Yesterday was our first walk as Team Spa2Summit. We have decided to train on the actual route that we will use in June, so yesterday we set out to cover 20 miles from Cheltenham to Mitcheldean. We are using these walks not only to gauge our fitness but also to try out different combinations of kit etc.
All in all, we had a really positive day! The weather was awesome for starters, with scarcely a cloud in the sky and really comfortable temperatures for walking. What is particularly interesting when you walk cross-country is that you get to see places that you either whizz past or round when in a car. The countryside between Cheltenham and Gloucester is really pretty and the stretch out from Highnam was stunning, yet these bits of land are no more than half a mile from the A40 and it's hurtling masses.
On the plus and minus sides of our walk, minuses include some blisters (We probably went through 2 blister kits!) and some weariness on the final stretch. Pluses include a great team spirit, good pace with everyone taking a turn pulling from the front and no problems with navigating the route.
I felt pretty hammered when I got in last night, but after sleeping soundly I feel a little achey this morning but nowhere near as bad as I thought I would.
Certainly yesterdays walk has given us a taste of what we're in for in June. We have a clearer idea of what our training needs to focus on and what kit would make the walk easier. We're planning a 30 miler as the next part of our training regime, probably towards the end of April and that will be when we can put this knowledge to the test!
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Just a brief addition to the above. Wanted to list the things that worked well for me: Scarpa ZG10 boots and Bridgedale Trekker socks meant no blisters and only one slightly hot spot on the ball of my foot. Camelbak HAWG: plenty of space for all necessary supplies and makes it super-easy to drink on the go. SIS drinks/gels/bars: easy to consume, and kept me going for the whole walk. Lowe Alpine wicking boxers: No Chafing! Same goes for my HH long sleeve top, great bit of kit.
ReplyDeleteAs ken said went really well yesterday team worked well together keeping each other motivated which will be even more important on the longer training walks and in june..Also found it okay spending 7 hours with grant which i thought would hurt more than the walk, so well pleased with how it went and how i feel the day after not to achey..Cheers lads
ReplyDeleteHarsh Mr Wright!! Haha!!
ReplyDeleteI thought your comment would at least be tempered by the fact I gave you my extra layer of clothing so you could stay warm!! ;)