I’ve got an annoying habit of signing up for bizarre challenges which require a lot of effort, training and preparation.
In the past I’ve run marathons, abseiled down churches and entered into dragon boat racing.
And the time has come for the latest test – the Long Mynd Hike.
In a nutshell it’s a walk – doesn’t sound too taxing does it?
But it is a 50 mile walk over varying terrain, with more than 8,000 feet of climbing, which you have to complete in under 24 hours – most of which will be in the dark.
Suddenly it sounds like the worst possible thing to be doing with your weekend.
But it’s too late to back out now – my entry has been confirmed, the checklist sent out and the preparation’s begun, well sort of!
My date with destiny is Saturday, October 3, at 1pm in Church Stretton. There I have to ensure my kit meets the requirements of the organisers – this includes ensuring my survival blanket can encompass my entire body, as well as making sure I have two reflective strips so I can be seen in the dark, along with a working safety whistle – not that the organisers are fearing the worst!
Once that’s sorted then it will be just me and my walking partner (Newport Advertiser reporter Sam Pinnington) facing the elements and the hills.
Amazingly some people run this event – with last year’s winning time a staggering eight hours 23 minutes!
We’re aiming to finish slightly outside that time, 16 hours would do us just fine, but nevertheless we’ll target the Novices Trophy – for those having who haven’t entered before – but even a top 20 place in that category demands a sub 12 hour time, so maybe we’ll leave the prize winning to others and concentrate on surviving!
Now this might sound like a bit of fun – reliving days spent as scouts as we trek the South Shropshire countryside – but it does have a serious side.
We are raising money for the Stroke Association at the Princess Royal Hospital and any donations will be welcome.
We have no official target but to donate simply visit our just giving page at www.justgiving.com/longmyndhikers/
Alex James writes a weekly blog published every Monday on www.newportadvertiser.com
