6

other essentials
               First aid kit                                                                Waterproof jacket
               This only needs to be small, carrying essentials like                        You can’t rely on the British weather so always be prepared.
               blister plasters, Vaseline, antihistamine tablets and                        Look for a light, breathable and fully waterproof jacket with a
               painkillers, plus any other personal medication you need.                    hood which will let the sweat out and stop the rain getting in.

               Layers                                                                       Sun cream
               Wear several layers of wicking fabrics which will keep you                   Even if it doesn’t look that bright, three hours or more
               warm in cold weather, and you can remove one by one as                       outside can increase your risk of skin damage.
               you heat up.

               Water                                                                        Download full kit list
               For your Mighty Hike we recommend bringing a bottle or                       You can download a full kit list from our website:
               camel pack that can hold two litres of water, and the same                   macmillan.org.uk/mightyhikeskitlist
               goes for your training hikes. Download the Refill app on
               your phone to find free places to fill your water whilst you’re
               out and about!

               Fully charged phone
               In case of emergencies.
HEroes we train - Mighty Hike training plan: South Coast - Macmillan Cancer ...
Macmillan Cancer Support   Mighty Hike training plan: South Coast   The training         7

                                                                                   tHE
                                                                            TRAINING
HEroes we train - Mighty Hike training plan: South Coast - Macmillan Cancer ...
Macmillan Cancer Support             Mighty Hike training plan: South Coast         The training               Introduction                                                      8

Introduction
This training plan, put together by our coaching partners Running With Us is designed to get you to
the start line of your Mighty Hike feeling prepared and confident to achieve your goal.

   1
  Is this the right
                                                   2
                                                  Why train in
                                                                                                   3
                                                                                                   What if I miss a
                                                                                                                                          4
                                                                                                                                          Before and after
  plan for me?                                    this way?                                        session, pick up a                     Always include a warm-up and

  This 15-week plan is suitable for               If you keep doing the same thing                 niggle or get sick?                    cool-down session for each of the
                                                                                                                                          activities in the training plan, and
  those who are just starting out and             over and over again you can’t                                                           stretch well using the exercises in
  those who already hike regularly                expect different results, so this                No training guide is designed to be
                                                                                                                                          this guide.
  and are looking to increase the                 plan is designed to give you variety             a tablet of stone. View your Mighty
  miles. It involves a mix of activities          and progression.                                 Hike training as a journey (which
  and exercises to get you in the                                                                  might not always go to plan!). Feel
  best physical condition for your                                                                 free to chop and change the plan
  challenge. If you ever feel like you’re                                                          and shift hike and exercise sessions
  struggling in the early weeks, you                                                               to different days that may work
  can always swap the longer hikes                                                                 better for you.
  with more cross training or repeat
  a week in the plan if you don’t feel                                                             If you miss days through work,
  ready for the next step just yet.                                                                holiday, sickness or injury then
                                                                                                   don’t play catch up. Step back
  Depending on the distance you are                                                                into the plan where you left off
  doing and/or your pace, you can                                                                  and be patient.
  choose to increase or shorten the
  length of the hikes in the plan.
HEroes we train - Mighty Hike training plan: South Coast - Macmillan Cancer ...
Macmillan Cancer Support                                         Mighty Hike training plan: South Coast                                             The training                   About the hike                                                  9

About the full marathon hike
                                                                                                                                                              The location                               The route
                                                                                      South Coast                                                             The South Downs Way covers 100             The route covers approximately 26
                                                                                                                                                              miles from Winchester to Eastbourne        miles between Brighton Racecourse
                                                                                      Mighty Hike                                                             and the South Coast Mighty Hike            and Helen Gardens in Eastbourne.
                                                                                                                                                              takes place along one of the most          Full details of the start and finish
                                                                                      Distance:
                                                                                                                                                              beautiful and challenging sections         points can be found on our website.

