Mountain 3: Snowdon, Wales, 1067m

After two mountains, in two different countries, in one day, we’d already climbed 2231 metres. Mentally this was probably the most difficult mountain, as our bodies were crying out for more rest, while our minds were saying “only one more to go!”. We already knew we wouldn’t be manage to get up AND back down Snowdon within the 24 period, but Paul, our guide gave the goal to getting to the summit within that time. This gave us the renewed motivation we needed to get our legs moving. On leaving the mini bus we had 2hours and 17 minutes to get up there…
Craig however was spent by this point – his body having been pushed to it’s limit by both the mountain climbing, and the cruel stomach bug. At this point he knew he’d hold us all back from our new goal, so he reluctantly opted not to climb Snowdon. It was still a mighty achievement on his part, to climb the two highest peaks in the UK, within the same day! Well Done Craig!
It was a beautiful morning as we started our ascent, with the sun slowing rising behind us as we trudged determinedly up the slope. We were following the Pyg track up, and although on Snowdon we were covering the least elevation, only 600m of it’s 1067, it was a steep and rugged 600m. Still a rather lovely walk, at a time of the day when normally we’d still be in bed.
As fate would have it, there was only one cloud in the sky that morning. And that cloud happened to want to sit right over the summit of Snowdon, so after a final push to get the top within the 24hours, we were again greeted by a white out! It didn’t matter though. WE’D DONE IT!! All were very happy to be there, and champagne and fosters and hot Ribena (Carrie’s contributions!) appeared out of rucksacks.
Having made that third summit, the urgency seemed to ease off and we all chatted happily as we slowly descended Snowdon, down to the Miner’s track, stopping for lots of pictures along the way – it really was picturesque!
The walk back, although mostly flat, seemed very long, probably because in our minds we’d finished the challenge at the summit! The fact that we all had trains booked home from Liverpool in just a few hours was also playing on Carrie’s mind….
The theme for this mountain was Mind over matter…

Mountain 2: Scafell Pike, England, 977m

Having left Scotland a little behind schedule the race was really on when we reached Seathwaite, in the Lake District, our starting point for climbing Scafell Pike. It was just after 6.30pm, which meant we had about 2 hours of day light left and we hoped to get a fair way to the summit by then.

This was Carrie’s favourite mountain as the route we walked took us over a variety of terrains – valleys, meadows, rivers, rocks, ledges, scree, steps…. Claire described it as “less nasty than Ben Nevis, but dark” and Craig purely feared for his life for a majority of this peak – being drained from his stomach bug, and his first night mountain experience couldn’t have helped though!

We did a lot of rock scrambling, path finding and scree sliding before finally reaching the summit of Scafell Pike in darkness about 9pm. On the summit we were greeted with a fantastic full moon, and clear sky allowing us views over the whole area. Shame our cameras weren’t quite up to capturing the moment.

2nd peak under our belts but before we could attempt the 3rd we had the mission of getting down of Scafell Pike, safely, in the dark – unfortunately the route we were walking, up from Seathwaite and along the corridor route, was on the opposite side of the mountain to the full moon!!
The night time navigation skills of our guide were tested at this point, as we strained our eyes to find the path back down, that not long earlier had seemed quite obvious coming up!
On the whole Scafell Pike was a long tiring walk tiring walk for all, though on a whole spirits were still high. The mini bus waiting for us at the end was a welcome sight though, as by now it was the early hours of the morning and sleep was beckoning…
The theme of this mountain was: Thighs and Eyes…

Mountian 1 - Ben Nevis, Scotland, 1344m

We took the tourist route up Ben Nevis, which let us know from the start exactly what was in store - a long slog that just went on and on and on!

It was easy enough to walk, with the lower half a nice wide track with convenient placed steps along a lot of it.

Once passing Lochan Meall an t-Siudhe at about the half way point, it then got quite rocky and uneven with a seemingly unending series of zig zags to endure before the summit was finally in sight. Or at least should have been - for the last 45mins we walked in white out conditions so had no idea of how much further we really had to go!

On reaching the summit, we had a quick stop for photos (to prove we had made it!) and to layer up (hats, gloves, waterproof over trousers…) and fuel up (Jaffa cakes, Kendal mint cake, flapjacks…) before turning quickly on our heels and heading back down the mountain again.
We’d had the path mostly to ourselves on the way up, but back down we passed dozens and dozens of other walkers – a lot of whom we later saw on Scafell Pike and then Snowdon! (see we are not the only crazy ones out there!).

