I'm not really in this category yet, but I'm walking more and more, any chance I get. The point of it is to get in shape for a week-long hiking trip in Provence at the start of july. I'm going to be hiking with a group of strangers (not strangers for long, hopefully) of unknown fitness level, and the information about difficulty level I've got is a bit contradictory, so I'm keen to get in as good walking shape as possible before I fly to France!

Anyone else walking a lot? Stories to share, experience with walking on LC, or fasting, and whether it helped you lose weight? That's not my focus this trip, mostly I want to work on my French! And get to see the Maritime Alps. I'd also love tips on how you've overcome difficulties/snags and what equipment you've found useful for a longer trip. We'll have access to our luggage at the shelters for all but one day, so I'm now obsessing over what to put in my daysack to cover all eventualities!

I'm hiking in the woods near my home to prepare, I've done a couple of trips of 17 and 18-19 km lately. I'm walking any chance I get, but lately I've had to work weekends, so it's a bit hard to get a chance!