2009-06 - 24 Peaks – Preparation!

“24 peaks in 24 hours anyone”, that was the subject line of the e-mail that started it all off.  Once we’d sorted the dates I said I was up for it, now comes the hard part. I need to find the time get fit enough to do this!

 

There are two big problems that I can see. The first is the lack of time, the second is the hills. I don’t do hills very well, I can walk all day but hills……….

 

Mat reckons that you need stamina and determination to complete a challenge like this, being super fit is not necessary, me I’d rather go for the fitness. Now how to find the time. I do somewhere between zero and four exercise classes a week and walk most Sunday mornings. I am full of good intentions with the exercise bike but it doesn’t happen very often.

 

I know I live at the top of a hill, but it is just a gentle slope when compared with the peaks. Still I can walk up and down the hill in every direction several times. There are also concrete hills in Bedford town centre. Shops with staircases and a 10 story car-park. Then there’s Sharpenhoe clappers, not 2400 feet but I have a route that takes me up and down twice, 5K distance and a climb up to 160 metres, (not from sea level tho)

 

Action plan.

Make sure I do four exercise classes a week.

Make the good intentions on the bike a reality.

Walk at least 5K two or three times a week

Walk lunchtimes.

 

Reality

Pilates, 2 aerobics and a total body workout class each week.

Built up to 12K on the bike every morning, increasing resistance.

Walk Sharpenhoe clappers twice a week

Walk locally twice a week

Up and down every staircase in the shops in Bedford town centre three times a week.

 

The ironing pile nearly touches the ceiling, the weeds have taken over the flowerbeds and you can trace our route for the 24 peaks in the dust on my dressing table. But hopefully I’m getting fitter! (I never did like housework much anyway)

 

Five weeks to go and a practice walk in the black mountains this weekend, 25^th July. About 20 miles in one day covering about 10 peaks. I’ll let you know how we get on.