                                                                                      26.6 miles                                                              between Brighton and Eastbourne.
                                                                                                                                                              Expect stunning coastal views.             How it works
                                                                                                                                                                                                         The event is fully supported with a
                                                                                      Approximate elevation gain:                                             Getting prepared                           full buffet lunch stop at half way and

                                                                                      3,164 feet
                                                                                                                                                              The South Coast Mighty Hike sees           regular refuelling stops along the
                                                                                                                                                              you walking on trails that can be          route with drinks and snacks. Your
                                                                                                                                                              muddy and rocky at times. There are        bags will be transported to the finish
                                                                                                                                                              plenty of hills and the best way to        line and there are toilet facilities at the
                                                                                                                                                              be prepared is to include all of these     start and all the pit-stops. This is a
                                                                A26                                                                                           elements within your training.             challenging event and whilst it is very
    A23
                                                                                                                                                                                                         achievable the distance and terrain
                         Falmer                     Lewes                                                                                                     You’ll notice as the weeks go by we        should be respected and will require
                                        A27
                                                                                                                                A22                           include more hills within your long        you to train!
                                                    Kingston                                                                                                  weekend hikes.
                                                5      Rodmell
    Brighton                                                             10
                                                                                                  A27

                START
                                                                                                  HALFWAY
                                                                 A26                                                                                A27
                                                                                                                                 Polegate                      ELEVATION PROFILE
                                       Saltdean                                                    15        Alfriston                        A22
                                               Peacehaven
                                                                            Newhaven
                                                                                                                                                                   984FT

                                                                                    Seaford              Exceat
                                                                                                                                           Eastbourne
          KEY    SOUTH COAST MIGHTY HIKE                                                                          Friston                                          656FT
                                                                                                        20
                 MIGHTY HIKE ROUTE *          ROAD
                                                                                                                  East Dean                   FINISH
           5     MILE MARKER                  TOWNS & VILLAGES                                                              Birling                                328FT
                                                                                                                            Gap
                 LUNCH AT MILE 15.5           SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK
                                                                                                                                      25

                 PIT STOPS                    ENGLISH CHANNEL                                                                                                       0FT

                                                                                                                                                                                         5          10       15              20             25

*    The map route above is approximate. If any small changes are made due to health and safety reasons these will be communicated in the morning briefing.
HEroes we train - Mighty Hike training plan: South Coast - Macmillan Cancer ...
Macmillan Cancer Support                                         Mighty Hike training plan: South Coast                                               The training                  About the hike                                               10

About the half marathon hike
                                                                                                                                                                The location                             The route
                                                                                      South Coast                                                               The South Downs Way covers 100           The route covers approximately 13
                                                                                                                                                                miles from Winchester to Eastbourne      miles between Bank House Farm
                                                                                      Mighty Hike                                                               and the South Coast Mighty Hike takes    in Polegate and finishing at Helen
                                                                                                                                                                place along one of the most beautiful    Gardens in Eastbourne. Full details
                                                                                      Distance:
                                                                                                                                                                and challenging sections between Bank    of the start and finish points can be

                                                                                      13.1 miles                                                                House Farm and Eastbourne. Expect
                                                                                                                                                                stunning coastal views.
                                                                                                                                                                                                         found on our website.

                                                                                                                                                                                                         How it works
                                                                                      Approximate elevation gain:                                               Getting prepared                         The event is fully supported with a

                                                                                      1,624 feet
                                                                                                                                                                The South Coast Mighty Hike sees         refueling stop along the route with
                                                                                                                                                                you walking on trails that can be        drinks and snacks, and lunch at the
                                                                                                                                                                muddy and rocky at times. There are      finish. Your bags will be transported
                                                                                                                                                                plenty of hills and the best way to      to the finish line and there are toilet
                                                                                                                                                                be prepared is to include all of these   facilities at the start, finish and pit-
                                                                A26                                                                                             elements within your training.           stop. This is a challenging event and
    A23
                                                                                                                                                                                                         whilst it is achievable the distance
                           Falmer                  Lewes                                                                                                        You’ll notice as the weeks go by we      and terrain should be respected and
                                        A27
                                                                                                                                    A22                         include more hills within your long      will require you to train!
                                                   Kingston                                                                                                     weekend hikes.
                                                       Rodmell
    Brighton                                                                                      A27
                                                                                                                                                                     ELEVATION PROFILE

                                                                 A26                                                                                  A27
                                                                                                                                     Polegate
                                      Saltdean                                                                 Alfriston                        A22
                                                                                              START
                                               Peacehaven
                                                                            Newhaven                                                                             656FT

