Mingus the final stages of training.

Mingus and Chris training log. The final training sessions before they set off on the SAS Challenge this weekend.

Grosmont Loop around Sleights 11 miles. Our last but not least training effort was the hardest but best yet.

 We came out of Grosmont and hit a hill that seemed to climb forever 90% on the road.  That took care of the cold and the first 1.5 miles.  We  have learnt many things during our training journey over the last 6 months.  The food and drink intake is essential and has to be in easy reach.  So we have progressed from short stop breaks to none at all.  We used to think it was a picnic hence sandwiches and bottled drinks but no more.  We don’t allow ourselves a stop other than a short wait for the other to catch up to catch our breath. 

We now usually carry some small apples and protein bars. Gone have the carrying of bottles we both now have the camal packs with a tube through our back packs I put protein piercer in mine Chris he just likes water.  We have also realised that at the end of our walks our legs and bodies were over aching so we needed to take on energy within the first hour of our 4 to 6 hour walks as our body generally slowly releases energy.  That has certainly had an effect on our training.  It is also essential to make sure when you start your walk expect to be a little cold ie do not over layer up.  I have a skin thermal long arm and a t shirt with a thin hat with a neck scarf I can pull over my enormous elephant ears.  When you are carrying excessive weight in a backpack I can tell You it takes no time at all in the winter to get warm.  In fact I would say you can very easily over heat and we did during our initial training.

 It is also essential that you buy quality boots.  Do not scrimp as these carry you a long way.  My initial boots were poor and lead to bad blisters now I have amazing boots and essentially quality expensive insoles which like the boots hold my feet in the boots as though my skin is attached and they feel so comfortable.  When you are knee deep in mud and water the last thing you want is I’ll fitted boots that come off your feet when you try and pull your feet out of the quagmire. 

I have re-learnt how to read a map and try and time in understanding the ground layout and map symbols which also helps.  I have also used map my ride app and OS maps explorer apps both have been brilliant.  The downside of doing walks is that I get my map reading spot on but some landowners are not keeping the land marked for ramblers.  We have spent so much time having to go around major obstacles because someone / somebody has decided that they are going to make life a little awkward for any walkers who step into their land.  It’s not been many but this sometimes this has made the journey really tough.

Hoping to raise £2.5k for armed forces charity SSAFA and with only a few days left to go they need your help, so donate anything you can to support the dynamic duo and give money to a worthy charity.

You can donate via their justgiving page: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/michael-menzies-baird1