Weird walking tips

Coastrek is for a good cause, raising money for the Fred Hollows Foundation (Australian Charity of the Year).

That was one reason for agreeing to do the walk.

Comedian and ABC presenter Adam Spencer throwing down the gauntlet and challenging us to a race might have also had something to do with it.

I can't say I don't like a little healthy competition.

But, the date has crept up on us and suddenly, without a skerrick of training between us, we've realised the race is this Friday.

I've been asking around for tips and tricks for such a hefty walk and have been on the receiving end of some rather weird suggestions.

Walk backwards down hills was one, tape up your toes Geisha-style was another.

Walking is the most popular fitness activity in Australia. It is also a low-impact sport, making it good for most people and, one new study found, is a "promising intervention" as a "proactive health-promoting activity".

So for those of us embarking on big walking adventures, having a few tricks up our sleeves to make it as painless as possible is worthwhile.

Coastrek's CEO, Di Westaway, 54, has done the annual walk since 2009.

We asked her whether weird walking tips actually work (seems they do) and what her top tips were:

1.     Put Vaseline or Paw Paw ointment on your nipples, cracks and crevices to prevent chaffing

2.     Wear leather boots underwater and dry while walking to wear in and prevent blisters

3.     Lace up boots with an over knot at the front of the ankle to avoid losing toe nails on long descents

4.     Wear a pair of nylon women's stocking socks under your walking socks to prevent friction blisters

5.     Putting your bottle of wine close to your lower back when you pack your pack your Valentine's day picnic makes it more comfortable

6.     Use trekking poles to prevent sausage fingers on long walks

7.     Get yourself a pair of swimmable undies so you can  jump in for a dip any time you're out walking

8.     Find out if you're a floppy or stiffy so you know how to get balanced to prevent injuries on long walks

9.     Strong bottoms and strong tummies will help prevent injury on long walks – body weight exercise like yoga and Physiocise can help with this

10.  Going down stairs diagonally reduces knee stress and pain

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