Trailtrekker training group

I have started a new training blog for trailtrekker training please feel free to take a look and join.

Possible training walk

Hi guys thinking of doing the Malham - Gordale Scar - Malham Tarn - Malham walk on Saturday 25th anyone fancy joining us? Drop a comment on the page and i'll get back to you.

2013 training

Facebook training group for 2013

Please join us if you fancy doing some training walks as a group or just to get fit

2013

Hi I've just set up a facebook page for training for the 2013 trailtrekker, i know there is a 2012  one, but i need to take my time and build up full fitness and aim to do it in under 24hrs. 7 months of hard training didn't stop me injuring my back so hopefully 2 years will. If you'd like to join me on training walks then comment and I'll add the link tonight.

Support crews

I think everyone out there will tell you without a support crew they could not complete the walk. They fetch you food and drink, help you with kit, and most of all bring a smile to your face.
I have created a certificate for our crew to say thank you as we got medals and i think they should get something too, the basic template is below.

Matthew after finishing

The walk

Started well, reached Malham over 50 minutes up on projected time, unfortunately on Fountains fell section we lost time helping digital2 with a team member who struggled and dropped out at WS2.
Made Horton an hour behind projected time due to previous incident, lovely food and support from Jo and Lindsy. We set off at a reasonable pace, just 40 minutes under projected time for Cam Farm, but after Cam Farm the fields became very boggy and the stiles not much fun. Compressed my rucksack into an old back injury (broke back in 2005) and although painful felt OK, slipped a few times, but didn't fall in the mud. Made Swarthygill Farm and after the cattle grid my legs went into pins and needles, causing me to stop.
A big thank you to my team Steve, James and Matthew and also Darly and Neil from Digital2 for staying with me and making sure i was safe and OK until the mountain rescue arrived. James ran to the farm house (yes he had energy to run hence his new nickname of spaniel), and was told by the young lady there that he writes to her (something you need to tell us bro?). The guys from mountain rescue where great, as was Doctor Chris and the red cross, who with the help of morphine got me into an ambulance and down to Conistone.
The team continued to Buckden, where destroyed feet, ankles and minds with having to leave me, made James, Steve, Daryl and Neil stop. Guys you where great!!! I truly mean that and it was an honour to walk with you.
Matthew (the legend) Criss, ran around found a team to join and continued. He finished just using what the super Oxfam and Wildfox teams provided at CP4 and WS at Hetton for food and drink (no more hi5 ever he's said). Thanks to all that supported him along his way. He finished in 29hrs 50mins what great going 45km on his own!!!! I made sure, pain or no pain i was at the finish with James and Jo for him. Unfortunately because Matt ran the last bit his poor partner Vivi missed him, although within 2 minutes of finishing he was in her loving arms.
I'm not afraid to say i cried in pain when i pulled up and cried with emotion when Matthew finished, well done Matthew!!!
We will be back in 2 years time to complete the route and now know where that stile is and to take my pack off for it.
Well done to all taking part, the stewards, Oxfam, Wildfox, Red Cross, mountain rescue, and the most important people out there THE SUPPORT CREWS with out you none of us would be able to do any of this.
Pictures to follow
Until next year when I'm back as a steward guys.
This blog will now become updates and training for Trailtrekker 2013 see you there

2 Days to go

Well we are nearly there guys, the weathers good if not a tad too warm for a long walk.

Gazebo been picked up tonight to give us shelter, please don't look when I'm changing my kit at check points, it will only scare you!! Flap jacks all baked yesterday, support crew meeting tonight (wow we are sounding organised).

Down side, earlies tomorrow so up at 5am, need to go to Leeds to pick at least 1 team member up before registration, 1 team member still not let us know what he's doing tomorrow.

Big thank you to the following for helping support us.

• British Gas staff at New Bridge House, Leeds
• Kone plc
• Yeomans Outdoors (raffle prize)
• Leeds Rhinos (raffle prize)
• AJ's Parkwood Street, Keighley (free venue)
• Boots Chemist at Fisher Medical (free dressings)
• The staff at UCC Burnley (for sponsoring and taking part in the painstake)
• Jo Dunstan and Lindsey Balfour-Brown (Our great support team)
• Sue and Matt Cubitt (loan of pop-up gazebo)
• To all that have sponsored us
• Steve, Matt and James (for being daft enough to agree to join me on the walk)

Hoping some of you will read this and sponsor us on our Virgin Giving page, please even if its just 50 pence guys we need to reach £2000 and welcome your help.