We were back down, in the mini bus and on our way a little over 5.5 hours since starting. It was a bit slower than we had hoped, but poor Craig had been struck with an untimely stomach bug, which meant he had to make a number of stops en route on Ben Nevis. Enough said.

The theme of this mountain was Lungs and Bums...

3 days on...

Achey limbs are starting to feel normal agian but the tiredness is stick kicking in!

"I can't believe that it is all over though" says Carrie "The whole challenge
went so quick..."

Although I am not so sure all three team mates agree!

Claire has described it as Nasty (Ben Nevis), Not so Nasty but Dark (Scafell Pike) and Nasty (Snowdon).
Craig was struck down from the beginning with a stomach bug, and probably found it the longest and scariest weekend of his life!
So I guess that makes Carrie officially the craziest of the 3Cs, as she loved it all and her favourite mountain was Scafell Pike, in the dark!!!

We are working on a full report, but in the mean time why not check out our photos here:

24hrs later...

Update from the summit of Snowdon. Claire and Carrie have made it! The summit of the three highest peaks in the Uk in 24hrs. After a very galiant effort from Craig, summiting the 2 highest peaks in the Uk in 15hrs, his legs gave in on him and he reluctantly resigned from the challenge to give the rest of the team a fighting chance to achieve the summit within the 24hr mark. We've not quite done yet as we have to get down, but we're all really elated to have made it, there was even a swig of champagne each at the top! Again, no summit photo yet due to low cloud, but here's one of Snowdon from below once the cloud had lifted. All weekend we were blessed with wonderful walking weather, and the only drop of rain was in North England while we were in the minibus. Full challenge report and more pictures, including those from the summit of all 3, will be posted once we're home and had some sleep! 26 miles, 2500metre ascents, 3 countries, 3 peaks, and only 3hours sleep will need some recovering from! Carrie

2am

Just finished second mountain, Scarfell Pike. A lot slower than schedule, but once darkness fell the going was a lot slower, and some of the group were really struggling. No pics this time. Too dark! Trying to get some sleep now before last mountain, Snowdon. We won't do it up and down in the 24 hours now, but are hoping to get to the summit within it

(Carrie - via text)

5hours 40mins in 1

Update from crammed minibus leaving Fort William... 1st mountain done and under our belt! Bit longer than we'd hoped. We're in a team with 6 guys, who are a little faster than us, but only by about 10mins. Craig's faced his worse fear, the call of nature in the nature, but all in all we are fearing well other than a few stiff knees from the descent. The summit was a white out, so no picture from there yet i'm afraid, but here's one from the halfway point... Enjoy the view! We're gonna try and get some kip on the 5hr drive to the Lake District now. Due to start climbing Scafell Pike about 630pm. Carrie

7hrs to go...

Update from a bunkhouse just south of Fort William. We've all got up here safely, after driving through some fantastic scenery in Loch Lomond National Park. All packs sorted for the first mountain, Ben Nevis, which we'll be starting at 7am! Right of to bed now, so i can get at least 5hrs sleep before our a post breakfast briefing at 620am!

(Carrie via text)

1 Day to go...Final word's from the 3Cs...

I'm posting this just before catching a plane up to Glasgow to join Craig and Claire, and the rest of the Meningitis Trust team for the 3 Peaks Challenge.

This weekend we’ll be walking 26 miles, up three mountains, in 3 different countries. That’s the equivalent distance to a marathon, but with 2,500m added in just for fun! And no, we don’t get to stop and sleep along the way, any sleeping to be had will be crammed in a mini bus seat as we drive from Scotland to England, then on down to Wales.

After conquering Ben Nevis on Saturday morning, Scafell Pike in the dark, we are hoping to hit the summit of Snowdon just as the sun is rising on Sunday morning…

Over the past 3+ months we’ve spent weekends training, and between us raised almost £2,500 for the Meningitis Trust.

Many thanks to all those that have believed in us and supported and sponsored us along the way.

This weekend we’ll do you proud!
THANKS A MILLION TO ALL OUR SUPPORTERS!