                                                                                    Seaford                 Exceat                                               492FT
                                                                                                                                          Eastbourne
                                                                                                                     Friston
          KEY   SOUTH COAST MIGHTY HIKE                                                                 5
                                                                                                                                                                 328FT
                MIGHTY HIKE ROUTE *           ROAD
                                                                                                                     East Dean                  FINISH
           5    MILE MARKER                   TOWNS & VILLAGES                                                                 Birling                           164FT
                                                                                                                               Gap
                PIT STOP                      SOUTH DOWNS NATIONAL PARK                                                        10                                     0FT
                LUNCH AT END                  ENGLISH CHANNEL

                                                                                                                                                                                                     5                       10
*    The map route above is approximate. If any small changes are made due to health and safety reasons these will be communicated in the morning briefing.
Macmillan Cancer Support                     Mighty Hike training plan: South Coast                      The training                     Glossary                                                                                  11

glossary
Here you will find a glossary of the terms used in our training plans.

Using the plans
Our training plans are structured as follows:

                                      The type of session you’ll be completing today

          Easy hike                   The colour shows the main intensity you’ll work today
            30 mins hike
          at an easy pace
                                      This section gives you details of the session’s volume and effort

                                      Core training using our Trekking Guide

                                      Stretching using our Trekking Guide

What the main intensities/colours mean:

        Fartlek hikes                        Cross training                        Hilly hikes                                  Brisk hikes                     Easy / long hikes                             Rest
     On these days we want you           Swimming, running, elliptical       These days include specific                  On these days we ask you to          These days include specific         Rest is critical to adaptation
    to include a mix of short and       training, rowing etc etc can be     efforts up hill to build strength            include blocks of effort to raise    efforts up hill to build strength   and progression, you might be
  long faster efforts up and down       used to give you a great fitness     and endurance and get your                 your heart rate a little. Target an    and endurance and get your         completing core or stretching
   hill as you feel during the hike                  boost.                     prepared for the route.                   effort where you could speak            prepared for the route.             on these days though!
    using landmarks as targets.                                                                                              only 5-6 words at a time
Macmillan Cancer Support                   Mighty Hike training plan: South Coast                      The training                South Coast training plan / 1                                                      12

South Coast training plan / 1
   Week            Monday                      Tuesday                 Wednesday                   Thursday                    Friday                 Saturday                   Sunday               Weekly positives:

                      Rest                    Brisk hike               Rest + core                 Hilly hike                   Rest              Cross training               Long hike
                  Rest is vital to        30 mins walk to include       Where you see a        10 mins steady walking                             Optional cross training   Easy walk 100 mins off
                 progression and          3 x 5 mins brisk effort,     pink dot consider        + 8 x 90s brisk up hill                           (swim, run, bike, cross      road if possible.
              adaptation. The yellow        2 mins easy effort        undertaking the core      efforts with easy walk                            trainer, rowing) – easy
     1         dot is a reminder to              recovery.           exercises in our guide.     back recovery + 10                                       30 mins.
              complete the stretches                                                            mins steady walking.
                 from our guide.

                      Rest                    Brisk hike               Rest + core                 Hilly hike                   Rest              Cross training               Long hike
                                          30 mins walk to include                              10 mins steady walking                             Optional cross training    Easy 1 hour 50 mins
                                          5 x 4 mins brisk effort,                             + 10 x 90s brisk up hill                              – easy 30 mins.          - 2 hours off road if
     2                                      90 secs easy effort                                 efforts with easy walk                                                             possible.
                                                 recovery.                                       back recovery + 10
                                                                                                mins steady walking.

                      Rest                    Brisk hike               Rest + core                 Hilly hike                   Rest              Cross training               Long hike
              Stretching well the day     40 mins walk to include                              10 mins steady walking      Notice how you feel    Optional cross training     Easy 2 hours 15 -
               after your long hikes      5 x 5 mins brisk effort,                             + 12 x 90s brisk up hill     on your rest days,     – easy 30-40 mins.         2 hours 30 mins off
     3        will help you feel better     90 secs easy effort                                 efforts with easy walk       are there small                                   road if possible.
               as you move through               recovery.                                       back recovery + 10         changes you can
                  the week ahead!                                                               mins steady walking.      make to improve your
                                                                                                                                recovery?

