Just a quick update to say that we've now enrolled for Trailtrekker 2010, and this time we're aiming for 24 hours!
Our new blog is here:
http://theqteam2010.blogspot.com
We welcome a new member of the team - James Swiffen, who takes Rich's place.
Monday, 21 December 2009
Wednesday, 17 June 2009
The Road Is Long
The Road is Long
A personal journey
January:
The road is long, 100 kay, what the heck am I doing?
Aching legs and furrowed brown, feet gone to rack and ruin.
Blisters size of 50p’s legs heavy as a ton.
We walk and walk and walk and walk, no sign of when it’s done.
We reach the end, at last can rest and stop to look around.
With peak and dale, brook and stream the vista of Yorkshire’s ground.
And then the realisation, you’ve covered 15 miles and more.
The feeling of achievement, is one not too ignore.
So maybe not the worst idea, Trail trekking cross the moors.
A first for me, and Oxfam, and in a worthy cause.
‘Same time in a fortnight? We’ll push another mile!’
Mind is shot and bodies weak, ‘Of course!’ said with a smile.
Recovery is slow coming, for a fat and feeble man.
My fitness far behind my group, who ‘almost’ could have ran.
So I begin some training, on bike and on Wii Fit,
I hope this works, cos Yoga… make’s me look a twit!
February:
Fitness is getting better but the feet are not improving.
Every time I walk the blisters come, but still I keep on moving.
A nice long track up Birkwith Moor, a change from mountains high.
Add to the mix some gale force winds and I feel like I will die!
At last a respite from the wind as Cam Woodlands arms embrace.
Hopes dashed in double quick time and the storms back in my face.
A stop for lunch is welcome and the view an inspiring distraction.
But with 12k done and 14 more, will I end up in traction?
At days end as dusk sets in, we see Buckden in the gloom.
Not long now to The Buck pub and a warm and welcoming room.
We pull our boots from aching feet, a quick change is required.
As I realise how I coped with it, damn! I’m re-inspired
Fundraising is a vital part, as well as getting fit.
Pig Racing is our vehicle as my club has all the kit.
What is that? I hear you cry, Pig Racing sounds so weird!
Battery operated on a track, there’s nothing to be feared.
The Cross Key’s pub in Skipton, were our generous hosts.
With races sponsored and piggy’s sold, that was a brilliant boast.
It was a fun filled night, with prizes won and bets galore.
By the end we had Four Hundred pounds, a great start that’s for sure!
March:
Could socks be the answer to my prayers? Anything’s worth a try.
If I get one more blister you will see a grown man cry.
So double lined and guaranteed to help with my condition.
Will this be the final jigsaw piece that solves my impossible mission?
With confidence in my feet, a walk home from work is done.
Despite the rain and wind I can’t believe I’m having fun.
My ‘waterproofs’ don’t seem the best and I feel I’m getting wet.
I get home soaked, steam from my clothes but that was the best walk yet!
The weekend is for families not just for Trailtrek training.
A respite from the weather, thank goodness it’s stopped raining.
With dog in tow we walk along, the ground is very soggy.
With bush and grass, puddle and bog, the ideal playground for a doggy.
We’re getting slicker with our plans, equipment is in place.
I even have a hydration pack, with a tube right near my face.
Check list in hand I pack my kit, ready for the morrow.
Compeed, map and compass too, there’s nothing left to borrow.
A personal tragedy visited, my mum has passed away.
Words can’t describe the shock I feel this is my very worst day.
I remember she was proud of me for my charity ambition,
So I’ll carry on in her memory, completion is my mission!
April:
It’s time to maximise our walks, 20 miles and more.
It feels a very strange mindset, to do something that makes you sore!
Plans for walking through the night are made for better trials.
Ten and twelve hours walking across moonlit fields and stiles.
No matter how much exercise, I’m getting every week.
The doubts are always in the wings will I ever peak?
Distance walking’s a strange beast, with emotions all the way.
Fun, elation and confidence, and worry never far away.
The greatest challenge of my life, is how I would portray.
This multiple non-stop marathon, continuing over a day!
In equal measure up and down, confidence and fear…
And now the task is very real, because the day will soon be here.
May:
A weekend walking in the lakes seems a good idea,
An evening round the campfire would be so much better with beer!
Helvelin is a daunting sight as we go on our way.
Sun and friends and blister free, could there be a better day?
The time is now upon us, its only weeks away.
Support and kit is all in place, all ready for the BIG day.
Despite how daunting this has been I’m feeling I can do it.
Everybody’s with me, I just hope I can get through it.
Fundraisings still a constant issue, to get the money in.
A recipe book is so grand I think were going to win.
Ramping up the walking is now our main concern.
Organised and prepared with everything we learn.
Friday nights alright for fighting, and for walking too.
It’s 22 miles to my house, that’s what I hope to do.
The pounding of the pavement and road where there’s no path.
Were very hard on my feet and legs so they’ll get a welcome bath.
I feel as fit as I have been for a long long time.
The muscles on my legs have hardened helping me to climb.
Recovery times a worry as the ache takes days to go.
So my training has the simple pattern of quick, quick slow.
The Event!
The trainings all completed, I'm as fit as I can be.
My feet are the only thing that still worries me.
I need a good start too the walk, preferably blister free.
So off we set at 8am to be all that we can be.
The weather is so shocking, I've not walked with it so hot.
Moral is good, it’s a moan free zone so we're happy with our lot.
As we approach the first water stop I'm worried by a feeling.
Some hot spots starting on my feet, I hope there not already peeling!
Soon we are at Malham and we've made a cracking pace.
Everyone is beaming as the sun shines on our face.
The boots are off the feet revealed, I can't believe my eyes.