We'll try and get some updates up here to let you know how we are getting on, so keep watching!

5 Days to go.... agggghhhhhhhhhh!!!

With now less than a week to go it's getting scarily close.

I spent all weekend relaxing, and not doing anything too energetic what so ever in preparation for next weekend.

The bad news is though, yesterday I was going a bit stir crazy from lack or exercise, last night my legs were aching, and today I seem to be developing a cold! Itchy throat and sneezing all afternoon! Oh well I guess all I can do now is fuel up my body, dose up on vitamin C and hope for the best!

Right, off to eat my homemade soup....

7 Days to go... Thanks to my NZ sponsors!

Just a week to go now, and I've passed my personal fundraising target! Generousity from the other side of the world pushed my sponsorship over the £700 mark!

So thanks a million to:

Adrienne Ensor, Ngaira Bezett, Phil Well, Viv Ferguson, Rob Grey, Adrienne Moore, Merle Motion, Sandra Wilson, and Vanessa Baddock

See what the NZ dollar can do!

Thanks also to those at work who have sponsored Craig and I this week...

Ollie, Simon, Alastair, Aine, Matt, Michelle, Max, Al, Jamil, Ginny, Sasha, Sophie, Lee, Helen M-G, Basia, Craig and Alice.

3Cs Fundraising Total = £1,774!!!

11 Days to go… Where did the summer go!?

It’s September already, and I am not sure where June, July or August have gone! Only 10 days now till the big event and all three of us are starting to make sure we have all of the ‘essentials’ for the challenge – we don’t want to be turned away in Scotland after all of this training! Claire, Craig and I caught up for a quick shopping trip tonight, and we think we are all sorted now. Although I am still debating the geekiness (and price) of gaiters, versus their benefit of dry lower trousers… though would I ever use them again?... Any thoughts?

This week I'm taking it easy - only a swim and a climb, oh and still walking to work, but no big walks this weekend. It’s probably a good thing my training is pretty much over, since I seem to have scared off all of my friends now as no-one wants to join me on days out anymore! I'm sure they’re worried I’ll make them walk some crazy distance or slope! Don’t worry guys, after this event I’ll be back to leisurely days out – I promise!

A BIG THANK YOU though to everyone who has supported us along the way, both in training, encouragement and sponsorship. We really do appreciate it. SO THANKS!

…and if you’ve been meaning to sponsor us but still haven’t, there’s still time…we’ve each got collection tins at work, plus our justgiving sites are still up and collecting (see links to the right)…

13 Days to go… Full on Training in Yorkshire…

With only a fortnight until the big event I headed up to Yorkshire for my final full on training session. Rachel, my cousin, and her husband Jamie, came down from Edinburgh to join me an attempt on the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge – a circular 26 mile course taking in the 3 highest peaks in Yorkshire Pen-y-ghent (694 metres), Whernside (736 metres) and Ingleborough (723 metres). If you do it within 12 hours, you get to join the ‘3 Peaks of Yorkshire Club’, so this was our aim…

We set out early on the Saturday morning, and naively we’d all thought we’d be the only ones out, especially at 7.30am on a Saturday. But the up the hill, ahead and behind us was a steady stream of people, and this continued all day – it made navigating easier, although Jamie and I did check the route map from time to time to make sure we weren’t following walkers on a completely different route!

The first peak, Pen-y-ghent, was quite rocky and steep near the top, with a demoralising fake summit, and was in near white out conditions. We hoped the drizzle that had started was not going to last all day. To our delight, on descending the other side the fog lifted, rain stopped and while still cloudy it was near perfect walking conditions.

It’s a VERY long walk between Pen-y-ghent and the second peak, Whernside, and very, very boggy. At one point all of us had serious doubts as to whether we’d actually make the whole route at all, let alone in 12 hours! But we made the summit of Whernside, just before 2pm, and with a bite of dark chocolate, both our energy levels and moods lifted. Two down, only 1 to go. From there on it was quite enjoyable, with the sun even making an appearance at one point! The route up to Ingleborough was narrow path of very steep steps, which was a bit demoralising to look at after more than 6 hours of walking. But on tackling it, it wasn’t that bad as was quite a short stretch.