                      Rest                    Brisk hike               Rest + core                 Hilly hike                   Rest              Cross training               Long hike
                Remember to note          40 mins walk to include                              10 mins steady walking                             Optional cross training   Easy 2 hours 50 mins
                down the positives        5 x 5 mins brisk effort,                             + 6-8 x 2 mins brisk up                             – easy 30-40 mins.        off road if possible.
     4          at the end of each          60 secs easy effort                                 hill efforts with easy
                  training week.                 recovery.                                       walk back recovery
                                                                                                  + 10 mins steady
                                                                                                        walking.
Macmillan Cancer Support                 Mighty Hike training plan: South Coast                     The training         South Coast training plan / 2                                                    13

South Coast training plan / 2
   Week           Monday                    Tuesday                 Wednesday                   Thursday               Friday               Saturday                  Sunday              Weekly positives:

                     Rest                  Easy hike                Rest + core                 Brisk hike             Rest             Cross training               Long hike
              Get into a good habit    45-60 mins easy walk                                 40 mins walk to include                     Optional cross training   Easy 1 hour 45 mins
               of regular stretching    at a conversational                                 3 x 5 mins brisk effort,                     – easy 30-40 mins.       off road if possible.
     5        check out our training           effort.                                      90 secs easy recovery.
                      guide!

                     Rest                  Brisk hike               Rest + core                 Hilly hike             Rest             Cross training               Long hike
                                         50-60 mins walk to       Check out the training    10 mins steady walking                      Optional cross training   Easy 3 hour 15 mins -
                                       include 6 x 5 mins brisk    guide for our top tips   + 8 x 2-3 mins brisk up                      – easy 30-40 mins.        3 hour 30 mins off
     6                                   effort, 90 secs easy     on getting better sleep    and down hill efforts                                                        road.
                                               recovery.           and recovering well.      with easy walk back
                                                                                              recovery + 10 mins
                                                                                                steady walking.

                     Rest                  Brisk hike               Rest + core              Cross training            Rest               Fartlek hike               Long hike
                                         50-60 mins walk to                                 Cross training 45-60                            30-45 mins hilly      Easy 3 hour 45 mins
     7                                   include 3 x 10 mins                                mins at an easy effort.                       ‘fartlek’ walk using         off road.
                                        brisk effort, 120 secs                                                                                 landmarks.
                                            easy recovery.

                     Rest                  Brisk hike               Rest + core              Cross training            Rest               Fartlek hike               Long hike
                                         50-60 mins walk to                                 Cross training 45-60                            40-50 mins hilly      4 hours - 4 hours 15
     8                                 include 4 x 8 mins brisk                             mins at an easy effort.                       ‘fartlek’ walk using       mins off road.
                                         effort, 90 secs easy                                                                                  landmarks.
                                               recovery.
Macmillan Cancer Support                    Mighty Hike training plan: South Coast          The training         South Coast training plan / 3                                                        14

South Coast training plan / 3
   Week             Monday                      Tuesday               Wednesday          Thursday              Friday               Saturday                     Sunday               Weekly positives:

                       Rest                    Brisk hike             Rest + core    Cross training            Rest               Fartlek hike                 Long hike
                                           40 mins ‘out and back’                    Cross training 45-60                           40-50 mins hilly          4 hours 30 mins -
                                           walk – walk out for 20                    mins at an easy effort.                      ‘fartlek’ walk using      4 hours 45 mins walk
     9                                     minutes, turn and get                                                                       landmarks.            with the final 60-90
                                            back to the start 2-3                                                                                          mins to include brisk up
                                            mins quicker over an                                                                                                 hill efforts.
                                             undulating route.

                       Rest                    Brisk hike             Rest + core    Cross training            Rest                Easy walk                   Long hike
              This is a slightly lighter   40 mins walk to include                   Cross training 40 mins                     30-40 mins easy walk.         2 hours 15 mins
               week to allow more          4 x 5 mins brisk effort,                    at an easy effort.                                                         all easy.
    10           adaptation to the         90 secs easy recovery
                      training.

                       Rest                    Brisk hike             Rest + core    Cross training            Rest               Fartlek hike                 Long hike
                Now we are in our          50 mins ‘out and back’                    Cross training 45-60                        45-60 mins ‘fartlek’      23-26km off road walk
               peak training weeks         walk – walk out for 25                    mins at an easy effort.                    walk using landmarks.      with 3 x 3km at a brisk
              work to make sure your       minutes, turn and get                                                                                           effort over a undulating
    11        nutrition and snacking        back to the start 2-3                                                                                                    route
                between meals is            mins quicker over an
                      spot on!               undulating route.

