3 Peaks Challenge 2009
(Report by Linda Breaker)
So, am I a slow learner or just a glutton for punishment? Either way here I was again participating in the 3 Peaks Challenge! Our team – drivers Ian and Larry, walkers Jacky, Jan, Julie, Elaine, myself and our stalwart leader Denise. Oh, and Sweaty Betty, now participating in her third challenge.
Our ‘ace‘ drivers started well, picking us up from our doors and setting off at quite a pace on our journey up to Scotland. The weather was glorious. Appreciated even more when we heard from Nat and Kevin that the weather in Italy was dreadful! Lady Luck was obviously with us. While the drivers discussed road routes, sport and politics the ladies chatted about important issues like Camilla PB having to wear her outfits more than once as a result of the credit crunch, the nutritional value of Haribo sweets and whether Waitrose was better than Morrisons. Also during the journey we discussed, at length, food requirements for the 24 hour challenge, much to the amusement of our drivers who thought a quick trip to Morrisons for a few pre-packed sandwiches was perfectly adequate. Didn’t they appreciate the nutritional needs of finely tuned athletes? It was much more complicated than that! No proposals were forthcoming as we passed Gretna Green but I don’t think that was what caused Denise to head butt the window? Several hours (10 I think) and more than several ‘comfort’ stops later we arrived in Fort William. Drinks (I thought you were going to abstain from alcohol pre-climb Julie!), a meal and bed, all a little travel weary.
Thursday dawned. Past experiences have taught me that this is a long day. The team is raring to go but has to food shop (who did put those chocolate muffins in the trolley?), attend briefing sessions, set up our ‘personal space’ in the minibus (a challenge in itself) and check kit bags (lots of times!). We also fitted in a shopping session, not for food supplies this time (nice hat Jan), and lunch in the ‘usual’ pasta restaurant with a last minute pep talk from Denise. Our aim was to get all walkers up all mountains and achieve a medal. Start time was 4.32pm.
Eventually we arrived, kitted up and raring to go at the bottom of Ben Nevis and the challenge really began. After a rather rushed photo shoot Elaine took the lead and we set off at a good pace, with our driver’s encouragement ringing in our ears. The sun was still shining and the views of lochs and mountains were beautiful as we ascended ‘The Ben’. Shame we had to spend so much time watching our feet! Denise kept the team focused and together and we arrived at the top in a respectable time of 2 hours 42 minutes. (Ben Nevis – 1344 metres) All feeling pleased we then jogged a lot of the way down, Julie leading the way, picking her route like a mountain goat, and we achieved a time of 2.06. Total time of 4.48 for Ben Nevis, a good start to the challenge. Larry and Ian, after enthusiastic ‘welldones’, encouraged us to visit the facilities, freshen up and change. Not a luxury we normally get but they reassured us that they could drive in a manner that would make up for this time out. Perhaps they didn’t fancy spending the next 6 hours in a bus with 6 smelly ladies! Eventually settled in the minibus with hot drinks and food the boys began the vital driving part of the challenge. I won’t dwell on this part. Suffice to say I don’t travel well, nor does Denise! Whereas our 3 Peak virgins seemed to fare slightly better. However, by the time we reached Scafell we had all managed to refuel and rest a little, though Jacky didn’t manage to wear her pyjamas for travelling as planned!
After a short spell in the holding park (time to clean our teeth at least) we drove to Wasdale Head and began the challenge of Scafell Pike. The start marshals informed those half way up the mountain that the Eynsham Racey Ladies were on their way. Aching muscles and tiredness were pushed to the back of our minds as, at 4 am, we jogged across the field, cheered by the on-looking drivers. Once out of sight the pace slowed! The terrain became stonier and steeper. Huge steps caused ‘little legs Jan’ stress – the rest of us didn’t like them much either! Even Sweaty, located with her head peaking out of my rucsac found them tedious. On and on they went! And then they become boulders! The wind was evil too! Coming and going unpredictably in huge gusts, strong enough to blow us over! Oh I do hate Scafell! The marshalls greeted us enthusiastically but soon realised we were feeling far from racey! Keep eating Denise stressed to us all and Elaine valiantly tried to force down another mouthful of chicken sandwich. However, with much joking, sarcasm, moaning and not least, encouragement, the team made it to the top, 2 hours 9 minutes. (Scafell Pike – 978 metres) The descent was as hard as the ascent. Knees complained, legs wobbled and Jacky nearly gave me a heart attack as she tripped her way down the mountainside. How she escaped a broken neck I shall never know! Denise went flying, falling back on her wrist. The air went blue as she cursed! But we all made it to the bottom and now we all hate Scafell! Down time 1.41, total 3.50. Although exhausted, excitement brewed as Denise and I were beginning to feel a silver medal was achievable.
Changing while travelling was necessary this time. Our trusty drivers were concentrating on the road we hope at this stage! Cramp ‘got’ me at the most in-opportune time, knickers round my ankles! Another faultless drive (as far as us zombies in the back were concerned) by Larry and Ian and we reached Snowdon in the required time, to be unceremoniously dumped at the top of Llanberis pass. The weather was closing in as we got stuck into our final mountain challenge and within a few minutes a brief halt was called as the heavens opened and we all donned waterproofs. Trudging on Jan burst into song in an attempt to raise spirits and distract us from the pain we were feeling. She had obviously spent her time in the minibus composing this masterpiece! We sang, but the pain remained! Vision was poor and some of the team were tiring as the steepest final drag of Snowdon was reached (just passed Jenny’s wall), but team leader Denise stepped in and ‘encouraged’ us on. The team were aware by now that a silver medal was within our grasp and all put their best foot forward – again and again and again and again! And then we were there, too emotional to say much (Denise and I have a history of blubbing) as the marshal checked us in. (Snowdon – 1095 metres).Our trusty team leader had her priorities set and immediately organised train tickets for the descent of Snowdon. No more walking today thanks.
So, after resting over hot chocolate and Cornish pasties and a slow train ride down Snowdon we eventually made it back to the car park where our driving team members were waiting. Hugs all round as we all received our medals and photos (and countless midge bites) before retiring to the hotel for a period of reminiscing over Pimms (fab recipe Ian), chocolates and peanuts. Our final exertion was the evening meal, award presentations and raffle draw. I am afraid we were poor company for our drivers as exhaustion crept over us! We slept well.
Walking was challenging in the morning, particularly on the stairs and there are so many in that hotel! Jan, however, once she had donned her glamorous support socks danced around our room like a gazelle – tip here for future three peakers. Breakfast was interesting (perhaps a new hotel should be used another year) and then the hilarious banter of our drivers entertained us as we returned home via a rather scenic and, you’ve guessed it, windy route. A lovely cream tea in sunny Pershore made a perfect way to end our few strenuous days.
I would like to thank my team members for their great company, encouragement and support, particularly Denise who was very aware of my need/wish to achieve all mountains. It was really great, but I’m not doing it again!!!
Linda xx
