Snowdonia Training - April

On the weekend of 7th and 8th May we all met up in Snowdon for our first 'proper' climb. I think most of us (aside from Jules and Mandy!) felt that this was make or break time - to be honest myself, Mike and Rog arn't exactly used to this type of activity and this weekend would let us know if it was physically possible. We were a bit daunted on when arriving on the Friday night, being confronted by super fit Jules and Mandy. They had ALL the kit - nuclear fallout shelter, everything, we had Mars Bars. Mandy said that if we weren't able to keep up with her then we had no chance. We thought we had no chance and with that happy though fell asleep!

We had our hardest climb to start - 923m up to the top of Elidir Fawr. Me and Mike tried an alternative route and quickly decided after that that it was best to follow Jules at all times! We then crossed to 'claim' (we LOVED the 'claimed' bit!) Foel-goch and then Y Garn at 947m. Here are some pics of the day:

Preparing to set off.

Getting higher!

Our first 'Claim' - on top Elidir Fawr.

Amazing views - across 'Devils Kitchen' to Tryfan.

That eveing we assessed our injuried - apart from all of us feeling a bit achey and me minus a couple of toenails we were fine - we went out for a meal, a beer and were so tired a good early night for Snowdon the next day.

Our aim is to climb and get down from Snowdon in four hours. We decided to do a timed climb and also to all stick together to get a team time. We started climbing at 8.00am. We decided that the quickest route for us was up the Pyk Track - longer, steeper at the start than Miners but gentler later on, and down Miners - steeper but then flatter so if we needed to run to get a time in we could do.

Snowdon from the Pyg Track.

Top of Snowdon, looking down Miners Track.

L to R: Jules, me, Mandy, Mike, Bodger.

Well earned rest. On to bigger things!

In total we did it in 3hrs 26minutes. In 24 hours we had done the equivalent of 2 of the three climbs without any real training. We all felt that we were capable and it became apparant that driving would be critical. Another planning evening was organised.

Roger, Mike and myself could not have done this without Jules and Mandy. You gave up real hope and beleif that we can do this lunatic challenge but also made us respect what we are trying to do. It has made me realise that finishing in 24 hours - although our aim is not the vital thing. Finishing is, and more importantly, finishing as a team, together.