                       Rest                    Brisk hike             Rest + core    Cross training            Rest               Fartlek hike                 Long hike
               Look back on all your        45-60 mins with the                      Cross training 45-60                        60 mins hilly ‘fartlek’   27-30km off road walk
    12         positives to see how          final 25 mins at a                      mins at an easy effort.                    walk using landmarks.       to include 10km at a
                far you have come!          brisk effort over an                                                                                             brisk effort over an
                                             undulating route.                                                                                              undulating route with
                                                                                                                                                              some sharp hills.
Macmillan Cancer Support                   Mighty Hike training plan: South Coast          The training       South Coast training plan / 4                                                 15

South Coast training plan / 4
   Week            Monday                     Tuesday               Wednesday          Thursday             Friday               Saturday                Sunday             Weekly positives:

                      Rest                   Brisk hike             Rest + core     Cross training          Rest               Fartlek hike             Long hike
                                          Progression walk of                         50-60 mins easy                        60 mins ‘fartlek’ walk    5 hour easy walk
    13                                       30 mins easy,                             cross training.                      using landmarks over a    allowing breaks for
                                            30 mins brisk.                                                                         hilly route.       food and rest every
                                                                                                                                                          90-105 mins.

                      Rest                   Brisk hike             Rest + core     Cross training          Rest               Fartlek hike             Long hike
               In the final two weeks    40 mins walk to include                      30-40 mins easy                        40 mins ‘fartlek’ walk   90-100 mins easy
                   you will see your     4 x 5 mins brisk effort,                      cross training.                         using landmarks.         relaxed walk.
                 training cut back a     90 secs easy recovery.
    14        little to ensure you are
                feeling recovered for
                      event day!

                      Rest                   Brisk hike             Rest + core        Easy walk            Rest              Mighty Hike!                  Rest
               Look back on all your       30-40 mins walk to                       15-20 mins easy walk.                        South Coast
    15         positives to see how      include 3 x 5 mins brisk                                                                Mighty Hike –
                far you have come!         effort, 90 secs easy                                                                   Good Luck!
                                                 recovery.
Macmillan Cancer Support           Mighty Hike training plan: South Coast   Strong and injury free   16

Bei, diagnosed with colorectal cancer
Macmillan Cancer Support   Mighty Hike training plan: South Coast   Strong and injury free   Stretching tips   17

stretching tips
Here are some tips for the stretches in this section:

	Stretch both legs and repeat 2-3 times if certain muscle
  groups seem particularly tight.

	Hold stretch for 40-45 secs each time and complete them
  after all forms of exercise.

	Never stretch cold muscles.

	A good stretching routine will help to restore the muscle
  balance and allow you to be more flexible.

	Consider investing in an ‘MOT’ with a sport physiotherapist
  or some sports massage which can help manage the build
  up in tightness that will occur in your training.

	A ‘foam roller’ can be used to supplement your stretching
  on a day to day basis to massage sore muscles.
Macmillan Cancer Support                    Mighty Hike training plan: South Coast                 Strong and injury free                 Key stretches                                                                   18

key stretchES
Glutes
Sit with one leg out straight. Cross the other leg
                                                       Hamstring (origin)
                                                       Lay on back. Pull one leg up to chest and hug with
                                                                                                             Hamstring (belly)
                                                                                                             Lay on back. Keep one leg on the ground. Raise
                                                                                                                                                                     Lower back
                                                                                                                                                                     Lay on back. Bring one leg up to chest and rotate
over, keeping knee bent. To feel stretch in backside   both arms. Keep one leg straight on floor keeping     other leg holding the back of the calf. Bring up to     to lower knee to floor using opposite arm as a
hug bent knee into chest. Keep back straight.          ankle flexed.                                         feel the stretch in the middle of the hamstring.        weight. Keep one leg straight and both shoulders
                                                                                                                                                                     on floor. Other arm should be straight out at
                                                                                                                                                                     shoulder level.