Five of those damn blisters and we've only done 14 miles!
The walk from then's a struggle, although the team are great.
Up Malham Cove and Pen Y Ghent, over stile and gate.
Passed waterstop and checkpoint, we walk into the night.
The pain ever increasing, each step becomes a fight.
At checkpoint 4, there are no more, Skipton is so near.
There's only one more trek to go to reach my special beer!
The steps are getting harder, like walking on broken glass.
The pain is spreading up my legs, I sink down on the grass.
My journey now is ended, I can go on no more.
The pain is now too much and I cannot endure.
The team go on without me, with best wishes in their ears.
As I am driven back to base I'm on the edge of tears.
Back to Skipton I return but not on foot as planned.
As other teams land one by one all to a rousing hand.
And eventually The Q Team, are in the final straight.
Three of the four members, their effort has been great.
As blisters heal and health returns the money's coming in.
Our target has been obliterated, meaning its all win, win, win.
A tentative question raised, what about next year?
Excuse my French, the answer comes. NO BLOODY FEAR!!!
Be Humankind
Adrian Stokes, The Q Team
A personal journey
January:
The road is long, 100 kay, what the heck am I doing?
Aching legs and furrowed brown, feet gone to rack and ruin.
Blisters size of 50p’s legs heavy as a ton.
We walk and walk and walk and walk, no sign of when it’s done.
We reach the end, at last can rest and stop to look around.
With peak and dale, brook and stream the vista of Yorkshire’s ground.
And then the realisation, you’ve covered 15 miles and more.
The feeling of achievement, is one not too ignore.
So maybe not the worst idea, Trail trekking cross the moors.
A first for me, and Oxfam, and in a worthy cause.
‘Same time in a fortnight? We’ll push another mile!’
Mind is shot and bodies weak, ‘Of course!’ said with a smile.
Recovery is slow coming, for a fat and feeble man.
My fitness far behind my group, who ‘almost’ could have ran.
So I begin some training, on bike and on Wii Fit,
I hope this works, cos Yoga… make’s me look a twit!
February:
Fitness is getting better but the feet are not improving.
Every time I walk the blisters come, but still I keep on moving.
A nice long track up Birkwith Moor, a change from mountains high.
Add to the mix some gale force winds and I feel like I will die!
At last a respite from the wind as Cam Woodlands arms embrace.
Hopes dashed in double quick time and the storms back in my face.
A stop for lunch is welcome and the view an inspiring distraction.
But with 12k done and 14 more, will I end up in traction?
At days end as dusk sets in, we see Buckden in the gloom.
Not long now to The Buck pub and a warm and welcoming room.
We pull our boots from aching feet, a quick change is required.
As I realise how I coped with it, damn! I’m re-inspired
Fundraising is a vital part, as well as getting fit.
Pig Racing is our vehicle as my club has all the kit.
What is that? I hear you cry, Pig Racing sounds so weird!
Battery operated on a track, there’s nothing to be feared.
The Cross Key’s pub in Skipton, were our generous hosts.
With races sponsored and piggy’s sold, that was a brilliant boast.
It was a fun filled night, with prizes won and bets galore.
By the end we had Four Hundred pounds, a great start that’s for sure!
March:
Could socks be the answer to my prayers? Anything’s worth a try.
If I get one more blister you will see a grown man cry.
So double lined and guaranteed to help with my condition.
Will this be the final jigsaw piece that solves my impossible mission?
With confidence in my feet, a walk home from work is done.
Despite the rain and wind I can’t believe I’m having fun.
My ‘waterproofs’ don’t seem the best and I feel I’m getting wet.
I get home soaked, steam from my clothes but that was the best walk yet!
The weekend is for families not just for Trailtrek training.
A respite from the weather, thank goodness it’s stopped raining.
With dog in tow we walk along, the ground is very soggy.
With bush and grass, puddle and bog, the ideal playground for a doggy.
We’re getting slicker with our plans, equipment is in place.
I even have a hydration pack, with a tube right near my face.
Check list in hand I pack my kit, ready for the morrow.
Compeed, map and compass too, there’s nothing left to borrow.
A personal tragedy visited, my mum has passed away.
Words can’t describe the shock I feel this is my very worst day.
I remember she was proud of me for my charity ambition,
So I’ll carry on in her memory, completion is my mission!
April:
It’s time to maximise our walks, 20 miles and more.
It feels a very strange mindset, to do something that makes you sore!
Plans for walking through the night are made for better trials.
Ten and twelve hours walking across moonlit fields and stiles.
No matter how much exercise, I’m getting every week.
The doubts are always in the wings will I ever peak?
Distance walking’s a strange beast, with emotions all the way.
Fun, elation and confidence, and worry never far away.
The greatest challenge of my life, is how I would portray.
This multiple non-stop marathon, continuing over a day!
In equal measure up and down, confidence and fear…
And now the task is very real, because the day will soon be here.
May:
A weekend walking in the lakes seems a good idea,
An evening round the campfire would be so much better with beer!
Helvelin is a daunting sight as we go on our way.
Sun and friends and blister free, could there be a better day?
The time is now upon us, its only weeks away.
Support and kit is all in place, all ready for the BIG day.
Despite how daunting this has been I’m feeling I can do it.
Everybody’s with me, I just hope I can get through it.
Fundraisings still a constant issue, to get the money in.
A recipe book is so grand I think were going to win.
Ramping up the walking is now our main concern.
Organised and prepared with everything we learn.
Friday nights alright for fighting, and for walking too.
It’s 22 miles to my house, that’s what I hope to do.
The pounding of the pavement and road where there’s no path.
Were very hard on my feet and legs so they’ll get a welcome bath.
I feel as fit as I have been for a long long time.
