In early October I’ll walk from Bologna to Florence in five days with my brother. Here’s how I’m preparing—physically, mentally and in terms of gear—so I can truly enjoy the journey without chasing the miles.
Physical preparation
Walking for several consecutive days is very different from a casual Sunday hike. I’ve been training with long walks, often uphill and downhill, carrying a backpack close to the weight I’ll have during the journey. I’ve focused on the muscles that will matter most: calves, legs, glutes, and especially the core, which helps the back stay stable. I’ve also worked on ankle mobility and foot strength, crucial when trails get rough.
Nutrition is equally important. In the days leading up to departure I’ll stick to simple, balanced meals with complex carbs, lean proteins and vegetables. On the trail I’ll eat small snacks regularly—nuts, bars, dried fruit, simple sandwiches—and drink steadily, with electrolytes if the heat surprises us. Hydration will be as much a part of the rhythm as the steps themselves.
Clothing and backpack
October can mean fresh mornings, sudden showers and mild afternoons, so my strategy is layering. A light technical or merino shirt as a base, a fleece or thin vest to add warmth when needed, and a waterproof shell for wind and rain. For the legs, quick-dry hiking trousers, and for the feet, merino socks and shoes that are already well broken-in, ideally half a size larger to allow for swelling during long days.
The backpack will be my closest companion. I chose a medium capacity, about 30 liters—large enough for essentials but small enough to avoid unnecessary weight. I’ll make sure most of the load rests on my hips rather than my shoulders, and I’ll aim to keep it under 7–9 kg with water included. Inside will be a rain cover and dry bags to keep things safe, a water filter, a small foot-care kit and, of course, a headlamp for the darker evenings.
Mental preparation
If the body matters, the mind matters even more. In the days before leaving I remind myself why I’m doing this: not for speed, not for performance, but to spend five different days, slowing down and sharing every step with my brother. I know moments of fatigue will come, so I prepare to break each stage into smaller goals, focusing on one climb or one water break at a time, rather than the full distance still ahead.
I’ll also carry a small notebook to jot down thoughts and I’ve promised myself to take five photos a day just out of gratitude. It’s my way of training my eyes to notice details, even when tiredness might make me overlook them. The challenge will be to stay present and light, without letting the thought of the finish line overshadow the experience.