The two teams (less Suzi) completed a 17.5km practice hike under “exam conditions” with no adults in teams. Over Sharpenhoe Clappers, then up through Harlington to Ampthill, via all the hills and mud we could find.
Both teams finished over 1 hour ahead of “schedule”, with excellent pace, teamwork and navigation.
We thought they could do it, and they most certainly did
The Unit practice event went well with 10 people pushing themselves over 24km with the usual mixture of motivation, advice and jokes from David Mark and Sweyn
The trace of the route is here in three parts (technology issues abounded)
http://runkeeper.com/user/
http://runkeeper.com/user/
(but not the weird GPS error that put us in the lake)
AND
At those speeds, both Unit teams are in with a good chance of a top 10 place (with a predicted finish around 7h30min assuming 10% route errors and 3 stops of 10 minutes each. Let us all hope that life actually works out like that, as the Southern 50 has a habit of springing surprises by way of route, weather and terrain!
Starting from Maulden 08h30 , a loop via Marston Vale for a break at about 11h30, finish about 14h30 in Maulden for collection
About 14 miles, 25km all told
Pace will be set at about 5kph, which is competitive and challenging, but will be a real step towards some of the big events that you all want to do, like Southern 50, Apex Challenge, Dragnet and even Endurance 80
All welcome, even if not planning to do the Southern 50
This is a full dress rehearsal, so please pack proper kit in a proper day sack with two proper straps.
Each person must wear or carry at all times on the walk:
- Long trousers or similar to cover the lower body (no denims)
- Boots or walking shoes to give protection from the elements (suitability of footwear will be entirely at the discretion of the Inspection teams)
- Three layers of clothing for the upper body
- Waterproof garments to cover the whole body – including the head
- Hat to cover the ears
- Gloves or mittens
- Whistle
- Torch with spare batteries
- A high visibility jacket or vest. This item must be worn or be clearly visible in times of darkness or low natural light or when instructed to do so by a walk official.
- Emergency rations (glucose, sweets, chocolate, nuts, raisins etc.)
- Survival bag – minimum 500 gauge
- Drinking water
- A mug
- Emergency personal first aid kit
Each team must carry:
- OS maps of the area (we will print a route plan for you)
- Two compasses (Silva or similar)
- A copy of the walk booklet and any other written instructions given on the day
- Team first aid kit containing, as a minimum, a good supply of plasters and 3 large triangular bandages in a waterproof bag/box
- At least one mobile phone which must be fully charged at the start of the event and must be switched on throughout the event. The mobile phone number must be given to leader.
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