Quads                                                  Hip flexors                                           Calf (gastrocnemius)                                    Calf (soleus)
Grasp the top of the ankle with the same side hand     Kneel on one with a 90 degree angle at both knees.    Stand with feet shoulder width apart. Take one foot     Repeat position of the gastrocnemius stretch but
and bring heel to backside. Hips should be pushed      Push hips down and forwards until a stretch is felt   forward and keep feet parallel. Maintain the arch       this time bend back leg to take stretch into lower
forward.                                               at the front of the hip.                              in the forward foot by pressing down with the toes      calf above Achilles.
                                                                                                             to stop foot rolling in. Straighten back leg and feel
                                                                                                             stretch in top area of the calf
Macmillan Cancer Support                        Mighty Hike training plan: South Coast                    Strong and injury free                  Conditioning                                                                      19

conditioning
Finger crusher                                              Back extension                                          Plank                                                       Side plank
Get into a sit-up position. Find the natural arch in        From a prone position with your toes on the ground      Lift your body up with your weight on your elbows           Make a right angle with your supporting arm, your
your back and place your hands under the arch.              and fingers on temples raise your chest off the         and toes. Keep a straight line from the neck down           feet together and your stomach strong. Rise up,
Engage your lower abs and pelvic floor and push             ground by engaging your lower back muscles. After       through the legs to your ankles, engage all your            making sure you squeeze your glutes and push
your spine down onto your hands, trying to crush            a few secs relaxed back to the ground and repeat        core muscles by sucking your belly button up to the         your pelvis through. Hold it for 30-60 seconds.
your fingers into the ground. Hold this for 45-60           for 45-60 seconds.                                      ceiling. Keep your chest over your elbows. Hold for
secs per set.                                                                                                       30-60 secs.                                                 The next level: Lift your free arm into the air, keep
                                                            The next level: Extending your arms out in front of                                                                 your side really strong, and don’t let your middle sag.
The next level: Do small alternate leg lifts, while still   you with add a greater lever angle and make this        The next level: Add in small alternate leg lifts. If this
keeping even pressure on your hands or extending            exercise more challenging.                              is too hard to begin with, you can avoid lower back
in to ‘bicycle’ movement in and out with your legs.                                                                 pain by doing this with your knees on the ground.

Bridge                                                      Single leg squat
From a sit up position raise your hips up so your           Stand on one leg, engage your glute on your
body forms a straight line from shoulder to hips            standing leg, keep your hips facing forward and
to knees. Hold this position for 45-60 secs by              aligned with your knee and toe. Send your hips
squeezing your glutes and your lower abdominal              backwards whilst bending at the knee. You don’t
muscles.                                                    want your knee to roll inwards, so go down as far
                                                            as you can without that happening before moving
The next level: From a ‘bridge’ position straighten         back to a tall standing position. Repeat 8-15 times.
one leg at a time aiming to not let your hips ‘sag’ as
you do so.                                                  The next level: You can use a Swiss ball or use a
                                                            ‘wobble board’ under your foot.
Macmillan Cancer Support               Mighty Hike training plan: South Coast               Strong and injury free            Cross training                                                           20

cross training
               What it’s all about...                                                                                Keep it specific
               The strength exercises we have shown you in this guide are one form of cross                          Whilst cross training can add masses of value and variety to your weekly
               training. The others are non-hiking cardiovascular training such as swimming,                         training, make sure you remember your goal – hiking 26 miles. At the end of
               cycling and gym exercises. These exercise the heart and will keep you                                 your block of cross training you need to have the strength and fitness to hike.
               aerobically fit. Your heart doesn’t know the difference between going for a walk                      The minute your conditioning or cross training is getting so hard that it’s leaving
               or cross training, so it just works as hard as you ask it to. You can really boost                    you too tired to complete your long hikes, then it’s lost the benefit. It is there to
               your fitness with the additional cross training in your plan.                                         support your hikes, not replace them.

               Get checked out                                                                                       Gym classes
               If you’re injured firstly consult a doctor or physiotherapist before embarking on                     Many of you will be members (or could soon be members!) of a gym or attend
               your cross training. If they say you are able, still follow your training plan but                    local fitness classes. These are great for giving you a motivating environment
               use cross training instead. Don’t lose that hard-earned fitness – if you can do                       to keep going with your training plan. Remember the key rules here too
               it safely and pain free then maintain your fitness with cross training. If you can                    though – don’t leave your classes too tired. Pilates and yoga are a great
               see a sports physio or injury expert they will also offer rehab exercises and                         option to add into your training mix.
               training advice to go alongside.

