The dates are getting closer and you have to start doing your homework.
There’s a list of equipment that I looked at a few months ago and thought: “Phew! I’ll take a proper look at this closer to the time.”. In fact, I think two items are essential: good footwear and a backpack. You need time to get used to both. As for footwear, we all know that you should never set off on a trekking wearing new boots, and the same goes for trainers: you have to get to know them, talk to them and let them mould to your feet. The backpack is another key piece of equipment, carrying the 9 or 13 kilos we will bear during seven days of self-sufficiency. A good relationship and mutual respect will prevent chafing that can lead to large sores or blisters.
On my first day with the backpack, I put two large stones inside to train with weight. I could not wait to find out what running with a load felt like. The results were immediate: the sharp stones bounced around and tore both the backpack and the skin on my lower back. Lesson learned.
Second attempt: I took a 5-litre water container, filling it with about 4 litres. At least I knew how many kilos were on my back, so I set off to train. Wrong! The water sloshes from side to side as you run, making it difficult to keep a straight stride. You become a human pendulum.
In the end, the best formula is little bags. zip freezer bags filled with sand from the playground. Each weighs exactly one kilo, so before training with the backpack, I vary the load, choosing two, three or up to six bags.