We clocked back in at the Horton-in-Ribblesdale café just over 10 ½ hours after setting out – well within the time limit and over an hour quicker than the route guide we were following. (The Café have an ancient clocking out/in machine to keep track of walkers, and if you don’t clock back in they call out mountain rescue – a good safety scheme, but potentially embarrassing if you are just forgetful!).

I'm really glad to have done these 3 Peaks, and it was a great boast to the end of my training for the National 3 Peaks Challenge. I can see a marked improvement in my mountain fitness since starting training in June, as I can now keep a steady pace up any slope, without my legs and lungs screaming out for a break with every other step!

Just to push my muscles to their limit, and as an alternative to sitting in the café for hours waiting for friends and trains, I also did an 8 mile walk on the Friday afternoon, exploring local farms and potholes, and then took a short brisk stroll on the Sunday along the river Ribble. (now say that one fast!).

The next two weeks I’ll be winding down my training and instead concentrate on fuelling up my body for the impending big event.

15 Days to go... Fundraising Update

Yippeee!!!
As of today we have all officially reached our minimum fundraising requirements! It doesn’t stop there though…We each still have a wee way to go until we each reach our personal fundraising goals… About £100 between us should do it, so those of you who haven’t sponsored us yet (we know you have been meaning too!), you know where to click! (links to the right!)…

A big thanks to those who have sponsored us recently…
Vikki and Andrew, Kirsti, Dave P, Ollie Holme, Simon Brett, Salima Chowdhury, Alastair Austin, Aine Casey, Matt Ward, Michelle Abel, Max Pickwoad, Al McKellar, Jamil, Ginny, Sasha Burrows, Joanna Couzens, Colin Short, Sophie Potter, David Scard, Rob Irwin and Lee P

Fundraising Total = £1,660

18 Days to go... Dumb Woman's Walk!

Lessons learnt on this walk...

If the weather forecast says it'll rain, it'll rain.

If the weather forecast says it'll be sunny, don't count on it.

It pays to put your water proof over trousers on BEFORE it rains, and before you cotton trousers are soaked through.

There was a reason my 'waterproof' jacket was on sale - because it's NOT waterproof.

English sea side towns are fairly depressing places, especially in the typical English summer.

But it wasn't all bad news on Sunday when Kirsti and I headed down to the South Coast for a 12 mile coastal walk from Rye to Hastings. Despite aborting the work at the halfway pub, due to being over water logged, we did manage to make it to Hastings, albeit aided by public transport and I learnt a few valuable lessons that I'm glad I learnt now, rather than on the 3 Peaks Challenge itself.

Thanks Kirsti for your company in the rain, and your sponsorship.

I'm now off to beg, borrow, or buy a proper waterproof jacket, and I'll try and remember to put on my waterproof trousers at the start of the 3 Peaks Challenge, whatever the weather!!

26 Days to go... Will we be allowed to participate?

By today we had to have each raised a minimum of £320 to be allowed to participate in the challenge. And I'm please to report that we each have! HUGE THANK YOUS to each and everyone of our sponsors!

Thank you to our recent sponsors this month…
Harry Jones, Claire Booth, Adrian Ford, Cam, Alice Kelleher, Peter Mann, Alex Parsons, Bhavika Hirani, Sam Payne, Sophie Dutta and Skippy.

Fundraising Total = £1,338

30 Days to go...It can't really be that close can it!??

WOW! It's now only a month until our big event!!

I'm not sure where the days have been going, and with the weather the way it has been lately, the motivation to train has been somewhat deminished... Last week I feeling a bit low, and wondering about how true the belief that everyone has about how fit I am is...I know I can do distance, and duration, but how well will my legs and lungs manage the ascents?!

I had to do something to pull my motivation back up, and the charity walk I lead in Henley on Saturday did a lot to help that. I've started this week with a climbing session, and a swim, as I realise that I'm the only one who can get me as fit as I want to be for this challenge.

Right, enough procrastinating! I'm off to find some stairs to climb... (if you know of any good ones let me know!)

35 Days to go...Carrie's Charity Walk

Part of the 3 Peaks Challenge is to raise money and awareness for The Meningitis Trust. I'd be struggling a bit on this side of things - training is something only I can do for myself, but fundraising is something I need the support of others... So far I'd been relying on the generousity of my friends - AND THANK YOU TO ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE SPONSORED ME SO FAR! (and those that keep meaning to, you know where to click www.justgiving.com/3csconquer3peaks).