Not sure this picture worked but before the climb up Ingleborough

Pen-y-ghent

MMM think the paths a little damp

Malham training walk

Trailtrekker

Top training tip from Keith Chegwin

Mix Weetabix and Aero together in a bowl and you have Aerobix!!! beats the gym!

Thought i'd pop a light hearted comment on with 4 days to go

Our course tips

Here are some of the tips we have picked up during training;

• Section to Gargrave, just walk at a steady pace and let your muscles warm up, if your feeling good dib in and carry on, as no need to stop unless you need a drink.
• Section to Malham, along the limestone track try to keep to the edge of the grass, it will save your feet for later on. When joining the pennine way on this section be careful as this is not a very clear path.
• Malham cove needs to be taken at your own pace, the steps are un-even and differing heights
• Dropping down into Horton-in-Ribblesdale, if the weathers wet then take care on the slope and the scrabbles as can be very slippy.
• Horton to Cam Farm, this section is mainly on hard going un-even limestone track and can really hurt your feet, the climbs don't look much but in total are the 2nd highest on the walk. Once dropping down towards cam farm, its slippy and tricky in good weather so any rain will require extra care, the path through the wood is tricky too with broken branches underfoot.
• When leaving Cam Farm the tracks through the fields aren't very clear and can also be a little boggy. This is followed by a long road section, the good news being this is down hill.
• The section in to Buckden is along the river and gets very wet underfoot with just a gentle down pour.
• From Buckden again the path follows the valley and river and can be very wet and muddy underfoot all the way to Kettlewell.
• Once at Kettlewell the path climbs then drops back to the road, then its the very sneaky and steep climb, the will test legs after over 60km. Then your out in the wide open on the top of the hill and if the weathers bad, it will feel like the worlds against you, just keep your head down and follow the path, if its a clear morning the views are awesome.
• The path down in to Coniston is a steep winding road, that again will take its toll some what on tired feet, save and energy drink for here and just focus on breakfast at the check point, we've ordered bacon butties
• From Coniston the walk climbs again toward Malham moor, the paths here get a little mixed up, due to lovely mountain bikers not staying on the bridle path, so care needs to be taken. Again if the weathers poor you will feel like your in a washing machine as there is no were to hide. The section just before you start the decent to Hetton is very boggy, so care needs to be taken, then its down the old roman road into Hetton and your nearly there.
• Unfortunately we didn't do the final 10km due to being soaked to the skin and Matthew not having waterproofs at all.
• Top tips I've had was using alcohol gel on my feet to dry them up and reduce blisters, also flap jacks are great energy food. Get a bum bag or as i do an old camera bag on your belt for snack (thanks to the ladies who gave the talk at Aireville for that tip). Walk at the pace of your slowest member, and if they are in the zone just let them walk. When climbing hills if a team member is dropping back take a break let them catch up, but don't just set off they may need a break too (they will get very down if you set off after having a breather and they don't get one). Remember you are a team so work as one.

PS i have raffle tickets for sale and also sweep (pain) stake for the time so if your interested email me, raffle prizes include £50 Yeomans outdoor voucher, 2 tickets for Leeds Rhinos rugby, DVD's, Wine, Chocolates. at a £1 a strip, to be drawn on Friday at registration.

Karrimor

So far i have managed to destroy 2 pairs of karrimor walking trainers during my training walks, pretty poor performance in 6 months of walking!!!!!!
Hope this pair last until the events over with!!!

Less then a week to go

Well it all starts on Friday, and i know every member of our team has butterflies now. Weather forecast looks pretty rubbish for the walk :( but we will get on with it.
My feet have healed and thanks to rubbing with alcohol they are toughening up, Steve still has sore heals but is getting there. James has finally bought all his kit, just hoping Matthew has water proofs for the walk unlike last week.
Big push o fund raising ladies and gents so please visit our just giving sight, as even 50 pence counts, I'm not one to beg but please guys we need your support.

Gaping Gill

Trailtrekker

Trailtrekker

Fund raising night

Well tomorrows the big fund raiser at AJ's, Parkwood Street, Keighley at 8pm. Hoping some people will turn up for the quiz and horse racing, also got a sweepstake on our finishing time with £50 and bottle of wine as prize for a £2 ticket. Along with a raffle with prizes such as £50 Yeomans Outdoors vouchers, or 2 tickets to see the Leeds Rhinos, along with lots of other prizes at a £1 a strip of tickets.
Fingers crossed someone turns up now.

British Gas Digital 1: Final team training walk

British Gas Digital 1: Final team training walk: "Well what a hard old walk today was, we got to Buckden at 8am, the rain then started within 5 minutes of us setting off, this was ok as we w..."

