Here is the recommended checklist for all walkers on preparation for the "Great Canal Walk":
Prior to Walking:
- Get Adequate Sleep - get to bed early, at least the night before, to be adequately rested. This is especially important for walkers looking to finish the entire 40 miles.
- Have Supplies Ready - get your clothes, food and other supplies ready to go the night before.
- Eat a Light Breakfast - have a light breakfast before you leave the house so that you are ready to walk. There may be some coffee + at the start.
- Nature Will Call - Plan to use the restroom at the start in the Trenton Train Station. The next public restroom/portajohn is at least an hour away.
- Have Support Friend On Call – Have someone you can call if you run into a problem or need to get home in a hurry. We hope to have one car following the basic group of walkers providing some very basic assistance if needed such as a lift ahead or to a train station.
- Know Options to Get Home - For most walkers, it will mean a train ride back. Get schedule of trains you might need to get back. Here are the NJ Transit Train Schedules you might need. Interactive Scheduler - Northeast Corridor Lines - Raritan Valley Line
Supplies to Take Along:
- 2 Water Bottles – 12, 16 or 20 oz and means to carry. Tip: Fill 1/2 then freeze overnight, fill to top with water.
- Hat – a cap with some kind of brim to provide shade while walking. If cold, carry a warm cap capable of covering ears.
- Food – any high carbohydrates. Power bars, dried fruit, pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, candy, etc. “Gorp” is an old standby with granola or nuts, dried fruit (raisins, craisins, etc.) and M&M’s.
- Cell Phone – (or be accompanied by someone who has cell phone)
- Basics – ID/Wallet, money, credit/debit card (convenient to pay for train ride). TIP- if you are 62 years or older take advantage of substantial senior discount on NJ Transit train fare.
- Carrying Pack - (optional) Fanny pack, back pack or sling pack. Depends on what you are carrying. Lighter the better. Cargo pants or sharing with someone else may be sufficient. See Top Eleven Tips.
- Jacket – (optional) an outer shell if weather looks like possibility of rain and/or cold. Could provide warmth if needed. Alternative would be umbrella.
- Extra Socks (optional) – 1 extra pair of socks to change into if needed.
After Walking:
- Rehydrate - asap drink adequate water or gatorade first. Best if not too cold.
- Refuel - eat some carbs and protein. You may or may not feel very hungry or too exhausted to eat. Either way begin to eat something. Don't feel like you have to eat a lot because of the energy you burned – it depends on what your body wants. Best to continuously eat small amounts of carbs.
