The half-term meant that we didn’t have the full house we’d hoped for on the first outing but we persevered with a depleted team. Henry made the bold decision to take us on a pretty challenging route, and Joe Slater’s “just put one foot in front of the other” mantra served us well as the first unwelcome bit of self-doubt crept in… approximately 1.5km into the climb up Grindsbrook! Turns out, it really is a different kind of fitness this hiking thing! Any misconceptions about the whole 3 Peaks adventure being easy because really, it’s just a lot of walking, have definitely been put to bed. Although, trying to tell a few of the non-attenders (the Beths!) this in the pub later on suggests we have a bit of work to do in getting this message understood!
Anyway, back to the walk itself…
The (slow) climb up Grindsbrook took us up to Kinder Scout which thankfully wasn’t as boggy as anticipated. Just as well given that I’d ignored Henry’s pre-walk instruction and turned up with no gaiters. Mainly because I had no idea what gaiters actually were! I was considering investing in a pair but have decided to just carry on getting really muddy so I avoid the excessive leg sweat issue that Slates had with his!
It was pretty baltic up on the top of Kinder Scout so we were all glad of the extra layers Henry had frightened us into making sure we had on! And we were also super glad of Henry’s map, compass and general mountain leading greatness. If you’re going to put your blind faith in anyone to get you through the 3 Peaks, Henry Bryan is your man!
The rocks of Kinder Downfall was where we stopped for lunch, and it was enjoyed all the more because of the spectacular views. The pictures just didn’t do it justice but there was something inexplicably calming and inspiring just sitting there and looking out at the beautiful landscape. Joe’s shout from behind one of the rocks that “this is the best place I’ve ever wee’d in my life” kind of sums that up best!Anyway, onward bound after lunch with a determination to pick up the pace to keep Coach H happy. And then the downhill stretch of Jacob’s Ladder arrived and with it, another reminder that there’s work to do to prep our bodies for the pain of climbing peak after peak, after peak! I have every confidence that the whole team will enthusiastically partake in some circuit sessions based on squats, lunges, hill climbs and whatever else will better our quads and calves for this challenge. Honest, I do. Because who wouldn’t love that?!?
Before we knew it we’d reached the end of our first challenge and at the risk of sounding a bit daft and/or over-enthusiastic, the whole day just felt good for the soul. Bring on the next challenge, H!
PS - we also decided that every training walk should be accompanied with a few top tips, so here’s a few from today:
Get a camel pack for your juice. Hydration is everything, and so is convenience!
Always carry compeed because blisters are the devil’s work!
Stretch at the end of the walk or risk being a broken version of yourself for a few days!
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