Final team training walk

Well what a hard old walk today was, we got to Buckden at 8am, the rain then started within 5 minutes of us setting off, this was ok as we where down in the valley and the terrain was ok. We made Kettlewell in just over an hour, then started the climb, now guys that is a killer steep climb. Once on top the wind picked up and the rain was horizontal, this did not change for much of the walk. Once we had gone through Coniston and toilet break in Kilnsey it was up onto Malham moor, take care up here those lovely mountain bike riders have made a number of paths. We were now into wild wind and rain that stung and took your breath away, the going was very slippy and hard.
We came of the first part of the moor and the rain had found its way through 2 layers of water proof clothing so we decided that we would make in to Hetton and call it a day. Again on the 2nd part of the moor be careful as the paths twist and change with plenty of junctions. Once off the moor it was a bridle path all the way back to Hetton, but beware this is very boggy in places.
Along the way James managed to lose his hat twice, then his £75 walking poles fell apart, amazing James the my £10 pair never do that, we had to spend 10 minutes in driving wind and rain while he fixed them.
On the sponsorship note, the guys at the East Lancs NHS Trust Burnley UCC have been great, as well as the guys at British Gas in Leeds.
Also a big thank you to Stuart Greenwood and Yeomans who have offered to supply a raffle prize.
Don't forget the Quiz and Race night at AJ's on Parkwood Street, Keighley, BD21 4QR on Thursday 26th May at 8pm.

Final Training Walk

Well 15 days to go, so we are doing our final training walk from Buckden to Skipton on Sunday. Hoping for a dry day but hey if not we will plod on and do it. New knee support will be tested to the max, might even feed back to York after with a report.
Needing prizes for next weeks quiz and race night, but fundraising is picking up. I have a sweep stake running, pick the time out of the hat for £2 with the chance of winning £50 and a bottle of wine (not lambrini).
Please guys if you feel like you good spare a few penny's or pounds checkout our Virgin fundraising page from the other blogs and help us raise £2000 which could build a class room.
Thanks
Mark Dunstan, Stephen Balfour-Brown, Matthew Criss and James Dunstan.

Fund Raising Night

Well finally got a venue for a Quiz and race night for fund raising. Thank you to Mick Dowse and the staff ay AJ's Parkwood Street, Keighley.
So come and join us on Thursday 26th May at 8pm, for our quiz and race night (horses and dogs).

Marks Story

Please feel free to read the article the Yorkshire Post did on Mark and his back injury.
Yorkshire post article on Mark

The Night Walk

A little later starting than we planned, left Horton in Ribblesdale (SD807 726 ) at 9:40pm and headed off along the Pennine way for Cam Farm water stop 3 (SD823 821 ), within 30 minutes we where in darkness and walking with head torches, we made good time to Birkwith Moor then across to Cam End where just at the top of the rise we had a food stop, sheltering from the icey wind behind a wall. From there we dropped down towards Cam Farm which include slope tricky slopes and dropping into the woods, then the walk got a little interesting to say the least, the path is not well defined and we did get lost a little. Not sure Neil appreciated the boggy field in his sandals but hey that's night walking, interesting way out over a wall and onto the path. We followed the road then down through Oughtershaw and down to Beckermonds, with some interesting sights along the way, including the 4x4 in the lay by (but that's a story for another time). Once at Beckermonds we took a right and started the walk back to Horton, by this time we had covered about 19km.
The walk back was very dark all the way through to High Green Field but we still managed the strangest game of eye spy ever, then the sun started to rise behind us which raised our spirits. Once out of the woods and back to Birkwith Moor we started the walk back to Horton, with a few stumbles but no falls, and James managed to find a bog with his right foot. Being the gent he his he asked Daryl if she would like to spell it. The walk back was hard going on the lime stone, so we started to play eye spy again, at least this time we could see more then 5 meters in front of us.
Well done to us all for finishing the walk 36.5km in total, in 8hr, or 47,598 steps.
On today's walk was from British Gas Digital1, Mark 'short legs' Dunstan, James 'half mountain goat half idiot' Dunstan, Stephen 'Bridget' Balfour-Brown. From Digital2 Neil 'the sandals' Yeardley, Daryl 'little legs' Shaw. Top show guys 5 weeks to go!
To sponsor us please visit our virgin giving site

Tonights Night Walk

Well tonights walk is from Horton in Ribblesdale to Cam Farm, then around to Beckermonds, back through the woods to pick up the Pennine way back to Horton in Ribblesdale map. Should be interesting in the middle of the night walking through a wood.