The muscles on my legs have hardened helping me to climb.
Recovery times a worry as the ache takes days to go.
So my training has the simple pattern of quick, quick slow.
The Event!
The trainings all completed, I'm as fit as I can be.
My feet are the only thing that still worries me.
I need a good start too the walk, preferably blister free.
So off we set at 8am to be all that we can be.
The weather is so shocking, I've not walked with it so hot.
Moral is good, it’s a moan free zone so we're happy with our lot.
As we approach the first water stop I'm worried by a feeling.
Some hot spots starting on my feet, I hope there not already peeling!
Soon we are at Malham and we've made a cracking pace.
Everyone is beaming as the sun shines on our face.
The boots are off the feet revealed, I can't believe my eyes.
Five of those damn blisters and we've only done 14 miles!
The walk from then's a struggle, although the team are great.
Up Malham Cove and Pen Y Ghent, over stile and gate.
Passed waterstop and checkpoint, we walk into the night.
The pain ever increasing, each step becomes a fight.
At checkpoint 4, there are no more, Skipton is so near.
There's only one more trek to go to reach my special beer!
The steps are getting harder, like walking on broken glass.
The pain is spreading up my legs, I sink down on the grass.
My journey now is ended, I can go on no more.
The pain is now too much and I cannot endure.
The team go on without me, with best wishes in their ears.
As I am driven back to base I'm on the edge of tears.
Back to Skipton I return but not on foot as planned.
As other teams land one by one all to a rousing hand.
And eventually The Q Team, are in the final straight.
Three of the four members, their effort has been great.
As blisters heal and health returns the money's coming in.
Our target has been obliterated, meaning its all win, win, win.
A tentative question raised, what about next year?
Excuse my French, the answer comes. NO BLOODY FEAR!!!
Be Humankind
Adrian Stokes, The Q Team
Thursday, 4 June 2009
Ady's Story - Doomed to Failure?
Starting my journey with an age, fitness and girth handicaps I was determined to give myself the best chance of completing the course. Being the oldest by at least 13 years was no excuse for not doing the work required to get ready. Having complete faith in my team mates put a little extra pressure on so that turned into a great incentive for me to keep on going. A bit of a set back in March when my mum passed away put Trailtrekker on the back burner for a while but on the day I felt ready willing and able to do it.
Giving up booze and spam since April 1st (no joke) was really helpful in making sure my stamina was as good as the rest!
What I really needed was a good start with few if any blisters on the first leg and ideally the second too. What I got was something a little different.
By the first checkpoint 5 comped were applied and while they did their job it proved a distraction analysing every step for further signs of pain and damage. By checkpoint 2 each step was painful and the comped were running low.
My journey from that point forward is a series of remembered feelings of levels of pain from my feet. A good step was a painful one, while a bad step made me wince and a really bad step generated gasps and swears... (sorry anyone within earshot)
By the 4th checkpoint I was in real trouble and went to the first aid people for help. There advise was simple, stop! Which was not what I wanted to hear. The only thing they could offer was more padding and in hindsight accepting this was a mistake. The padding crushed my feet in my shoes and affected my gait putting additional pressure on my knees.
I would never have forgiven myself for not attempting the last leg but it was probably doomed to failure. As the pain grew worse and my speed became little more than a crawl I went into denial, probably costing the others their chance of making 30 hours. When my knees started to buckle on a particularly steep hill it was time to call a halt. Little did I realise how emotional I would feel as failure is not an experience I am used to.
The next photos are not for the squeamish!
As you can see the damage done was significant and now, 4 days removed, I cannot walk pain free and my feet are still very swollen. Time will heal them and, fingers crossed, my walking will return to normal.
In the end the disappointment of not finishing I'm sure will be overtaken by the fact that the real goal of Trailtrekker, raising money, was not only achieved but when we have finished should have been exceeded by over £1.000 giving us a final total over £2,500.
A huge thank you to our support team, all the Oxfam marshal's, first aid and masseuse who kept us going. To the team who fantastically got to the finish line, you should be very proud guys. And finally to Oxfam's Kim who who is one of the nicest and honest people one could wish to meet.
Look out for my epic poem coming soon...
Tuesday, 2 June 2009
Oxfam Trailtrekker 2009 - James's (Largely Pictureless) Story
Waking up at the ungodly hour of 6:30am (an exercise I never wish to repeat again!), Rich and I got ready and set off for Aireville Park to meet up with the other half of the Q-Team and begin our adventure. To my surprise, the start began with little fuss and bang on time: 08:00am
Choosing the later start time, we formed part of the second wave of walkers, resembling a small army as we headed down the canal towpath toward Gargrave. For me, it was quite humbling to see so many people setting out with a common goal.
We reached Gargrave after a little over an hour and it was already becoming uncomfortably hot in the sun.
Cows are not good at showjumping.
Brief but welcome shade between Airton and Malham
Approaching Malham - Checkpoint 1
The team give their thoughts at Checkpoint 1
The journey to Checkpoint 2 up Malham Cove, past Malham Tarn and over Fountains Fell and the highest point on the course, Pen Y Ghent was very tough, especially for me, and I was really struggling with what felt like exhaustion.
Nearing the top of Pen Y Ghent
On the descent, I felt worse if anything, and the team managed to convince me to eat some energy sweets, and I took the opportunity to take on some water also. Still not feeling much better, I eventually made it to Horton and decided to take a Nuun hydration supplement to replace any lost electrolytes. Not sure if that was what was wrong, but after spending an hour at CP2, eating much chocolate, I was ready to rock once again.
As the sun started to set, we made our way up to the forest at the top of the route, and Waterstops 3 came and went with relative ease. By Waterstop 4 at Beckermonds, it was really dark and we'd all dug out our headtorches. A member of one of the other teams was being treated for extreme exhaustion by the medics. A sobering reminder, if one were needed, that this was tough.
