Isle of Wight Challenge & Training walks

This blog is long overdue.

On the 30th April a group of us "Team Ilson Glowsticks" participated in the Isle of Wight half Island Challenge. As you have seen from previous blogs we have done various training walks throughout 2015. These walks carried on in 2016 to make sure we were fully prepared.

24th January - Erewash Valley Trail 21km

Jo, Tricia, Rob, Jo, Danny, Sian, Me, Lauren. 

After all the different training walks this was the first one we managed to get all 8 Isle of Wight Challenge walkers together.

It was a simple 21km walk around a small part of the Erewash Valley Trail. We did the area around Ilkeston linking the West and East sections of the Trail. It just shows what you can achieve without having to travel too far. Check out your local walking routes and see what you can link up to turn a couple of 5/10km walks into a full day out exploring your local surroundings.

13th February - Kinder Scout

Ready for Isle of Wight I went to Kinder Scout with Lauren for a nice hill test walk. Fully kitted out for the conditions forecast we set off. The walk started in the rain, which turned to sun, followed by at least 3 good flurries of snow as we closed in on the top. By time we got back to the car it was the nicest part of the day and glorious sunshine.

Between the snow flurries and blustering winds attempting to blow our lunch away the views were spectacular. The walk wasn't all straightforward and you can easily see how people get lost up these places especially when the weather can change in seconds.

If you do go and attempt Kinder Scout or any major walk please make sure you're fully prepared. You've got the correct kit, supplies and training.

Map of our route with incline chart.

20th March - High Peak Trail 46km

This was our last big training walk and I made sure it was a little bit dull! The views, walk, company etc weren't dull but walking 23km along a trail then turning back and walking the same 23km back made it a little bit tedious. This was intentional as the Isle of Wight Challenge won't just be tough physically but mentally challenging too. This walk was the last chance to break the boredom barriers and get focused on the big task coming up. We set off from High Peak Junction and Cromford Canal walking to Parsley Hay and back.

A good walk 23k out and 23km back all on the High Peak Trail.

This wasn't our first time on the High Peak Trail as you will have seen in previous blogs. Last time we took on the climb to Middleton Top we didn't enjoy it. However this time after Kinder Scout and no snow around the walk up seemed a lot easier this time! Much to the joy of the little group on the walk.

Middleton Top

The views were brilliant as always along the High Peak Trail and I would recommend a walk along there no matter what time of year. The walk joins up with the Tissington Trail which we previously walk along at Halloween. On the Tissington Trail walk we turned back just before we joined with the High Peak Trail. This time we pushed on past the join to have a little rest at the Parsley Hay.

Once we had refuelled we set off on the return leg. We knew where we were going as we just retraced out steps along the trail. We had given ourselves plenty of time for the walk but with it being such a long walk and in a rural area we required our head-torches as we closed in on the finish. Again this gave us good preparation for isle of Wight Challenge as they would be required on the day. It proved a simple cheap head-torch provides a bit of light but maybe something a bit more powerful would be required along with our glowsticks.

The walk was eventually finished in the dark with all 5 of us feeling the effects of such a long walk. There were some major blisters which again allowed for good preparation as it highlighted suitability of footwear.

30th April - Isle of Wight Challenge 2016

The big day is here and we all made it down and across to the Island safely. There were lots of pre-walk nerves but all the training had taken place and I knew we could do it.

Sian, Jo, Jo, Danny, Lauren, Rob, Me, Tricia - Photo taken by Cliff!!!

We couldn't have asked for any better weather, the sun was out a gentle breeze coming off the sea and smiles all around. The route was the reverse of the route I did a couple of years ago. We set off from Chale walking West towards the Needles, then back East to Cowes. 

As with previous Action Challenge events I've done this event was really well organised, signed and supported. We all had different reasons for doing the event, personal goals, in memory of loved and lost family members, charity, health, fitness, the list goes on. Between the group we were supporting Cancer Research UK, Crohn's & Colitis UK and Miscarriage Association.

Since the event I've set up a team page on JustGiving so you can support all team members really easily - Ilson Glowsticks

We've raised a lot of money for the great charities and hopefully we can keep the donations coming.

The event went as close to perfect as possible. There were ups and downs along the way, tears, stress, doubt, but the was all cancelled out by laughter, joy, food, views, jokes, conversation, friends, and most of all crossing the finish line like we started as a team of 8!

At that point more tears followed, maybe because it was over, we could rest, or maybe because the jokes ended!!! Those on the walk understand why I focus on the jokes.

A massive well done to everybody who took part, it nearly broke us but we did it and you should be very proud of yourselves and each other. A big thank you to our "support crew" with Mum aka Fitness Mum, Seacombe family, Maron Family, and Bradshaws. It was nice seeing you along the way for a little boost and encouragement. Finally a thanks to everybody who has already donated and to those who donate after reading this.

JustGiving Page - Ilson Glowsticks.

Bring on the next challenge.

Carsington and Middleton Top Walk

On the 21st Novemeber we did out next training walk for isle of Wight Challenge 2016. We took ourselves off to Carsington Water to do a bigger walk I found - Map.

This walk is 21km so shorter than last month however it included a big climb up to Middleton Top and a nice descent back into Carsington. The morning on the walk we woke up to a nice little covering of snow. It had been forecast but we didn't think it would actually arrive. But in Ilkeston it was just a little covering, nothing major.