Night training walk

Well this Sunday is the big night, the night training walk approx 28km in a loop from Horton In Ribblesdales

Training walk Good Friday

We had a great training walk on Good Friday, from my house in Skipton up to Malham following the route once at Aireville from the start to Check point 1.
Made very good time to Gargrave, where James found a tree swing and had to play while myself and Steve checked the map, pity he only nearly fell in though. The next section was interesting and James managed to find another rope swing! The path was easy to follow and well defined, until we crossed a wall (which is not on Steves OS Map) had to check my map to make sure the Pennine Way was just on the next brow.
James tried to play pooh sticks on the next bridge, but was on his own so not much of a challenge. The walk up through Airton towards Malham was very nice but getting hot, glad we left at 7am. On the last section into Malham James seemed to injure his ankle, which slowed us some what, but 3 hours 10 minutes for the section plus 2km means we where on 18 hour pace most of the way.
Steve tried on the walk to say he wasn't getting his air cut for fundraising to which I reminded him if its on the blog he has to do it!!!!
The walk was followed by a team meeting at Steve's house warming on Saturday, which after we had planned the night walk for next weekend and practised the quiz questions turned very interesting! A conversation about Easter eggs and Jesus somehow turned into Steve saying what L***** p*** (i'll let you ask him what he thought he heard.

Fund Raising

Hi guys we are going to start becoming pains now for the fund raising.

We are going to walk near 3 full marathons in 30 hours, over a lot tougher ground then the London marathon. the means walking at 3miles and hour with only 4 stops for food and changes of clothes along the way. Please just sponsor us for even a pound, or get in touch with one of the team and take part in one of the Treasure maps, or sweep stakes for a chance to give but also possibly win something for yourself.

I'd once again like to thank Leeds Rhinos for giving us 2 tickets for any home game other then, Bulls, Saints and Warriors. On the look out for other raffle prizes from businesses too, so if you know anyone please let me know at marktdunstan@sky.com.

Trail Trekker Meeting

Well its time for a Trail Trekker meeting at Craven College, should be interesting.
After that its time for a walk again, not sure where to head but sure I'll decide soon.

With regards to fund raising I'd like to say a big thank you to Leeds Rhinos RFL for the raffle prize of 2 tickets to a match, well done guys. What a pity the mega bucks local football clubs where not willing to help.

If your reading this and feel like viewing pictures or even donating a pound, please check out our just giving page. For further information on the walk please email me at Mark Dunstan

Horton to Cam Farm

Well the weather was a tad warm, the sun was out and the bloody traffic from Skipton to Settle was a nightmare, putting us 30 minutes behind our planned start time.
Have to admit setting the guys up, having told James he was map reading and pointing out a path and the post office on the map (revenge is sweet), he decided that was the right path for the walk. I asked 3 times if we where on the right path to a resounding yes! When we got to the gate at the bottom of Pen-y-Ghent (those who've done the walk know whats coming), i asked for a map check to be told we where on the wrong path. Dam right we where it took a 4km detour to get back onto the right path.

Once on the right path it was heads down feet forward, the sun was baking and Matthew kept us supplied with factor 30, by the time we had reached the junction with the Dales Way Steve and Matthew had virtually run out of water, so once just above Cam Farm we decided due to lack of liquids we needed to turn back. On the way back the children Steve and James went to play in the stream and i oblidged by splashing them with refreshing water. We then made a short detour to look at a water fall and pot hole, again there was fun had in the water. Then began the long walk back to Horton as the sun was now taking its toll, and i had a knee that was being a pain, Steve needed the loo, James had a sore ankle and Matthew's feet where tender. But we made it back to the pub (mmm beer), and home for just after 5:30. Enjoyable walk but glad that section will be at night its a good clear path.

Our just giving site

Please check out our just giving site Britishgasdigital1 there are pictures from the walks too

Canal Walk 2

Canal walk 2 was very good, Leeds to Shipley 12.5 miles. Very hard going underfoot due to uneven limestone path, but the sights made up for it. Including the lady who stopped dead infront of a child on a bike and accused him of say tig as he clipped her. Then there was the runner in 1970@s running shorts, poor Daryl didn't know where to look.
We made good time dispite Steve nipping to the pub for half, 3.5 hours including 5 water stops.