By the time we reached Checkpoint 3 at Buckden, it was getting pretty cold and so I went for a massage at the first-aid tent to prepare for the next stage. As it happened, I had a difficult time staying awake, it was so relaxing! Whilst in there, there were again, a number of people in a really bad way and being treated by the medics. Ian and Nick kindly rustled us up a hotdog each and we got on our way.
The long slog to Checkpoint 4 at Conistone was worrying me a little - this was where we had had to abandon one of our training walks - so it was a great relief to be finally descending safely into Conistone/Kilnsey as the sun began to rise on Sunday morning.
A bacon butty rustled up by Ian helped to pick me up again and we were off, with only Waterstop 5 between us and the finish. A keen walker, Ian chose to accompany us on this stage.
Ady had been battling on for some time with some sizeable blisters and was clearly in a lot of pain as we started the long climb out of Conistone, with Rich also very uncomfortable. After a couple of hours, and with Skipton in sight, Ady was unable to continue any further, having accrued over 80km! Whilst waiting for help to arrive (which came impressively quickly!), we were caught up by Oxfam's sweep team - we were know officially in last place. Rich tried some Nuun while we waited, and as with me the previous day, it seemed to really pick him up.
Pushing on for Waterstop 5, we managed to overtake a couple of other teams, and arrived in respectable time. We now had 2 and three quarter hours to cover the remaining 11½km back to Skipton. Pausing for some chocolate cake and some finest support crew flapjack, we set out not really expecting to make it back within the 30 hour time limit.
On the final leg, we met a number of teams, most of which appeared to be a ragtag mix of leftovers from other teams (Oxfam insist that you join/get adopted by another team if your number falls below three, presumably for health & safety reasons).
As we crossed over Sharphaw (the last hill before Skipton), we realised that we could actually be in with a chance of finishing in under 30 hours, and had one hour to complete the remaining three miles. Sadly, despite us all using up everything that was left in the tank, we didn't quite make it, arriving back in Skipton after 30 hours, 14 minutes on the trail.
Still, a respectable time for a first attempt, considering the heat and the 30% dropout rate! gives us an excuse to come back next year ;-)
Just a couple of final points:
- Support crew were amazing - we literally couldn't have done it without them! Thank you Ian, Nick, Kirstie and Joanne
- Oxfam's organization of the event was very impressive!
Choosing the later start time, we formed part of the second wave of walkers, resembling a small army as we headed down the canal towpath toward Gargrave. For me, it was quite humbling to see so many people setting out with a common goal.
We reached Gargrave after a little over an hour and it was already becoming uncomfortably hot in the sun.
Cows are not good at showjumping.
Brief but welcome shade between Airton and Malham
Approaching Malham - Checkpoint 1
The team give their thoughts at Checkpoint 1
The journey to Checkpoint 2 up Malham Cove, past Malham Tarn and over Fountains Fell and the highest point on the course, Pen Y Ghent was very tough, especially for me, and I was really struggling with what felt like exhaustion.
Nearing the top of Pen Y Ghent
On the descent, I felt worse if anything, and the team managed to convince me to eat some energy sweets, and I took the opportunity to take on some water also. Still not feeling much better, I eventually made it to Horton and decided to take a Nuun hydration supplement to replace any lost electrolytes. Not sure if that was what was wrong, but after spending an hour at CP2, eating much chocolate, I was ready to rock once again.
As the sun started to set, we made our way up to the forest at the top of the route, and Waterstops 3 came and went with relative ease. By Waterstop 4 at Beckermonds, it was really dark and we'd all dug out our headtorches. A member of one of the other teams was being treated for extreme exhaustion by the medics. A sobering reminder, if one were needed, that this was tough.
By the time we reached Checkpoint 3 at Buckden, it was getting pretty cold and so I went for a massage at the first-aid tent to prepare for the next stage. As it happened, I had a difficult time staying awake, it was so relaxing! Whilst in there, there were again, a number of people in a really bad way and being treated by the medics. Ian and Nick kindly rustled us up a hotdog each and we got on our way.
The long slog to Checkpoint 4 at Conistone was worrying me a little - this was where we had had to abandon one of our training walks - so it was a great relief to be finally descending safely into Conistone/Kilnsey as the sun began to rise on Sunday morning.
A bacon butty rustled up by Ian helped to pick me up again and we were off, with only Waterstop 5 between us and the finish. A keen walker, Ian chose to accompany us on this stage.
Ady had been battling on for some time with some sizeable blisters and was clearly in a lot of pain as we started the long climb out of Conistone, with Rich also very uncomfortable. After a couple of hours, and with Skipton in sight, Ady was unable to continue any further, having accrued over 80km! Whilst waiting for help to arrive (which came impressively quickly!), we were caught up by Oxfam's sweep team - we were know officially in last place. Rich tried some Nuun while we waited, and as with me the previous day, it seemed to really pick him up.
Pushing on for Waterstop 5, we managed to overtake a couple of other teams, and arrived in respectable time. We now had 2 and three quarter hours to cover the remaining 11½km back to Skipton. Pausing for some chocolate cake and some finest support crew flapjack, we set out not really expecting to make it back within the 30 hour time limit.
On the final leg, we met a number of teams, most of which appeared to be a ragtag mix of leftovers from other teams (Oxfam insist that you join/get adopted by another team if your number falls below three, presumably for health & safety reasons).
As we crossed over Sharphaw (the last hill before Skipton), we realised that we could actually be in with a chance of finishing in under 30 hours, and had one hour to complete the remaining three miles. Sadly, despite us all using up everything that was left in the tank, we didn't quite make it, arriving back in Skipton after 30 hours, 14 minutes on the trail.