So we set off to Carsington and soon realised that short distance into Derbyshire the snow had been falling a little bit heavier.

Carsington Water

We set off on the walk from the Carsinton Water visitor centre where we've done previous walks from. The route took us 3/4 of the way around the reservoir before we left the path. At this point it was a nice climb over a couple of fields in ankle deep snow. You work you way towards Wirksworth with some really good views. 

From here you make your way towards the National Snow Centre near Cromford. At this point it's once again up hill to join the High Peak Trail. We had already had a few inclines along the walk but this was a main one! The climb to Middleton Top.

Middleton Incline!

Middleton Top Visitor Centre.

Once at the top it was a great feeling knowing we had done the biggest hill on the walk and something we wouldn't have to do on the Isle of Wight Challenge. The cold winds and snow made it a nice challenge and we all dug in deep to get through it. From here we walked along the High Peak Trail with another couple of inclines towards Hopton. This is when we left the trail and headed across a deep snow covered field (Carsington Pasture). 

Ilson Glowsticks in Trainingwith Carsington Water behind us.

Once over these fields it was a "simple" little descent back into Carsinton for a bite to eat and 3km walk back to the car.

Please notice the "simple"!!!

This little descent was far from simple, it was great fun in my eyes but others in the group took a few slips and stumbles as it was very steep and slippery with the melting snow on the grass.

The walk was really good and easy to follow, it was a really nice addition to the usual Carsington Water loop. I would definately recomend this walk if you're capable of walking 20+km and can cope with some good hills. I can't wait to go back in Summer and do the walk again to see how different it looks without all the snow.

Again some hard work went into the walk and people deserve sponsoring.

Lauren - Cancer Research UK

Danny - Crohn's and Colitis UK

September LONG WALK!!! Erewash Valley Trail

So the aim for September was a 30km walk so we can build up 5km per month ready for the Isle of Wight Challenge next year. We were going to cover a large section of the Erewash Valley Trail including the section on the previous walk - Trent Lock Long Walk.

We had mapped out a route that was almost bang on the 30km mark so we knew it was a good route to do. The bad thing was this was planned in August and my memory is shocking and I forgot which point we joined the Canal path. Basically we went wrong at the top on my street as I keep getting reminded of nearly a month later.

The walk ended up being 40.5km so a huge 10.5km longer than planned. However everybody on the walk is doing next years Isle of Wight challenge and the distance has to keep getting bigger. We all had sufficient food and hydration with us and managed it.

Our 40.5km walk

Now the walk is over everybody is looking back on it and feeling a massive sense of achievement and pride that they did it. I actually really enjoyed the walk and loved the views, the banter and being out exercising for the majority of the day. 

The walk covered a few sections of previous walks on the Nottingham Canal (Trowell Garden Centre) and the Trent Lock walk at the end. However my addition to the walk added going past Bennerly Viaduct and Winston the windmill which explains the 10km extra as we shouldn't have joined at that point. Once past Trowell Garden Centre we walked towards and in Bramcote Hills Park, this provided our first little rest stop and time for a coffee for one walker. The next section of the walk really isn't the nicest. It's off the paths and just walking along pavements over the new Tram line until you get to Attenborough. Here we had our main rest stop on the picnic tables at the visitor centre. We didn't stop too long as it was a cool windy day as we didn't want to start to stiffen up. Once out of the Nature reserve it's along side the River Trent until you get to Trent Lock.

Along the River Trent.

On the River Trent.

Trent Lock provided our next little stop and time for a well needed ice cream as it was at this point the walk had clocked up just under 30km so we should be home, however we still had 12.5km left to walk. 

This was the hardest part of the walk, but also the most important section. Everybody was starting to feel tired and their legs were aching. However we just kept going! The locks on the return leg were vital as they let us set mini targets, rest at a lock, walk past a lock, rest at a lock etc. From walking this section on the previous walk it meant we knew we could do it and we knew how far sections were. It wasn't long until we could see the M1 so knew Ilkeston was coming. By time we left the Canal back in Ilkeston at Nottingham Road it was dropping dark and I was lucky not to have been pushed into the canal.

We might have only been 2km from home but a quick stop in the garage for water to keep our hydration levels up all the way to the end was needed. Once we got back it was time to sit and chill! After walking 40.5km (25 miles) setting off just after 10am and returning in the dark it was reflection time. Some people had been worrying about next years IoW challenge but this proved to them it is and will be possible. 

Danny is doing the IoW challenge for Crohn's and Colitis UK - www.justgiving.com/Daniel-Brooks3

Lauren is doing it for Cancer Research UK - www.justgiving.com/Lauren-Roper2015

Joanne is also doing it for Cancer Research UK - www.justgiving.com/Joanne-Seacombe2

Sian is doing it for Miscarriage Association  - www.justgiving.com/Sian-Pickering

For the fact I pushed them to walk so far and they didn't push me into one of the canals please visit their JustGiving pages read their individual stories and make a donation. 

Not only are these walks improving our lives physically with exercise but the social and psychological benefits from walking and exercise are amazing too. But we are all doing this not only to improve our lives but the lives of other people too by raising money for some very good charities. 

Exercise can improve lives, not only yours but as we are proving the lives of others too.