So in an effort to boost my fundraising, without straining my friendships, I organised a 10mile walk in the lovely countryside around Henley (this was the same walk I did with my parents in June - but boy the day couldn't haven't been different!).

It was a very successful day, despite a shocking forcast, sunny spells in the morning meant that 25 people turned up for the walk. The sun didn't last long unfortunately and by the time we got to Henley the rain has started. And didn't stop!

Still, people were smiling all day and seemed to enjoy the walk, despite having to sit outside for lunch as the only pub on the route was full!! (The staff were very accommodating though, providing us with bin bags to sit on, and even doing table service outside in the rain! Thanks!).

A BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE THAT CAME - Helen, Adrian, Michelle, Sharon, Eva, Isabel, Alex, Henrik, Aneta, Adela, Laetitia, Clara, Rhoda, Lucy, Charles C, Amanda, Delphine, Becky and Jake, ScottE, Nic, Heidi, Katarzyna, Colin, SA, Pash, and Matt.

You all helped me to raise over £150 for the Meningitis Trust.

41 Days to go... Dover Castle Walk

There was finally a weekend during my training that Chris was free to join me on a walk. And luckily for Chris there was a walk on that weekend that was not too long or too challenging and gave fantastic views and we even got to visit a castle!




But before that, we had to walk 4 miles along the lovely cliff of Dover.

Was a very windy day, so had to becareful not to get too close to the edge!

44 Days to go... Fundraising Update

July has been a great month for fundraising, doubling our joint total so far!

A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who has sponsored us this month…
Glen Harman, Rich Henstock, Lynne Madlin, Cameron Blacklaw, Bola Ogunjimi, Ciaran R, Win & Bruce, Irfan, Rachel Prier, Anonymous Philanthropist, Mikkel Sarbo, David Boyes, Stacey Madlin, Thai Gnome, Galia, Linda Martin, The Copas Partnership and David

Fundraising Total = £1,028

48 Days to go...Chiltern's 20 Miler

On the what must have been the hottest day of the year so far, I joined a group of HAWOGians for a 20 mile walk around the lovely Chilterns.

It was a good brisk pace - although at the beginning I was unsure of whether I'd keep up with them all as it was a lot faster than the pace normally set on Backabush hikes! But it was very good training for me, and if we get 25degree heats up Ben Nevis I'll be ready for them!

As the weather forecast was fantastic I opted to wear shorts, however I am now undecided if I prefer nettle stings, or hot clamy legs from wearing trousers!

50 Days to go... Meet the Team!

This is probably a post we should have done a while back when we all signed up for this crazy challenge! But hey, better late than never....

MEET THE 3 Cs...

CARRIE

I am doing the 3 Peaks Challenge because: I’m always looking for crazy challenges to do. And needed the motivation to get fit!

The Mountain I am most looking forward to climbing is: Ben Nevis

The distance I think I’ll walk before encountering my first blister is: 20 Miles - I managed to walk this far last weekend in new boots, with no blisters...
The thing I am most concerned about on the challenge is: Being the slowest up those damn hills!

Before training for this challenge I used to spend my Sunday afternoons: Outdoors, probably thinking up crazy challenges to do!

Favourite alcoholic beverage: When I'm not training, Malibu and Pineapple
Favourite pastime: Being outdoors, taking too many photos
If I we an animal I would be a: Cat, I've always wanted to be able to stretch like a cat! And not feel guilty passing most the day just chilling.
Describe your other team members in one phrase: Very trusting! To be following me up those mountains!

One word to sum up the 3 Cs as a whole: Unique

CRAIG

I am doing the 3 Peaks Challenge because: My body says I need too
The Mountain I am most looking forward to climbing is: Mount Snowdon

The distance I think I’ll walk before encountering my first blister is: A foot!

The thing I am most concerned about on the challenge is: Climbing in the dark!

Before training for this challenge I used to spend my Sunday afternoons: Lying around

Favourite alcoholic beverage: Guiness

Favourite pastime: Guiness

If I we an animal I would be a: Cat

Describe your other team members in one phrase: Tenacious
One word to sum up the 3 Cs as a whole: Bonkers

CLAIRE

I am doing the 3 Peaks Challenge because: I’m mad. Officially.