Still, a respectable time for a first attempt, considering the heat and the 30% dropout rate! gives us an excuse to come back next year ;-)
Just a couple of final points:
- Support crew were amazing - we literally couldn't have done it without them! Thank you Ian, Nick, Kirstie and Joanne
- Oxfam's organization of the event was very impressive!
Oxfam Trailtrekker 2009 - Joel's Story III
Sunrise about to happen as we crossed the scar to Conistone. I missed the actual rise due to severe pain in my left knee. This was beginning to swell slightly.
Ady was feeling the pain more than anyone and bravely battled on but Skipton was looking a long way off. We also thought at this point (about 6am) that we had to be in Skipton in under 30 hours i.e. before 2pm which was going to leave us less than 7 hours from the final checkpoint. In short it was impossible.
Ady was feeling the pain more than anyone and bravely battled on but Skipton was looking a long way off. We also thought at this point (about 6am) that we had to be in Skipton in under 30 hours i.e. before 2pm which was going to leave us less than 7 hours from the final checkpoint. In short it was impossible.
As I started the most painful descent in my life down into Conistone the morning light on Kilnsey provided a bright spot!
Into Conistone and the batteries recharged and blister treatment administered to Ady and Rich we were ready to go. Ian (in red) joined us for the final stage - a 25km beast of a leg.
Unfortunately with 20km to go Ady's legs decided they could go no further and whilst we waited for the emergency crew we were met by the sweeping team - we were officially the last team out on the course (although not yet the slowest).
Into Conistone and the batteries recharged and blister treatment administered to Ady and Rich we were ready to go. Ian (in red) joined us for the final stage - a 25km beast of a leg.
Unfortunately with 20km to go Ady's legs decided they could go no further and whilst we waited for the emergency crew we were met by the sweeping team - we were officially the last team out on the course (although not yet the slowest).
Ady got picked up and we continued onto Hetton and the last waterstop. We overtook some teams on the way meaning we weren't the last here. However we did witness the dismantling of the waterstop.
After this point my camera went away - hidden behind a wall of pain. We found a spurt of pace from Flasby through to Stirton before the excruciating pain returned for the final trek into Skipton. By this point the soles of the feet were giving me grief and the left knee was visibly swollen.
We found out 3 miles from the end that the target time had changed to 32 hours (just as well) but we battled on to the end in an attempt to get there in under 30. We missed out just at 30 Hours 14 Minutes.
Oxfam Trailtrekker 2009 - Joel's Story II
A slog which seemed like forever took us to the top of Fountains Fell where we could come face to face again with Pen-y-ghent. One of the many Marshalls out on route took the piccy for us before James got his boots back on and we carried on.
Still feeling pretty good at this point - if a little hot.
And so to the bottom of Pen-y-Ghent where we chatted to a guy walking the Pennine Way in stages. That might be him scrambling up the first section with his wife.
Still feeling pretty good at this point - if a little hot.
And so to the bottom of Pen-y-Ghent where we chatted to a guy walking the Pennine Way in stages. That might be him scrambling up the first section with his wife.
Eventually we got to Horton where the pain for me really started although from an unexpected source. Ian from support crew two was preparing a couple of teas for us when I went to sit down on the seats attached to the table. I might have been slightly heavy sitting down but the net result was a broken table and chairs and I got a scolded back and arm - very painful.
As we approached Cam Woods the group were all starting to feel the walk. The blisters hadn't yet got to me but as the sun went down it felt like this was the time of day when everything would change.
As we plodded on between waterstop 3 and Beckermonds (waterstop 4) the pace slowed quite dramatically. Ady was struggling with blisters as was James (he thought) and Rich was feeling the knee. I felt my first twinge (in my left knee) and severe tightness (in my right calf) and it was downhill from there.
As we approached Cam Woods the group were all starting to feel the walk. The blisters hadn't yet got to me but as the sun went down it felt like this was the time of day when everything would change.
As we plodded on between waterstop 3 and Beckermonds (waterstop 4) the pace slowed quite dramatically. Ady was struggling with blisters as was James (he thought) and Rich was feeling the knee. I felt my first twinge (in my left knee) and severe tightness (in my right calf) and it was downhill from there.
This was perhaps the most difficult part of the course to date as the road to Beckermonds and then the route onto Buckden seemed to take forever.
At Buckden I got a fantastic massage which loosened the hamstrings and calf a little bit giving a bit of rest to the knee. It was then off towards Consitone.
We really suffered on the night section between Buckden and Kettlewell and were passed by many teams.
Oxfam Trailtrekker 2009 - Joel's Story I
We did it!!!!
In late 2008 myself, Ady, James and Rich decided to tackle the Oxfam 100km challenge. This post (and the next few) is my story of the final days - the challenge itself.
Saturday morning saw an early rise to get breakfast on the table. In actual fact this was a normal morning as the kids were up as usual at 5.30. The breakfast was a bit special (even if it doesn't look appetising from the picture).
After loads of checks and re-checks of the remaining bits of kit it was off to the start line where we posed for a pre-challenge photo.
In late 2008 myself, Ady, James and Rich decided to tackle the Oxfam 100km challenge. This post (and the next few) is my story of the final days - the challenge itself.
Saturday morning saw an early rise to get breakfast on the table. In actual fact this was a normal morning as the kids were up as usual at 5.30. The breakfast was a bit special (even if it doesn't look appetising from the picture).
After loads of checks and re-checks of the remaining bits of kit it was off to the start line where we posed for a pre-challenge photo.
Support crew number one gave some last minute advice to Ady as the start approached. It seemed even at this point that some people were finding out for the first time we were a) walking 60-odd miles and b) climbing over pen-y-ghent!
