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!"