Tuesdays Canal Walk

Well Tuesdays canal walk turned out to be just me and Daryl from Digital2 team, good walk though nearly nine miles in 2 hours 20 minutes. Liked doing just good ground and going for time and distance, need more of that.
I'm heading away to the lakes today, sure i will get a walk in and maybe a few swims too. Need to start building up the training and also looking at diet and support crew roles for the event.
Hope the others manage a walk at some point, James is on a major cleaning mission this weekend (he's got his apron on), Steve's moving house so sure he will be working out lifting and carrying, as for Matthew, well he assures me that he was going to do a walk, not sure upstairs counts Matthew!!!

Next training walks

Well we are having split training walks this week, I'm out with Matthew and at least Daryl from Digital 2 team for a walk along the canal in Leeds to Greengates and back on Tuesday, then Steve, Matthew, Craig and hopefully James will be walking on Ilkley moor on Sunday, while i walk in the lakes.
Think a car boot may be due to raise some funds too, along with some crazy ideas we have including Matthew delivering his Salsa lessons to raise money.

Pen-y-ghent training walk

Well another training walk been and gone, met Neil from Digital team 2 for his first training walk, with myself, James and Steve. Very muddy on the first part of the climb up across the fields, but it had brightened up by us spotting various parts of clothing that seemed to have been discarded along the way up the climb.

This walk was a nice challenge although walking and rock climbing, do test your knees, thighs and calf's. Met 2 old friends on the climb from my days as a facility manager. When we got to the top top we couldn't see anything in the mist so sat down had a snack and drink stood up and wow clear sky and great views. Must put new batteries in the camera too.

We seemed to fly down from the top, 58 minutes from top to the Golden Lion in Horton-in-Ribblesdale. Amazing what the thought of a pint can do for you.

No falls on the walk either, what a let down! Mind you Steve did walk the last mile with broken laces, snapped at the bottom which was interesting.

Bolton Abbey (Training Walk 4)

What a day, another wet one but hey the miles are starting to add up.
From Bolton Abbey carpark we went up to Hare Head then down to Barden Tower, along the Strid footpath and back to the car Bolton Abbey Walk . Only 12km but in 2.5 hours so not bad going in the slippy mud up the climb. Oh and down the climb, once again i slipped to one knee and said my prayers, they worked because Steve then slipped and went full length down the slope. For a wet windy day we enjoyed the walk just a pity none of our team 2 could make it due to work commitments.
Next walk may be interesting as going to do some map reading with the team going from Haworth to Top Withens, back round through Standbury and back to the car. Must also make sure there are some steps for Steve seeing he did everything to avoid them today!
Please check out our virgin money giving website if you would like to give a little towards us being crazy for Oxfam

Ingleborough Training Walk

Started off with a lovely walk up from Clapham to Ingleborough Cave, then through Trow Gil where we grabbed a quick break looking at the ice on the rock faces. Then up the scramble, which i must say seemed easier then i remembered. Just up from here Craig from British Gas Digital 2's team ran up the hill out of sight and made a very strange noise (not sure put hoping it was a toilet break).
Then it was up to Gaping Gill and the view of Ingleborough ahead, Craig, Steve and James had to go look right down the gill from the very edge, which i when Steve gave his wife Lindsey a heart stopping moment by slipping!
On to the climb up the hill, and all those bloody steps!! But hey guess Stannah haven't got the ability to build an out door one yet!!

It took a while but have to say bloody well done Lindsey on reaching the top, not sure my motivational speaking worked but you did it. But not sure the icey wind and instant frost bight when eating lunch was what we needed.

The scrabble back down was fun and interesting with Craig and James trying to be Bear Grylls and slide down the ice. i think the words Craig used was my arse is freezing now! We fitted Lindsey with my ice grips and once she was used to them down we went.

After a track and some cheeky people questioning my map reading which was spot on, we made it back to Clapham for a well earned beer, before all heading home for a bath

Next Training Walk

Ingleborough for the next training walk a week on Sunday, from Clapham un past the cave and then past Gaping Gill. Who's turn is it to fall?
Now working on Sponsorship ideas and fundraising, Salsa lessons with Matthew if and when we get a room for starters. Go help him with the rest of us dancing lol

Training Walk 2

Well training walk 2 was interesting, flooded roads on the way to Malham. But hey well worth the walk once we got there. James is phoning a stairlift company tomorrow for one installing at the cove for the event though!!!
The path from above the cove to the tarn was flooded upto 2 foot deep in places.
Matthew asked a couple to take our pic then realised it was on video, there's a theme there from training walk 1 at Pen-Y-Ghent.

On the way back Steve found that the bog was deeper then he thought, Matthew slipped and had a sit down, I slipped and on one knee said a prayer. Note to selfs must trip James up next time to make it fair.