We made it to Malham in reasonable time and enjoyed a well earned rest before the toughest single part of the course.
Having left Malham it was (relatively) quickly to the top of the Cove where Ady and Rich were in good spirits.
We made it to Malham in reasonable time and enjoyed a well earned rest before the toughest single part of the course.
Having left Malham it was (relatively) quickly to the top of the Cove where Ady and Rich were in good spirits.
For the Malham-Horton Section I'd swapped my trainers for walking boots and at this point I felt fine. No pain in either knee and feeling pretty fit.
Friday, 29 May 2009
This is it.....Follow us some more
Registration is done, tags firmly fixed on the wrist. There is no escape.
If you have little else to do for 30 hours from 8am Saturday morning (30th) why not follow our progress (or lack of).
I think you can click the link and search for the team or individuals in the team.
http://siera.sportident.co.uk/trailtrekker/results.php?course=Long
This time in two days it'll all be over :-)
If you have little else to do for 30 hours from 8am Saturday morning (30th) why not follow our progress (or lack of).
I think you can click the link and search for the team or individuals in the team.
http://siera.sportident.co.uk/trailtrekker/results.php?course=Long
This time in two days it'll all be over :-)
Thursday, 28 May 2009
Nuun
Tried some of the Nuun that james bought today. Tasted quite nice! Like flat weak coke. Just under 36hrs to go!
Monday, 25 May 2009
Topping up the miles
To help provide some feedback to my 'physio', Alastair (shameless plug 'cos he's very very good - http://www.bowentherapyclinic.net/) I went for a walk round my usual 'Embsay Crag circular' to give a good test of ascent and descent. Last time I did this I was on the phone to my GP as I came past work on the way home - I'd been suffering since 3/4 of the way up the crag. This time around I hoped to get round pain free although I expected some reaction. The success of the treatment was summed up when I managed to land a triple salko off the last stile on the route with no pain. Okay so maybe I exaggerate the triple salko bit but I felt fine all the way without a hint of trouble.
To boot I also found what I believe to be a rabbit skull (I have a fascination with animal skulls although I contest this fascination is not to a weird extent i.e. I leave the skull where I found it!),
and I think I witnessed a couple of butterflies mating (I confess I tried to (gently) separate them naively thinking they’d ‘got tangled up’ but they weren’t prepared to dis-entangle!). I’ll let you make up your own mind which section of the Karma Sutra this is from.
To boot I also found what I believe to be a rabbit skull (I have a fascination with animal skulls although I contest this fascination is not to a weird extent i.e. I leave the skull where I found it!),
and I think I witnessed a couple of butterflies mating (I confess I tried to (gently) separate them naively thinking they’d ‘got tangled up’ but they weren’t prepared to dis-entangle!). I’ll let you make up your own mind which section of the Karma Sutra this is from.
Friday, 22 May 2009
The final countdown
Well, here we are. Only one week to go. We've been on something of a journey but one which is far removed from the one we expected. Setbacks have prevented us walking as a team very often which is a little disappointing so walking on the day is going to be a bit of a learning experience.
Have a look at the little animation sent to us by Oxfam. Quite funny.
http://www.oxfam.org.uk/get_involved/fundraise/trailtrekker/trailway_code.html?ito=3058&itc=0
Also, massive thanks to all those that have sponsored us so far or supported us in other ways. We really are grateful and thanks to you were are going to cruise past our target. For those that haven't sponsored us yet don't let that put you off. Dig deep so we can break the £2,500 barrier.
Wednesday, 13 May 2009
No Sleep 'til Skipton (almost!)
Friday evening saw the Q-Team (or at least half of it) embark on the final big training walk - the intention was to walk 36 miles from Horton to Skipton.
The team comprised just Ady and me, since Rich was in Birmingham and Joel was in Suffolk. Nick Cave accompanied us in his capacity as the support crew for the evening.
We set off in high spirits from Horton-in-Ribblesdale at 7:45pm
The team reach Beckermonds in reasonably good time and spent five minutes refueling and enjoying the full moon.
Support Crew were freezing...
Shortly afterwards we met another Trailtrekker team, doing the same route but going much faster!
We moved on down Langstrothdale to Buckden and then Kettlewell at about 4am. The route out of Kettlewell proved quite tricky to find and Ady and I went wrong several times trying to stay on the Dales Way!
During the slow ascent up onto the Crags, it became apparent that my knee, which had been troubling me since the Lake District walk the previous weekend, was going to start getting very uncomfortable. I had naively thought that I'd just bashed it whilst going over Striding Edge. The unthinkable soon became openly discussed as we talked about abandoning the walk at Conistone (after only 20 miles). We were attacked by some rather angry looking birds as we crossed over the tops of the Crags by Conistone which caused some light-heartedness, but it also became apparent that I had got quite bad blisters once again.
I probably could have made Skipton (it would have been touch-and-go!) but we agreed that it would be folly so close to the big day.
We finally abandoned the walk at Kilnsey 6:30am
I have since bought a very cheap knee-strap from e-bay (this one) which seems to be helping quite a bit. This, my lighter rucksack and appropriate painkillers should give me a fighting chance...
Just to be on the safe side, I'll be leaving the final training preparataions to the rest of the team :-)
The team comprised just Ady and me, since Rich was in Birmingham and Joel was in Suffolk. Nick Cave accompanied us in his capacity as the support crew for the evening.
We set off in high spirits from Horton-in-Ribblesdale at 7:45pm
The team reach Beckermonds in reasonably good time and spent five minutes refueling and enjoying the full moon.
Support Crew were freezing...
Shortly afterwards we met another Trailtrekker team, doing the same route but going much faster!