The Mountain I am most looking forward to climbing is: Scafell Pike

The distance I think I’ll walk before encountering my first blister is: Going to be ambitious and say 15 miles, haven’t had any blisters from walking yet. Touch wood!

The thing I am most concerned about on the challenge is: Sore knees

Before training for this challenge I used to spend my Sunday afternoons: ummm, that was too long ago to remember

Favourite alcoholic beverage: Depends on my mood. Monteiths Summer Ale is up there right now.

Favourite pastime: Other than walking you mean?! Doing nothing

If I we an animal I would be a: non-endangered big cat

Describe your other team members in one phrase: Equally mad!
One word to sum up the 3 Cs as a whole: Diverse

53 Days to go...Video Evidence of our training

Here's a little video evidence of the training Craig, Claire and I are doing...

Kindly put together by David.

55 Days to go… Craig is introduced to Mountain Climbing

With less than two months to go until our challenge, Claire, Craig and I headed to Wales for a weekend of serious hill walking.

This was the first time that Craig had tackled any slopes, so it was a sort of baptism by fire for him, with a 21km walk in the Black Mountains on Saturday and a shorter, but definitely steeper 11kms up Pen Y Fan and the surrounding peaks in the Brecon Beacons on Sunday. He still seems to be in a state of shock that he actually survived, as I think he was actually expecting a lot worse. He did however exclaim that fresh air and amazing views are a great cure for after effects of over indulgence, but also that going down hill kills the toes, and if given the choice he would just stick to the up hills!

Carrie discovered that being the navigator, figuring out where you are on the map, and where you want to be seriously slows you down. Her two quotes of the weekend will be remembered as ‘Well, we are meant to be here….’ And ‘Almost there!’ I don’t think the others will ever trust her saying that phrase again – it’s all relative though isn’t it, and when you have already walked 20kms, what’s one more?!…

Claire’s finally agreed that she needs a bigger day pack, as her nifty little orange one is great, on a summer’s day when there’s no threat of four seasons in one day, but if as soon as you need to start adding waterproof jacket, trousers, glove, hat, food, water, more food and emergency kit the zip does start to protest a little! Carrie’s also finally admitted that her beloved boots no longer love her feet so will be replaced very very soon. So, add those to all the kit Craig needs and it looks like a shopping spree is soon to be on the agenda…ouch!

Take a look at our photos here of the weekend.

Overall it was a great weekend – Thanks to Pash, David and Kirsti who came along and allowed themselves to be lead around the welsh countryside for the weekend.

Our next big weekend trip will be to attempt the Yorkshire 3 Peaks at the end of August, so if anyone is keen give us a shout!

62 Days to go...On holiday but still training!

Carrie took a week out for a well deserved summer holiday in Malta. However it wasn’t all sun, sand and relaxation. She spent most of the time diving and swimming, and at one point even had 200 steps to climb, down and back up again, fully kitted and weighted for diving, in 32 degree heat! Who say’s she’s slacking off then aye!?

77 Days to go... Our First Month's Fundraising

Huge thanks to everyone who has sponsored us in our first month of fundraising….
Chris H, Sarah Palmer, Andy Tappern, Kevin C, Fiona, Andy Constable, Jayne Hemingway, Dade Freeman, Jonathan Tuttle, Steve Yianni, Chris Weller, Michelle Spratt, Pete Li, Debs, David McLoughlin, Martin Tiller, Nigel Baker, Maria Vitelli, Stephanie Holm, Jerry England, Tom Mullins, Stephen, Janine Mollen, Your Godparents, Sally Cocks, Joanne Regan, Mum and Dad, Hayley Freeman and Frank.

It’s a good start, but we still have a long way to go!

Fundraising Total = £520

75 Days to go… Challenge Nutrition

During the challenge we get provided with breakfast before we start, and breakfast after we finish. The rest of the food is up to us to supply. Given that we are going to be walking for approximately 14 hours within the 24 hour challenge, and in a packed mini bus for the other 10 hours finding nutritious, yet easy food is going to be another challenge altogether.

Suggestions so far have included; living off Kendal Mint Cake for the weekend (thanks Oli! Can we send you our dentist bills!?), pre made sarnies, cold pasta salad, and those horribly disgusting (as Carrie found out) sports energy sources. Claire however spotted these while we were shopping in Cotswolds.

