Today we pushed that notch up a level. Both Bryn and myself know hiking, running and bouncing up over and down ten of the UK's highest peaks in five days [or less], is tough and without testing ourselves weekly we know by August it could either end in injury or failure, neither a real option.
We now have too much riding on up donation money is rolling in, we have a sponsors and we have to do ourselves justice. So our new logistics team member Tim planned us yet another mind bending route across heavy moor, marsh and hill. Yes we are now officially a four man team, two runners/hikers [Bryn/Darren], back up runner/hiker/driver [Dan] and back up driver/logistics [Tim].
I apprehensively, but still excitedly awoke at five am, shuffling around the house fueling up and messing about with kit. Bryn and Tim both arrived at seven am and off the moor we went. Staring at Fernworthy Reservoir at eight twenty five, we disappeared in to the cold morning snow and fog. Leaving Tim making himself a cup of tea on the side of the road.
Today was as much about mental strength as physical training. We trekked across the moor taking in Tor's, passed Two Bridges, bending out to Whiteworks, taking in a few more punishing deep marsh beds and finally ending up in the car park of Avon Damn Reservoir. We did get off track and ended up adding approximately two miles to our day, but luckily our new GPS units pulled it back together with a slight detour [again].
Over all twenty four miles in seven hours and twenty five minutes. The day was pitched as a map and compass day, it certainly was, rewarding, challenging and nearly a marathon. Tomorrow though I feel I will wake wondering where the bus went that hit me! Already after a soak in the bath, filled up with food, the aches are setting in.
I hope Bryn posts his thoughts on the day with some picture, we both had various ups and downs.
-Darren
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