We moved on down Langstrothdale to Buckden and then Kettlewell at about 4am. The route out of Kettlewell proved quite tricky to find and Ady and I went wrong several times trying to stay on the Dales Way!
During the slow ascent up onto the Crags, it became apparent that my knee, which had been troubling me since the Lake District walk the previous weekend, was going to start getting very uncomfortable. I had naively thought that I'd just bashed it whilst going over Striding Edge. The unthinkable soon became openly discussed as we talked about abandoning the walk at Conistone (after only 20 miles). We were attacked by some rather angry looking birds as we crossed over the tops of the Crags by Conistone which caused some light-heartedness, but it also became apparent that I had got quite bad blisters once again.
I probably could have made Skipton (it would have been touch-and-go!) but we agreed that it would be folly so close to the big day.
We finally abandoned the walk at Kilnsey 6:30am
I have since bought a very cheap knee-strap from e-bay (this one) which seems to be helping quite a bit. This, my lighter rucksack and appropriate painkillers should give me a fighting chance...
Just to be on the safe side, I'll be leaving the final training preparataions to the rest of the team :-)
Sunday, 10 May 2009
Has anyone seen the hill?
Whilst away on a family holiday in Suffolk I was never going to get much hill walking done so instead I opted to travel a short distance to East Bergholt and walk along the Essex Way before moving Northwards to join the Stour Valley Path back to East Bergholt. The total distance travelled was about 15 miles but as the post suggests there wasn't much climbing involved.
East Bergholt (for those that don't know - and as of Monday night I was one of that number) was birthplace to artist John Constable - the area around East Bergholt and the Dedham Vale is now known as Constable Country. I added a loop at the start so I could see the location of one of Constable's paintings, The Haywain (below).
East Bergholt (for those that don't know - and as of Monday night I was one of that number) was birthplace to artist John Constable - the area around East Bergholt and the Dedham Vale is now known as Constable Country. I added a loop at the start so I could see the location of one of Constable's paintings, The Haywain (below).
Lake District Adventure
With Joel unavailable for selection (understandably not wanting to push his knee too hard), Rich, Ady and James headed off to the Lake District over the Bank Holiday Weekend to test their new-found fitness.
The team chose Helvellyn as their objective (England's third highest peak) and set off from their campsite in Glenridding
The first couple of kilometres are tough and relentless, but great for building up those quads, and (as it turns out) aggravating James' knee injury!
Ady reaches the aptly named Hole-in-the-Wall.
James and Rich on Striding Edge, with Helvellyn's summit in the background.
Helvellyn's Striding Edge - Not on the Trailtrekker route (yet!)
Nearly there...
Rich, James and Ady finally make the summit of Helvellyn (950m above sea-level) .
The Q-Team, still feeling pretty energetic, spent half an hour strolling across to Lower Man and then headed down Swirral Edge and across to another Wainwright peak Catstye Cam
Ady atop Catstye Cam with Helvellyn, Swirral Edge and Red Tarn in the background.
After a brief but rewarding downhill walking-pole-javelin competition (which Ady won with by some considerable distance), the team began the long descent back to Glenridding, finishing the nine-mile walk in around 6 hours.
The team chose Helvellyn as their objective (England's third highest peak) and set off from their campsite in Glenridding
The first couple of kilometres are tough and relentless, but great for building up those quads, and (as it turns out) aggravating James' knee injury!
Ady reaches the aptly named Hole-in-the-Wall.
James and Rich on Striding Edge, with Helvellyn's summit in the background.
Helvellyn's Striding Edge - Not on the Trailtrekker route (yet!)
Nearly there...
Rich, James and Ady finally make the summit of Helvellyn (950m above sea-level) .
The Q-Team, still feeling pretty energetic, spent half an hour strolling across to Lower Man and then headed down Swirral Edge and across to another Wainwright peak Catstye Cam
Ady atop Catstye Cam with Helvellyn, Swirral Edge and Red Tarn in the background.
After a brief but rewarding downhill walking-pole-javelin competition (which Ady won with by some considerable distance), the team began the long descent back to Glenridding, finishing the nine-mile walk in around 6 hours.
Saturday, 2 May 2009
Proving fitness
Whilst the rest of the team were gallivanting in the Lake district (blog entry with incredible scenery to follow I'm sure) I was taking the next step back to fitness.
Initially I intended to repeat last week's walk but decided on arrival at Gargrave that I would proceed onto Malham. Despite hearing a few horror stories of lost travellers I actually managed to get to Malham without any problem at all. Timewise I was fairly happy. Setting off from my house at 11:00 and from Aireville park at 11:10 I got to Malham at 14:15.
Initially I intended to repeat last week's walk but decided on arrival at Gargrave that I would proceed onto Malham. Despite hearing a few horror stories of lost travellers I actually managed to get to Malham without any problem at all. Timewise I was fairly happy. Setting off from my house at 11:00 and from Aireville park at 11:10 I got to Malham at 14:15.
Looking across to Newfield Hall
Approaching Airton
First sight of Malham CoveSunday, 26 April 2009
One Small Step!
Following yet more physio it was out on the beaten track (or tow path to be more precise) again.
The test was to get to Gargrave and back (to Skipton) in a) one piece and b) in reasonably good time. Thankfully I managed both - I didn't think 1 hour 20 each way (from my house some half a mile further than Aireville Park) was too bad although on the day we won't be commanding that sort of pace for the duration (it extrapolates out to 18 and a half hour pace). We would struggle with that even if training had gone perfectly!
Obviously there is still a long way to go and I continue to look with envy at the miles being racked up by my team and other teams.
Journey's start - just outside Aireville park.
The next lock (31) on the journey.
