How to Prepare for Trek

 How to Prepare

What can I do now to prepare for Trek?

The pioneers planned and prepared extensively before they began their journey. Similarly, all trek participants should prepare physically and spiritually before the event. The trek will require physical, emotional and spiritual stamina; therefore each participate should seriously prepare for the trek. Here are some great suggestions:

WATCH – A good place to start your pioneer trek preparation is to watch three training videos the Church has produced to help you get ready for trek. You can find them at the following link:  Trek Training Videos

WALK –Grab and friend and start walking!  The trek will be strenuous.  It will likely be very hot as well.  You will want to make sure that you are in good physical condition.  The start of a new year is a perfect time to start conditioning your body.  Start walking now and increase your distance regularly.  Here is a suggested routine:

·                  January: walk 10 minutes 3 times a week

·                  February: walk 30 minutes 3 times a week

·                  March:  walk 40 minutes 3 times a week

·                  April: walk 50 minutes 4 times a week

·                  May: walk 60 minutes 4 times a week

PIONEER CLOTHING – For more details about clothing requirements plus some great ideas and resources for pioneer clothing, visit our Clothing web page.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR FEET – Wearing the wrong shoes on the trek will rub you wrong and cause pain and blisters.  Remember, your toes need room to expand, because your feet will swell a full shoe size as you walk on the trek.  Running shoes are the best for trekkers.  Try to do a couple of walks with your trekking shoes and a light backpack before the trek.  While walking, when you feel hot spots forming stop and go home.  Rub your feet with rubbing alcohol and let them dry out.  This should allow you to form calluses that can protect you on the trek.

ACCLIMATE and HYDRATE – If you haven’t spent a good amount of time outside and in the heat, the sudden change can be very hard on your body and may be a disaster waiting to happen. Your body needs time to adapt. Take the opportunity before trek to spend time outdoors in various kinds of weather but especially in the heat so you can become acclimated to these conditions. Also, increase your daily water intake.

LEARN ABOUT THE PIONEERS – Make your pioneer trek more meaningful by learning about the Pioneers. Why did they leave their homes? What did they hope for? What challenges did they face? How do their experiences encourage you? Go to our Pioneer Stories web page to get started. 

SEARCH YOUR OWN ANCESTORS – In addition to learning about the pioneers, take time to search out your own ancestors and family history. They don’t have to be pioneers to have inspiring stories that will help and lift you. You will have the opportunity to share these stories with your trek family!

STRIVE TO LIVE A CHRIST-LIKE LIFE – To get the most out of trek you need to have the Spirit with you. What better way than to strive to be like Christ in all you do.

ATTEND CHURCH – Kind of a no-brainer but attending church is great spiritual preparation.

PRAY DAILY – Keep up your daily prayers or begin daily prayer if you have been neglecting them. Talk to God. Seek His guidance, help and counsel.

STUDY THE SCRIPTURES – Perhaps re-read the scriptural passages that deal with the various “exodus” experiences in the history of God’s people from the Bible, Book of Mormon, and the Doctrine and Covenants.