Lessons learned - news from this weekend's training walks

Two more training walks completed this weekend. Darren and Kevin completed both of them and it’s the Map Leader extraordinaire that reports from his hot and soapy tub on Saturday’s walk...

Thames and docklands field trip

As I sit in the bath and reflect on the last two days of walks totalling 27.5 miles, I can safely say you couldn't get two walks so different.

On a fine sunny London afternoon, Mr Hoops took Kev and I on a map-free 15 mile guided tour of London Bridge, Greenwich, Canary Wharf and back to London Bridge. It took me back to a 6th form Geography field trip. Mr Hoops led from the front and the facts just flowed...answers on a postcard why the Dartford tunnel has a bend at either end.

Three key learning points from the urban walk: (1) drinking cider seemed fine, at least I tried 3 times and walking improved with each pint, (2) boots were fine on tarmac and (3) the total mileage for the day includes the walk back after the curry!!


A wet and wild Dazza reflects on the joys of the Thames, his hot tub and rubber duck

Today was the polar opposite...rain, wind and dare I say snow. We got lost in the mist of the first hour or so...but Mark will pick up the baton on today's effort...

Uncomfortably numb on the South Downs Way

Chris and I were full of anticipation (but not the East End curry hangovers of Daz and Peps) for today’s day trip down to the South Downs. We were promised views and a glorious day out near the South Coast. Yeh right! As Daz says, it rained. And rained. And rained. And then it snowed.

Today's learning points: (1) how not to waterproof, (2) the energy sapping impact of squelching mud and water filled boots and (3) how the team banter takes a beating when you’re up against the elements. Paranormal activity was also noted as soap suds formed on our sodden jackets and trousers.

But we were inspired as we criss-crossed the course for today's "Steyning Stinger" marathon. Big respect for all the runners who took on such an unforgiving course in such difficult conditions. When we rounded off our challenge, Chris was feeling his age but very little else as he shivered and shaked on the way back from Findon.


Misty mountain top, doing a runner from the Stingers and a smile despite the sodden boxers

Advice is available to other team members on the findings of this weekend’s training at the normal rates (measured in pints).