This is part of a Crossing the Canyon blog series. In it, we’ll share training tips, motivation and some fundraising suggestions. If you’re planning to hike, check out Maria’s 12 Week Couch to Rim to Rim training plan here. For more information about Crossing the Canyon or to sign up to join the team, head here.

Hopefully your training is off to a good start and you are also beginning your fundraising campaign. Remember to go steady on both!

Crossing the Canyon in one day requires just a little equipment, but it makes sense to have it early in your training so that you can use it during your training.  

1. Waterproof Sunscreen – remember to use it during your training, and bring it with you on the trip.
2. Camelback-type water bladder (enough to carry at least 100 oz).  Use it while you train so you can get used to drinking from it frequently and refilling it as needed.
3. Lightweight hiking shoes or running shoes. Whatever shoes you decide to wear, train in them.
4. Bodyglide or vaseline – I use this under my bra straps and on my toes to keep blisters from forming.  Your first long hike should show you where you are likely to develop rubs or blisters.
5. Food – carry high calorie easy to eat foods with you on your long endurance hikes.  Trail mix is named that for a reason. It’s loaded with calories and easy to carry.  
6. Camera – if you are planning on bringing it on the hike, get used to carrying it. At the very least carry a cell phone on your training hikes so that you can call someone if you get into trouble.
7. Buff – this is a terrific piece – something you can wear on your head or neck that will keep you warm or cool.  I bought one for Crossing The Canyon last year, and have worn it many times since.  The description from the Buff website says it all:  multifunctional tubular accessory ideal for many activities. Designed to keep you warm in the cold, will also wick moisture (sweat) away from your skin to keep you cool when it is hot. The lightweight, breathable, microfibre fabric is extremely comfortable to wear. USES: can be worn as a neckerchief, headband, wristband, mask, hair-band, balaclava, scarf, headband, scrunchie, saharaine, pirate cap, beanie and bandana.
8. Salty foods and/or electrolyte pills. As you train this summer and fall, be sure to replace your lost electrolytes with electrolyte pills or salty foods such as pickles or salty chips. I take a product called Salt Sticks which has sodium and other electrolytes in it. When I am sweating heavily, I take a pill every hour or so.  

Keep up the good work with your training and fundraising!