The theory is, that you need no electricity, no pot, no camp stove, just what is provided in this packet – you put the silver foil packet, containing the ‘food’ into the nifty orange heating package, and you add the water (provided in a little sachet) to that. Then seal, with the sticky tape, also provided, and wait 15mins while somehow it magically heats up your food…. Hmmmmm… dubious.

Nevertheless Carrie and Claire have stocked up. Claire with just enough for the challenge, with the theory that when she’s desperate she’ll eat anything and Carrie with one extra to test out, with the theory that she’d rather starve than eat something as disgusting as those sports bars she tried!

THE RESULTS:

THE VERDICT:

While the bits of meat in the ‘All Day Breakfast’ variety were definitely unidentifiable (she feed them to Chris!) the meal was in fact hot (well, warmish) and edible, probably more so when you are cold and hungry having just climbed a mountain (or three!)…
Still I think I’ll through a couple of packets of jaffa cakes in my rucksack, and a supply of jelly babies, which my 3 Peaks handbook actually recommends! Honest.

83 Days to go... A 26 mile test hike

The Cheltenham Circular Challenge is an annual event hosted by The Cheltenham Cleve Vale Rotary Club. The circular course consists of four sections that you can choose to do either individually for attempt the Marathon - all four sections back to back, giving you a route just over 26 miles.

A PERFECT EVENT! I thought, for my 3 Peaks Training plan, and a good opportunity to test out some of my new outdoor kit.

Despite a shocking weather forecast, Sunday morning Mark, Helen and I set out bright and (too) early to enjoy a fantastic day in the Gloucester countryside. I was equipped with a new rucksack , new super duper comfortable insoles, new socks and an array of high energy sports foods to test out.

Overall it was a positive day - I am glad to report that I CAN walk 26 miles, which is the approximate distance of the 3 Peaks - now I just need to add some more substantial peaks to the mix. As far as my new kit went, my rucksack and socks passed the test -although I do have a few chaffing issues to sort out between the waist band of the rucksack and the top of my trousers. The insoles and the sports nutrition both failed - the insoles in spectacular style - leaving the sides of my feet with blisters - somewhere I have never had blisters before! I even resorted to switching back to my old insoles 3/4 way through and found them far more comfortable, despite their age. The only positive of this is that my (expensive) new insoles came with a 60 day comfort guarantee - so I can look forward to getting my money back!

87 Days to go... Overcoming Running

Ok, you've probably heard me admit before that I have a strong dislike for running. But given the distinct lack hours in my day for ‘walking training’ I figure if I can overcome this dislike then running regularly will definite benefit my 3 Peaks training regime.

So, I’ve come up with a plan…’Carrie’s Casual Monday Night Runs’.

Come run with me on Monday nights and encourage me to keep running. Every Monday night I’ll find a different route through a different London Park.

So if you are like me need others around to keep you running, or if you enjoy running and you’d like to support me in my 3 Peaks Training, come along. Details each week on our Facebook group or email me for details.

91 Days to go... Treating my Parents to a Lovely Walk in the Countryside

My parents are over from New Zealand at the moment so I’ve just spent a long weekend with them. Since they lived in London when they were in their 20s, I figured they didn’t really need to do all the typical touristy things, so I planned a day trip out to Henley-on-Thames. I used to live and work out there, so was keen to show them around, plus a lovely walk in the countryside would fit in quite well with my training plan… Shame that they took ‘a lovely walk in the countryside’ to mean about 4 miles less than I meant!

It started out well, with a lovely amble up the River Thames, alongside the world famous Henley Royal Regatta course. After crossing Hambledon Lock, we headed into the fields, visiting briefly the quaint village of Hambledon, where all the locals turned out to greet us – or maybe it was the wedding in the old church they were hanging out for! From Hambledon we headed up into the Great Woods above the village, which were supposed to offer lovely views of the river and surrounding valley, but I suspect the author did the walk in winter when there were a few less leaves on the trees, as we only caught glimpses. Out of the woods we wandered along quiet country lanes admiring the country houses of the Oxfordshire elite and even spotted a polo match going on. Despite having walked 10miles Chris and my parents did agree it was a lovely day, and we were reward with both lovely views and weather. They have just all sworn not to let me lead them on ‘a lovely walk in the countryside again’!

