The National 3 Peak Challenge

FINAL UPDATE:

So the challenge is over. The memories will last for years, the pain, probably slightly longer. Lessons have been learnt, the main one being, do not attempt the 3 Peaks Challenge a week after (sinus) surgery where your ability to breath is severely limited.

But to recap, meeting the group and our amazing guides (Shout out to Alex and Agnus) on Friday was great, and really put a positive spin on what was sure to be pure torture.

I also want to give a big kudos to Nav, Elle and the rest of the TCF team for organising everything so well, and most importantly choosing the right partners (Johnson Travel and Maximum Adventures) who ensured a practically seamless process form start to finish.

I would also like to thank my friend and colleague Matt, who, despite abandoning me on the side of Ben Nevis. was there with words of support throughout the entire adventure.

 And my final word of thanks is to all those who believed in me and supported my, admittedly failed, attempt to climb 3 mountains in less than 24 hours. If any of you wish for a refund of your donation, can you please contact TCF directly and let them know which kids you wish to see excluded from their programmes.

The donation page is open for another 10 or so days, and remember - it is for the kids. 

The below picture is from half way up Ben Nevis, when I was still happy and mostly pain free.

So with only two days left before the adventure starts (with a flight to Glasgow) things are getting serious. I mean really serious. 

How serious, I hear you all ask? Well, we now have not just one, but two WhatsApp groups (don't ask) established where we can share all sorts of important information between the group undertaking this challenge.

So far most of the posts have been about our training (or lack of) regime, the importance of snacks and water, and the expected weather. And yes, there is snow on top of at least one of the mountains - I will leave you to guess which, but it sounds like Nen Bevis.

We are also sharing our fundraising activities and trying to figure out how much we have managed to raise so far. From the individuals taking part we are at around £34,000 but this does not include the money raised by The John Carpenter Lodge separately over the year (around £8,000) and other one off donations still to be recorded.

With only a few days left, if you do want to throw in a few quid (for the children) then go for it.

For anyone who has already donated, thank you so much. I didn't realise that so many people would be in favour of my getting lost in the wilderness.

So we are now on T-7 with only a week to go before the journey starts with an early (though not too early) flight to Glasgow.

As per my previous update, this week has been busy with coordinating my climbing outfit, my main goal being to ensure that it doesn't clash with anyone else's.

As you can see from the picture, this is unlikely.

But nothing is more important than a comfortable shirt, and I think  the Hawaiian motif is really suitable. Of course as the weather gets colder the higher we go, a warm jumper is essential. And while we are a long way from (or to) Christmas, Star Wars day was earlier this week. 

The most important part of any clothing choices is of course the shoes, and the natty green slip on open toed sandals combine functionality, comfort and colour. I feel that I could climb any mountain with them.

The traditional tweed peaked cap serves several purposes - emphasising my Irish heritage, keeping my head (though not ears) warm , and putting me up there as a fashion trendsetter.

All in all, I feel that I am ready to take on the challenge with the only remaining item on my checklist is to get in shape. I feel that if I start my training on Monday, I should be ready by Saturday morning.

More updates next week and from the mountains.

As we rush into May and only 10 days left, this update will be one of the more important ones. It is of course about colour matching.

Thanks to the lovely people at the Change Foundation (thechangefoundation.org.uk/), I have a fairly extensive kit list of essentials and recommendations for the trek. Shockingly nowhere was there any information about colour coordination mentioned.

There are 36 of us taking part, how would we feel if all of us turned up wearing the same neon pink legwarmers combined with bright red MAGA* hats?

And while Orange is seemingly the new Black - what shade of orange should we be wearing and actually, is there anything wrong with the old Black? It goes with everything and as my worn in and comfortable hiking boots are in fact black, should I just coordinate everything from the feet up?

A shopping expedition will be taking place this week, and photo's will be shared. Until then - enjoy the start of the Summer. 

* Just in case there was any doubt - I will NOT be wearing a MAGA hat