C. J. Buck, M.I.A., CEO of Xenna Corporation, (www.xenna.com), a distributor of natural foot care products, says, "It sounds like a piece of cake in the beginning, but a serious charity walkathon can be exhausting and very difficult, especially if your footwear and feet and not in top condition. Take the time to ask others who have done the event before how to prepare and then follow their advice."

Experts say it's best to have several weeks before the event to get in some training, walking at least 15 minutes to half an hour a day. Advice for socks and shoes includes:

• · Find a shoe fitting expert to help you find the shoe that is best for your walking distance, speed, style, and surface as well as your weight and stride.
• · Most general sporting goods stores do not have staff who are experts on shoe fitting - go to a specialty running and walking shoe store.
• · Don't buy shoes that may be stylish but won't perform well for walking
• · Bring socks that will wick away moisture to wear while trying on the shoes, then use those socks for the walk.
• · The right size for walking shoes will be a size to a size and a half larger than the size your normally wear, because your feet swell while walking.
• · Try on shoes later in the day or right after walking so your feet will have time to swell to their maximum proportions.
• · Shoes should feel comfortable when you put them on - don't buy shoes with the idea of "wearing them in."
• · To help avoid blisters, pay attention to whether your foot feels it is rubbing against a rough spot in the shoe - if so, try a different pair.

Emily Martin, a buyer for a major New York department store, walks every year for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. Martin says it's important to drink plenty of water and to get a good night's sleep before tackling a charity walk. She adds, "To prepare, I just put on my sneakers and wear orthotics, but your feet do get really tired during the walk. Probably the older you are, the more important it is to prepare beforehand."

According to Buck, "Getting feet into shape is particularly challenging for older individuals, who are more likely to have dry, cracked feet or thickened toenails that can press against shoes. Proper attention to foot care year round is the best way to keep feet fit and attractive."

For those interested in natural, diabetic-friendly toenail and foot care, Xenna's NonyX® Nail Gel is a patented, easy-to-use gel that breaks down and removes keratin debris - the discolored, yellow or thick granular buildup under nails that causes them to become discolored and unattractive. NonyX Gel softens keratin debris using natural ethanoic acid, which permits it to be gradually scraped out with a manicure tool, beginning after about four weeks. With continued use, nails become clear and healthy-looking.

For feet that are dry and flaking or have thickened, rough areas around the sole or toes, Xenna's patented CalleX® Ointment was developed to provide an acid-free, diabetic-friendly way to have smooth, baby-soft feet. It's also moisturizing and free of parabens and colorants.

CalleX Ointment uses natural enzymes to thin and soften hardened, thickened skin and remove dry, cracked, or scaly buildup anywhere on the foot, including toes and heels. Newly patented, CalleX also moisturizes the foot and has been shown in consumer studies to significantly reduce thickened skin areas within 15 to 30 days.

Xenna products are available in the foot care section at Walgreens, Rite Aid, Longs, CVS Pharmacy, Eckerd Pharmacy, Wal-Mart, Brooks Pharmacy, Duane Reade, HEB grocery stores and many Medicine Shoppe pharmacies. On the web, you can purchase NonyX Nail Gel and CalleX Ointment at www.xenna.com or www.drugstore.com.

For questions or further information, contact Xenna Customer Service at 800-368-6003.

To sign up for a free newsletter on walking, obtain walking tips, and to access a walking tutorial, go to www.walking.about.com