95 Days to go... To Train, but not to Train

Those of you that know me well will know (and those that don’t yet will learn…) that I don’t do things by halves - it’s either ALL or NOTHING with me, and getting myself in shape for this this challenge will be no different…

As I no longer belong to a gym (they just don’t inspire me, and I never seem to be able to do more than about a 3 month stint, before I start to get bored and regret the money its costing me NOT to go!) and I also have a fair dislike of running (hence I’ve never signed up for a marathon!) I’ve needed to devise a training plan that I’m going to enjoy sticking to… My philosophy is to engage in as many enjoyable energetic activities as possible, and not to look at them as 'training'. That way I figure I’ll enjoy getting fit and it won’t seem such a task!

So, three weeks in, this is what I’ve been up to…

• 15km of Dragon Boating (with Thames Dragons)
• 14 miles hiking in the Lake District, covering 4 peaks and 3160m in elevation (with Backabush Xplorers)
• 6 hours of Rock Climbing
• 9 miles jogging (even though I hate it, I take the train to a station further away and run home through the park – that way I have motivation to keep running, or else it’ll take me longer to get home)
• A morning of kayaking and afternoon of walking on the South Coast (with MountainTrax)
• 1 days diving in Brighton (with LSD)

That’s on top of the obligatory step climbing daily (London substitution for mountains!) and my 4 mile walk to and from work each day.

And since I’m trying to get my body in tip top shape through all this activeness, I figure there’s it’d be counter productive to feed my body crap, so I have given up caffeine and alcohol while I train.

96 Days to go... Fundraising Update

WOW! Our fundraising has really jumped up this week – mostly thanks to Claire’s work mates. Cheers Guys!

Thanks to all this weeks sponsors…
Kevin C, Fiona, Andy Constable, Jayne Hemingway, Dade Freeman, Jonathan Tuttle, Steve Yianni, Chris Weller, Michelle Spratt, Pete Li, Debs, David McLoughlin, Martin Tiller, Nigel Baker, Maria Vitelli, Stephanie Holm, Jerry England, Tom Mullins and Stephen.

Fundraising Total = £420

103 Days to go... and Sponsorship begins!

Our personal justgiving sites have taken their first donations!!

(see links to the right if you would like to donate too)

Special thanks to our very first sponsors….
Chris H, Sarah Palmer and Andy Tappern

Fundraising Total = £50

Our Challenge - The 3 Peaks

The 3 Peaks 24 Hour Challenge involves climbing all three of the UK's highest mountains - Ben Nevis in Scotland (1344m), Scafell Pike in England (977m) and Snowdon in Wales (1085m) within 24hours.

Our adventure will start on Friday 12th September, in Fort Willam, where we'll be briefed on the challenge ahead. 8am the next morning we'll be heading off to climb Ben Nevis, before driving down to the Lake District to start our ascent of Scafell Pike about 6.30pm. Then with two peaks under our hats we'll head to the Llanberis Pass to attempt the third and final peak - Snowdon, about 4am. The aim being to make it down in time for breakfast at 8am, thus having conquered all 3 peaks within the 24hrs.

We've been warned that this challenge will be very arduous and that's we'll not only need to be physically and mentally fit but also be able to cope with minimal sleep over the weekend.

The Meningitis Trust are providing a driver and minibus, which will become our home for the weekend, and a qualified and experienced safety team to ensure we get both up, and back down all three peaks safely.

All in all, we will be walking a total distance of 41.3km (25.7 miles) and climbing a total of height of 2932m (9619 feet), which should amount to approximately 14.5hrs walking.

So the real challenge actually starts now, on two fronts - get ourselves fit enough to complete the challenge, and convince you all to sponsor us to do this challenge as we all have to raise a minimum of £400 each.

Bookmark this blog and follow our journey - we'll even be posting details of training walks we'll doing if anyone fancys joining us.

Welcome to our blog!

Thanks for dropping by.
This blog is just beginning, so its a little bare at the moment.
But soon it will be tracking our progress as we go from out of shape londoners to peak conquering mountaineers!

Watch this space!

And in the mean time why not drop by our fundraising pages:
Carrie - http://www.justgiving.com/3csconquer3peaks
Claire - http://www.justgiving.com/clairelynch1
Craig - http://www.justgiving.com/craigmadlin