SGPT Interviews Long Walker Mark Clingen

What happens when confidence meets the grind? Sometimes, we think we’re ready to conquer the mission, but the reality hits harder than expected. That’s where the real lessons come in.

Mark Clingen took on the challenge of a 24-hour “long walk,” and he didn’t just complete it—he walked away with some hard-earned wisdom. His story isn’t just about miles; it’s about grit, humility, and finding strength in the struggle.

“I learned humility,” Mark shared. “I thought I was ready for 24 hours, but that night proved me wrong.”

Join us as we dig into Mark’s journey. His experience shines a light on what it takes to tackle a challenge like this, what it feels like to face the elements, and what lessons come out on the other side. Let’s get to the heart of this thing called the “long walk.”

SGPT: Tell us about yourself?

MC: I’m 54 year old recently retired guy who knows he has more to give. I moved halfway across Canada to my partner’s birthplace in Saskatchewan. The real estate is more affordable here, but the winters are more severe.

SGPT: Did you have an athletic background growing up?

MC: I was raised by extremely religious parents who discouraged me from playing organized sports. However, I enjoyed playing outdoors and running around growing up.

SGPT: How did you train for the long walk event?

MC: I did not train specifically for the “Long Walk” event, though I participated in Coach Mcleod’s last three challenges.

SGPT: Tell us a little about the event? Where was it?

MC: The event was suggested to me by my School of Grit coach and Kokoro graduate Brad Ritter. It was presented as a 12 or ideally 24 hour slick walking crucible where a person walks for 50 minutes and rests for 10 continuously for 12 or 24 hours. It was recommended that I walk away from my house (in Saskatchewan, Canada) for 25 minutes and then return.

SGPT: What was hardest part of the long walk?

MC: The hardest part of the event was walking in the 3″-6″ snow from 2 am-5 as my lower back tightened, my weakened left knee ached, and my right foot plantar fasciitis flared up. Sunrise was set to occur at 8:40 am. Temperatures hovered near -20 celsius or -4 fahrenheit. At that point I was limping and the 10 minute breaks felt really short and the walking constant.

SGPT: What is one thing you wish you would have done to get ready for a long walk?

MC: I wish I had of trained more specifically for this event, and not have treated it so cavalierly. I totally underestimated how difficult it would become.

SGPT: Did you do this event solo or with others?

MC: I did it solo, which is probably harder. It’s fine to do it with others.

I used no audible aids (ie music or podcasts), and did it in the dark. Sunrise sets at 5pm here now.

SGPT: What is one thing that you learned in the long walk?

MC: I learned humility. I thought I was up to the 24 hours, but realized that on that night I was not.

SGPT: Any tips for up and coming athletes that want to do a long walk event?

MC: My advice to others is to prepare by going on long walks, possibly weighted, before the event. Having a variety of favorite foods at the ready would also help. I was craving a McDonald’s egg mcmuffin during the early morning hours.

SGPT: What kind of running shoes or boots did you use for the event?

MC: I wore 3/4 height Salomon hiking boots that were well worked in.

SGPT: Did you use sock liners or body glide on your feet to prevent blisters?

MC: I did not use sock liners, bag balm, or body glide on my feet. Perhaps I should have worn these.

SGPT: Did you use a ruck for training and the event?

MC: I did the occasional ruck training prior to the event, but not during it. I did the event slick apart from winter clothing layers.

SGPT: What book are you reading now?