Don't underestimate the challenge - don't underestimate the achievement

'Don't underestimate the challenge'. That's the message that came through loud and clear from the organisers all through our preparations for Trailwalker 2011. And we tried not to but until you're actually taking part it's difficult to appreciate fully just how tough it is - physically and mentally - taking part in Trailwalker.

To help us remember the event, and provide some insight to those who are contemplating taking part another time, we've put a record of our experiences in this blog (see separate pages in right hand column).

'Don't underestimate the achievement'. If you can't finish first then you have to make your mark some other way. So we finished joint last. Our two remaining team members, Helen and Alison, crossed the finish line at Brighton racecourse 33 hours, 1 minute after they started with Rhiannon and Leonie, the two remaining members of  'Ladybirds Are Go!' And let's not forget our other two team members who each covered about two thirds of the distance before having to give up;  Heather at 60 kms and Aly after 69 kms. All four of our walking team should be extremely proud of their achievement, particularly given the horrendous weather conditions during the first nine hours of the walk.

Here are some stats. Of the 2046 people who started, 1656 (81%)  finished. Just over half the teams that started finished as complete teams of four and 43 teams (8%) did not finish at all. First to finish were a team of Gurkhas, Anil Tamang, Hitman Ghale, Rohit Gurung and Netra Rana, in 10 hours 42 minutes (we were just approaching checkpoint 4). They were running, in shorts and vests. Respect.

And finally here's an inspirational message from Helen, our team leader.
"When I first set about looking for a team to take part in Trailwalker, the roles of walker and support were separate. I now realise that the fine line of separation was never really there, as everyone within the team supported each other in their times of need, often without help being asked for first.

A strong bond has built up within each and everyone of us, as members of the team now begin to realise that with a vision anything in life is possible!"

Friday night with the Gurkhas

Still a lovely afternoon when we arrived at the Queen Elizabeth Country Park. We were nice and early so we had the pick of pitches in the '6.00 a.m. start' section of the campsite.Could that be rain clouds building in the background?








And because we'd raised so much sponsorship money, the team were given a fast track registration process.

Aly and Helen tuck in

Later on the Gurkhas treated us to a pasta dinner. Very yummy!  And when I say us that's 520 teams of four and their support crew. Not to mention all those helping behind the scenes. Then they cooked breakfast for us all next morning.

Craig gets a hat

There were some shopping opportunities - time to buy a few last essentials (chocolate) and Oxfam had some great bargains in their tent. Craig splashed out on a rainhat (sorry about pun) which he wore for several hours before losing it. Apparently this wasn't his 'purchase to loss' record.




Finally that evening we were treated to a great performance by the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas.

The Gurkhas get ready

The Gurkhas at the front are doing something very fast with knives - that's why it's blurry!

Off to base camp - Friday 15th July

Craig gets comfy

Participating in Trailwalker presents any number of challenges - getting all our gear, food and team members to the base camp was one of the first of the weekend. Meeting that challenge sometimes required team members to be less than comfortable on the way to base camp.

Craig and Heather enjoy the sunny weather

Base camp was at the foot of the South Downs very near the Jack and Jill windmills (checkpoint 8) and what a lovely summer day it was. Make the most of it team!

 

Aly and Sonia packed for the journey to Petersfield

Our next challenge - putting all the gear and people who had travelled in three cars to base camp into two cars before travelling to the Queen Elizabeth Country Park at Petersfield for the start of Trailwalker.

Didn't we do well

After a truly horrendous start, rain, rain and more rain for the first seven hours, 4everfriends  are pleased to announce that two of the team, Alison and Helen, finished the 100kms walk between Petersfield and Brighton in 33 hours and 1 minute. The other two team members managed to complete about two-thirds of the walk, with Heather retiring after 60kms and Aly after 69kms.

More news about the team's experiences and photos will be posted when we've all had a good sleep.

The big day dawns

This will be our final posting before we set off for the start line. Early tomorrow all eight of us will be heading for our base camp at the foot of the Downs near the Jack and Jill windmills (or checkpoint 8 as we've come to know it). Then, after ensuring that we've got all the gear in the support car, we'll be heading for the Queen Elizabeth Country Park near Petersfield where we've been promised Gurkhas displays and an unforgettable performance from the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas. 

 At 6.00 Saturday morning the walkers will set off from the start line on one of the biggest challenges they've probably ever had - to walk along the South Downs until they reach Brighton, 100 kms away, where there will be more Gurkhas at the finish line and medals.

And you can track their progress - click here to go to the Trailwalker 'watch it live' page. Track the team by entering 'foreverfriends'.

The final countdown

It's now less than two weeks to go before 4everfriends set out on our 60 mile walk for charity and final preparations are being made.

For the walkers this means that last week saw the end of the long training walks as we prepare to get in peak condition for the walk itself. Alison was back on the South Downs training on some of the actual stages including a 30 mile plus walk. She admits that she was no fun to be with afterwards so hard hats have been added to the essential equipment for the support crew.

Support arrangements are also being finalised. There are two teams of two - Michelle and Sonia are the 'day crew' and Craig and Margaret are the 'night crew'. We'll be meeting the walkers at most of the checkpoints to feed and water them, to make sure they've put on sun lotion and/or got their waterproofs and to keep their morale up. All the directions for getting between checkpoints are prepared and the checklist of all the equipment and supplies is drawn up and being assembled. Now all we have to do is make sure someone remembers to bring the ketchup. If we don't, breakfast on Sunday morning (estimated time 4.45 a.m.) with four people who have walked about 50 miles and who haven't slept since Friday night could get ugly.

Finally, as of this morning we have £3,220 in the charity kitty - great news!

Castle Hill, Woodingdean - the post Sunday breakfast view