               Heart rate
               If you want to get serious with your cross training you may wish to invest in a
               heart rate monitor which will help you train in the correct effort zones and allow
               you to keep track of your developing fitness as you progress. Over time you
               should feel you’re able to better control sudden increases in heart rate when
               you hike at a similar speed.
Macmillan Cancer Support                     Mighty Hike training plan: South Coast                    Energy and nutrition                   Nutrition and recovery                                                            21

                                      nutrition
                                      and recoveRy
Balance the triangle                  Protein rich, carbohydrate            Hydration                            Never hungry, never overfull            Micro-nutrients                        Time it right
Nutrition is one of key elements      clever                                Aim to drink 2-3 litres of fluid a   Split those big main meals into         Vitamins and minerals will             After your long hike make sure
of our training triangle. Without     Carbohydrate is critical to           day, sipping regularly on water      5-6 smaller meals, with mid             deplete more quickly as you            you refuel well within 60-mins of
getting the basics right you will     fuelling your training effectively.   or even water with electrolyte       morning and mid-afternoon               train harder so your demands           finishing. Take on plenty of fluids
struggle to have the energy to        Take on high quality, ‘slow           tablets (e.g. High5 Zero). Avoid     snacks to ensure blood sugar            will go up. Iron, vitamins D, B12,     and have a balanced meal with
train well or the nutrients to heal   release’ complex carbohydrates        drinking caffeine with your main     levels are balanced.                    C, magnesium and calcium are           plenty of protein and healthy
and adapt to the training you         including plenty of oatcakes,         meals as this can limit some of                                              just some of the basic ones            carbohydrates.
have completed. It’s a huge area      sweet potatoes and whole              your nutrient absorption, and                                                to be aware of. Increase your
with ever developing science          grains. Protein provides the          late at night which will impact on                                           nutrient density by eating as
and research so here we cover         essential nutrients you need to       your sleep. As your peak weeks                                               broad a range of foods as you
just the basic tips to keep you       heal damaged muscle fibres and        of training kick in you may wish                                             can, plenty of variety in your fruit
hiking strongly!                      tissues from lean meats, fish,        to monitor alcohol consumption                                               and vegetables is a great place
                                      nuts, sprouting seeds and tofu.       which can have a big impact on                                               to start!
                                                                            your recovery.

Ignore the myths                      Avoid the terrible toos               Monitor your health                  Get to bed                              Know when to back off                  Mighty Hike day
There are a lot of myths              Building your training up too         As you increase your training        Sleep is vital to adapting to           If you are regularly tired no          When you wake up you’ll need
and scare stories out there           fast, too soon and doing too          your body and your energy            training and getting fitter.            matter how much sleep you are          to make sure you have a good
surrounding nutrition. No athlete     much training too hard is a sure      demands will change. Your            Regularly getting 4, 5 or 6 hours       getting, feel your nutrition is        breakfast to give yourself lots of
should ever look to eliminate         fire way to pick up niggles and       diet will need to change and         sleep a night will limit your ability   good but still lack energy, are        energy. Then for the rest of the
whole food groups unless              gradually lose the motivation         adapt with this. Become good         to achieve deep sleep, release          struggling to improve or even          day we’ve got you covered, with
recommended to do so by a             to get up and train. Stick to the     a monitoring your energy levels      growth hormones and will affect         going backwards despite doing          regular pit-stops and a sit-down
qualified dietician, nutritionist     plan, be patient and don’t panic      and notice any sustained             cortisol and stress levels.             more and start to lose motivation      buffet lunch whilst you rest those
or doctor. Avoid the advice           or back fill training if you have     increase in fatigue or tiredness     Get into a good pattern at night,       to get out and train, you might be     feet. But you can always sneak
of unqualified bloggers and if        started late or had some time off.    over several days. Keep a            avoid digital screens in the            over training. Listen to your body     your favourite snack or sweet
you want to explore your own                                                training diary and note down         final hour before bed and limit         and be prepared to back off and        treat into your bag for a little
nutrition in depth, seek a fully                                            those sessions that felt fantastic   caffeine and alcohol late at            take an extra rest day and adapt       pick-me-up!
qualified professional.                                                     what you ate and drank so you        night.                                  your plan if needed. Consistency
                                                                            can repeat this in the future!                                               is vital!
Macmillan Cancer Support                          Mighty Hike training plan: South Coast   Contact            22

Contact
We’re here for you
For support, information or if you just want to chat,
call us free on 0300 100 0200 (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm)
or visit macmillan.org.uk/mightyhikes

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                 Macmillan.org.uk

Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017),
Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland.
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