TGO Challenge: Preparation

There are more first timers than usual on this years TGO Challenge who I kind of know. We have now reached the time where people are really focussing on their preparation and their fitness. I thought I’d just set out some of my own ideas and observations. Most have them have been laid down before, but here goes!

Fitness

Sure, everyone can walk 15 miles in a day but quite a few people are worried about doing in for two weeks, in Scotland. After all, this is not quite like a coastal path; or is it?

Stamina seems to me to be the key thing. Many of us live a long way from hills and so climbing the tops may not be an option. On my first Challenge I stepped up my walking and made sure I did 18 miles on most occasions. I supplemented this with long bike rides — and I did more of those than walks. I found this got be fit on an all round basis. Remember, you have to times your mileage by at least 3 to get the same effect. My usual routes were about 40 to 50 miles, but you can build up slowly.

Like many of you I need to take fitness seriously this year and the bike will be out regularly soon!

Make the Most of Long Days

Days on the Challenge are long, so make the most of them. Some people like to get going early — I’m one of them. Some people though prefer to walk longer during the night, with some even enjoying trail walking as it gets dark. Whatever your preference remember the golden rule:

You walk distance by walking long and not fast!

Keep up a comfortable pace and take plenty of stops. Again, there is no hard rule here. Some people prefer good stops while I prefer short ones. Don’t skimp on food though. Existing on power bars alone during the day does not make for a happy hiker — and I must remember that myself this time!

It doesn’t get dark ’till really late !!!

Be Adaptable

You’ve submitted a route and this is an outline. But you can change it. Your main target is to meet your phone-in times.

On some days you’ll feel like walking forever. Others might feel harder. Go with the flow. Most of the routes used by first timers are well established and offer minimal navigational problems. You’ll soon find yourself reading the land well, especially in the North West. And when you get to those tricky spots there will almost certainly be people to take advice and guidance from, if not to walk with.

You will have planned your camp spots with care. But finding an impromptu spot in Scotland is never too difficult.

But — if you are tired look for a place to stop. If you find one use it, not withstanding how un-perfect it might seem. It is very easy to keep going because there is bound to be something better around the corner. Forget it. If you see a spot when tired, get off the trail and recuperate.

If you are short of your day’s mileage don’t worry. You can always make it up with a longer day over straight forward terrain.

Look After those Limbs

On long days there is a temptation to just throw yourself in the tent,m eat and then sleep. But some simple stretching works wonders. Warming down makes a big difference. And some simple stretching in the morning works well too! I’m not talking about a tough regime here, just some sensible stretching.

Going too Fast?

You don’t have to go slow if you feel good. Consult the maps. Can you go up higher or take in another glen? One reason why I like to have the whole map with me and not just the route print out.

Don’t Panic

You are never lost. Just confused. Have a rest. Set up camp. Have something to eat or drink. And then you’ll work out where you really are. Never fails !!!

Walking in Convoy

This can be a real problem, especially with the lads. The adrenalin and the testosterone flies and so does everyone else. The speed the group can walk at can be frightening. Don’t worry — everyone else is really as knackered as you, they just want to hide it.

Seriously, if you feel the pace is too hot don’t play along with the game! Accidents happen to tired people.

Finally — the Peat Bog

That vivid, luminescent green stuff is dangerous. I know it looks nice. I fall for this everytime. Sinking up to your hips is not only unpleasant but rather scary. If you’re walking on your own go gently and slowly, assess your clump of grass carefully and be prepared to go the long way round.

And the shiny green stuff — I must remember what it is next time !!!

Oh — And Drinking with the Group in Braemar

Consistently the most dangerous experience on the Challenge.

You have been warned !!!