After months of injuries that wiped 3 of the team out temporarily and at different times and left us unsure about who was going to be able to compete, all four of us (Jude, Paul, Sarah and Mark) finally all got back together 4 weeks ago and we managed to do a 5 and 1/2 mile hilly walk, followed by a 12 mile cycle route in the afternoon. Wow. That was some tough day and we all managed it.
So we are all set for the challenge event on 11th Sept. With less than 2 weeks to go now, we are finally on the countdown to the day!
This last weekend, we did our most difficult cycle route ever… We did 12 miles up and down Ilmington downs in Warwickshire, climbing 300m in total (it was very up and down!). It took us 2 hours so when we add hills to our distance it slows us down considerably.
Today, we were out again. this time we did a 6 and 1/2 mile walk. Well, the guide book says it was 6 and 1/2. We are convinced it was more like 10 because it was so up and down and took us 3 1/2 hours. I need to measure the map again to find out!
It’s a reminder that the challenge we have set ourselves is definitely a tough one for our level of fitness. Still, we did have dogs with us and had to keep lifting them over stiles so that slowed us down considerably. Well, if I blame it on the dogs, I can convince myself that without them, we will walk faster! I hope that is the case!
So that’s the last of the major training as a team. I’m planning to rest Tues and Weds with a final spin class on Thurs, followed by a whole week of resting my poor aching body in the hope that it will have recovered by 11th Sept to allow me to charge up the hills! I’m so exhausted after all the training and I really feel as though I need some rest now and plenty of sleep.
Last Saturday, I went to see a sports massage therapist to ease my poor aching hamstrings. I lived to tell the tale (just… it was agony!) and my muscles definitely feel stronger and longer as a result of it, although still tired only 2 days afterwards.
I’m really proud of what we’ve all achieved in training and getting fit, especially given the injuries that some of the team have had. As for me, I have a stronger back, more muscle, more strength and greater fitness than I have had for 10 years. That really proves that the effort is worth it for me. It has been really tough at times, with constant aching muscles as each week I push myself harder and after 6 months of training, I now feel ready to tackle the challenge.
As for fundraising, thankyou to our wonderful family and friends (and even strangers Mark met one day on a walk) who have given so generously, we have now raised £2212. Only £300 to go to meet our target of £2500. It’s really thrilling to know that Guide Dogs benefit from what you have given and what we are doing as they perform such a life-changing role.
So this is the last post until after the challenge on 11th Sept. Next update will be after the event when I post pictures of us, hopefully not all of them will involve us collapsed in a heap on the floor although many of them probably will!
Thanks for being with us as we train.