The test was to get to Gargrave and back (to Skipton) in a) one piece and b) in reasonably good time. Thankfully I managed both - I didn't think 1 hour 20 each way (from my house some half a mile further than Aireville Park) was too bad although on the day we won't be commanding that sort of pace for the duration (it extrapolates out to 18 and a half hour pace). We would struggle with that even if training had gone perfectly!
Obviously there is still a long way to go and I continue to look with envy at the miles being racked up by my team and other teams.
Journey's start - just outside Aireville park.
Lock at Gargrave (number 30 for those that are interested).
The next lock (31) on the journey.The next few walks will start to increase the effort without undoing all the good work done so far - should be interesting!
I'm off to watch the London Marathon now. Loads of people enduring immense physical pain all in the name of raising money for good causes. Now who could be that daft?
Wednesday, 15 April 2009
Operation Welsh Dragon
Two members of the Q-Team again braved the elements as Rich and James descended on the Black Mountains and took on the welsh peaks of Hay Bluff, Lord Hereford's Knob (yes, really!) and Rhos Dirion.
The day started in low cloud, from the hamlet of Capel-y-Finn, and a climb up to the Offa's Dyke path, routed along the border with England, where James again took the opportunity to celebrate St George's Day early by flying the flag.
James patrols the English border with Wales in the clouds
Continuing along the ridge up to Hay Bluff, the cloud soon gave way to some most pleasant sunny spells and the pair reached Hay Bluff in good time.
James on Hay Bluff triangulation point at 677m above sea level
From here, the route took the walkers deeper into Wales, with a short traverse across to Lord Hereford's Knob (690m), also known as 'Twmpa' in Welsh.
Rich pauses to collect his thoughts, and read the map on LHK.
By they had reached the final peak of Rhos Dirion (713m), about 12 miles into the walk, Rich began to struggle with a recurring knee problem and James had started to re-aquaint himself with his old friend Mr Blister.
Even with their difficulties towards the end, the pair still finished the (approximately) 16 mile walk in less than six hours, which sets a good pace for Trailtrekker!
Mission: ACCOMPLISHED
The day started in low cloud, from the hamlet of Capel-y-Finn, and a climb up to the Offa's Dyke path, routed along the border with England, where James again took the opportunity to celebrate St George's Day early by flying the flag.
James patrols the English border with Wales in the clouds
Continuing along the ridge up to Hay Bluff, the cloud soon gave way to some most pleasant sunny spells and the pair reached Hay Bluff in good time.
James on Hay Bluff triangulation point at 677m above sea level
From here, the route took the walkers deeper into Wales, with a short traverse across to Lord Hereford's Knob (690m), also known as 'Twmpa' in Welsh.
Rich pauses to collect his thoughts, and read the map on LHK.
By they had reached the final peak of Rhos Dirion (713m), about 12 miles into the walk, Rich began to struggle with a recurring knee problem and James had started to re-aquaint himself with his old friend Mr Blister.
Even with their difficulties towards the end, the pair still finished the (approximately) 16 mile walk in less than six hours, which sets a good pace for Trailtrekker!
Mission: ACCOMPLISHED
Saturday, 11 April 2009
Trailtrekker route changed
On Thursday we got notified of a change to the route due to fallen trees. Ironically the new route takes us right through the middle of the wood we would otherwise skirt round!
So what are we missing out on? Well from our training walk on the 'old' section we passed Old Ing farm and Calf Holes which provided footage for our video, we walked against the ferocious wind up Cam End, we got 'spotted' by a shooting party at the edge of the wood and we witnessed Ady tumbling in a field.
Take a look at the 2nd post and 3rd post from that walk.
The important thing perhaps is that the route has obviously shortened as a result but considering the original route was over 100km anyway we won’t be too far short. If James feels like doing an extra lap of Aireville Park to compensate then that’s up to him!
So what are we missing out on? Well from our training walk on the 'old' section we passed Old Ing farm and Calf Holes which provided footage for our video, we walked against the ferocious wind up Cam End, we got 'spotted' by a shooting party at the edge of the wood and we witnessed Ady tumbling in a field.
Take a look at the 2nd post and 3rd post from that walk.
The important thing perhaps is that the route has obviously shortened as a result but considering the original route was over 100km anyway we won’t be too far short. If James feels like doing an extra lap of Aireville Park to compensate then that’s up to him!
Friday, 10 April 2009
Recipe Book
After The Q Team's pig racing night and the football tournament it is the turn of our fellow HML Trailtrekkers to put on some fundraising fun. Last night was the treasure hunt organised by Jo and Claire but more on that later courtesy of Nick. There are some funny moments captured on video so check back later for a laugh (assuming the technology works).
Over the last month or so Tim and Cath Coates have been putting together a recipe book made up from recipes provided by Trailtrekkers at HML and their friends, family and colleagues.
There are 86 recipes providing excellent value for £5 including such tasty selections as “Pidge’s Fish Chowder”, “Walk Faster Spinach Pasta”, “Limestone Pavement Ice Cream” and “Malham Tarn Muffins”.
Thanks, of course, go to Cath and Tim for putting the recipe book together and to John Mason Printers and HML for sponsoring the book.
If you want to buy a copy email joeldalby@aol.com.
Over the last month or so Tim and Cath Coates have been putting together a recipe book made up from recipes provided by Trailtrekkers at HML and their friends, family and colleagues.
There are 86 recipes providing excellent value for £5 including such tasty selections as “Pidge’s Fish Chowder”, “Walk Faster Spinach Pasta”, “Limestone Pavement Ice Cream” and “Malham Tarn Muffins”.
Thanks, of course, go to Cath and Tim for putting the recipe book together and to John Mason Printers and HML for sponsoring the book.
If you want to buy a copy email joeldalby@aol.com.
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