Training – May

My training suffered a bit of a blow after my last post as I had a bout of the Shingles. The spotty blighters are not really a problem, but they leave a legacy of pain known as ‘post herpetic neuralgia’ which is a damaged nerve on one side of the body. Anyway, after some rest and gentle build up I am back on track, and this weekend completed a 2 day trek from the Conway Valley to Llanberris via Moel Siabod and an overnight camp under Snowdon. With a sort of zigzag around the Snowdon Massif it was about 20k each day, with full kit, and 1800m of ascent in bad conditions and over rough terrain. I felt really good the day after, and look forward to the physical effects that 7 weeks continual walking will bring. My two best favourite items on this trip are the Terra Nova tent and the Snugpac sleeping bag.

If you’re in the area I can recommend beans on toast from the Tŷ Mawr tea shop in Rhyd Ddu. It is run by a young couple who serve good homely food, generous servings, reasonable prices and a friendly welcome. Whilst I was there, a group of soaking Para’s arrived with full kit. John the owner sat them in front of the coal stove, and stored their kit in the kitchen, Claire delivered hot food and drinks from the kitchen. An elderly local couple sat bemused in the corner whilst tucking into full cooked dinner.

Please visit them: http://www.snowdon-accommodation.co.uk/ they also do B&B.

Talking of food, my Frankenstein camp stove works well and cooking up sausage and onions in the tent porch as it was raining and blowing a gale outside was a good feeling. My 22 year old Gore-Tex jacket has seen better days though. It acts like an absorbent kitchen towel despite having grangers and nikwax thrown at it. I shall have to ditch any attachment to it, and spend out on some fancy new one.

I have one more weekend of training left, when I shall nip up to the lakes for 2 solid days. The final weekend before I leave will involve Tracey and I taking a trip to Windsor races for a company bash, where any benefits from training will be washed away.

Above is a picture from the area; not from this walk as it was too wet to get the camera out. It is from Tryffan, and is a montage of the view looking into the Ogwen Valley.

Next post from Spain!

Preparation April 2007

My training continues with a good Easter Camping in the Langdale valley with the family. My goodness though it was busy; the path up to Pavey Arc was a conveyer belt, but things were quieter up on Bow Fell and Crinkle Crags. Each day was the equivalent height and distance of a GR11 day but without full weight and still hard going. Grim realisation has set in of the task ahead.

Flights are booked: £38 quid outgoing to Bilboa and £44 for the return from Barcelona on Easyjet to Liverpool so result there. I’ve picked up Macpac rucksack for a good price from a local outdoors shop. It feels sturdy, not like some of the others I’ve tried which seem a bit flimsy. Another overnight test this weekend has reminded me that ear plugs will be useful, as the tents next door had 10 teenaged girls (my daughter’s sleepover party). However, I don’t think any mountain hut full of snoring Spaniards will ever compete with that din!

A couple of people have asked about the mental preparation, and aftermath of a total lifestyle change for seven weeks. The concern is that I will go slightly mad during this time, and lots of people say “What, on your own?” when I tell them about this. But I will have an mp3 phone/radio with music and several audio books if I get too lonely. I don’t mind my own company, but will welcome anyone who wants to pop over to Spain to meet up for a few days on the trail. How will I cope upon my return? Well Tracey tells me there will be seven weeks of DIY jobs to catch up on so at least I’ll be busy.

Thanks to those who have sponsored me so far. The London Marathon is over now, so I will give people a few weeks to recover from charity fatigue before I start actively chasing sponsorship.

Preparation - March 2007

Hi there

Preparation for the trek are ongoing with 3 months to go. I spent Saturday doing a 26k walk over the Yorkshire Dales in the rain, wind and cold. My knee seems to be fine with no pain at all, as long as I keep up with the physiotherapy routine. It's strange that small focused exercise can make such a difference. My kit list is growing, and a I acquired a Rab Vapour-rise jacket for the walk, which I am really impressed with. E-bay is helping keep the costs down, and if Tracey recovers some of her bank charges she has promised to spend some of it on a new Osprey rucsac for me.

The Spanish CD is getting about 30 minutes a day in the car, but I really could do with lessons.

Tracey and the kids have still not decided if they want to meet me at some point. I suppose it will come down to cost and we will check out flights nearer the date.

I'm not sure when to actively start chasing sponsorship. People will be charitied out what with Red Nose Day shortly. I guess around Easter time will be about right. My reason for choosing Combat Stress is two-fold. I've always thought that mental health charities are generally under-financed, and I have a good deal of sympathy for people in the forces who suffer this way as a result of seeing active service. The effect on themeselves and their families of PTSD is pernicious and mis-understood. CS seem to be a very pragmatic, effective and efficient organisation, and I expect their need will only grow in future years.

To find out more about the impact of PTSD, read the following:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/article722511.ece