How to Stay Motivated While Training
Preparing for a 42km overnight walk takes time, consistency and a little planning. While motivation can help you get started, it's consistency that will get you to the start line feeling confident and ready.
The key is creating a routine that makes training a regular part of your week, even on days when motivation is low.
Build a "No-Willpower" System
The easiest way to stay consistent with your training is to remove as many decisions as possible.
- Prepare the night before. Lay out your walking clothes, socks, shoes and any gear you'll need for your training walk.
- Schedule your walks in advance and add them to your calendar just like any other important commitment.
- On low-motivation days, lean on simple tricks like the 2-minute rule, just put your shoes on or step outside.
- From there, use the 10-minute rule of committing to starting, and if you still want to stop after 10 minutes, you can. Most of the time, once you begin, you’ll keep going!
Consistency beats perfection every time.
Keep Training Enjoyable
Training for a 42km overnight challenge doesn't need to feel repetitive.
Try:
- Exploring new walking routes
- Walking with friends or family
- Listening to music, podcasts or audiobooks
- Mixing shorter weekday walks with longer weekend walks
- Including hills or varied terrain to build strength and confidence
Keeping your training enjoyable makes it much easier to stay committed over the long term.
Track Your Progress and Celebrate Milestones
One of the best ways to stay motivated is to see how far you've come.
Keep a simple record of your training walks, whether that's through an app like Strava or Garmin, or even just notes on your phone. Watching your distances gradually increase can provide a real confidence boost and reinforces the habit.
Set achievable goals along the way, such as:
- Completing three walks each week
- Reaching a new distance milestone
- Completing your longest training walk so far
Don't forget to celebrate your progress. Every training walk is a step closer to crossing the Dusk to Dawn finish line. You could even reward yourself with some The Athlete’s Foot walking shoes.
Women’s walking shoes: https://www.theathletesfoot.com.au/shop/womens/walk
Men’s walking shoes: https://www.theathletesfoot.com.au/shop/mens/walk
Stay Accountable
Everything feels easier when you're not doing it alone.
Invite a friend to join you for training walks, connect with other participants, or share your progress with family and friends. Knowing that someone else is relying on you to show up can be a powerful motivator on days when enthusiasm is low.
When your goals exists outside of just your own head, it becomes much harder to ignore.
Focus on Consistency, Not Perfection
The goal isn't to have a perfect training plan. The goal is to build habits that you can stick to.
Some days you'll feel energised and ready to tackle a long walk. Other days, simply getting out the door will feel like an achievement. Both are valuable.
Showing up regularly matters far more than going all out occasionally. On days when energy is low, adopt a "better than nothing" mindset. Even a short walk helps keep the routine alive.
Most of your training walks should feel manageable, not exhausting. Building your distance gradually and maintaining a comfortable pace will help reduce the risk of burnout and injury.
Just as importantly, build in rest. Recovery days aren't a setback, they're what allow you to keep going long-term.
Remember:
- Every walk counts
- Rest days are part of training
- Missing one session doesn't mean you've failed
- Small, consistent efforts add up over time
Preparing for an overnight 42km challenge is a journey. By creating simple routines, staying consistent and focusing on progress rather than perfection, you'll build the confidence and endurance needed to take on the Dusk to Dawn challenge.
Happy training! 🌙👟
