Mini Challenges
As someone who thrives on being active and outdoors I am constantly looking for something that tests me. I spend a lot of my time completing smaller challenges and races that typically can be done over a day or weekend. These don’t require the same level of planning as the bigger projects and is a great way to experience and explore in between big expeditions and adventures.
Below is a sample of what I’ve been up to recently.
Please check out Future Challenges to see what other ‘Mini Challenges’ I’m up to this year.
100km Indoor-Rowing Challenge
In a team of four we completed 100km in just under 5 hours. Using two machines we rowed 5 minutes on, 5 minutes rest maintaining a split of 1.30 minute/500m (or below).
Each team member rowed for a total of two and a half hours at a high intensity which ensured this was a true test of endurance.#
Related Articles:
Learning to Suffer - The Joys of Rowing Machines
Top 10 questions: Ocean Rowing
Bovec Extreme – Slovenia - July 2009
I travelled to Slovenia looking for adventure and to try some new sports. I ended up in Bovec, located close to the Italian border, an area renowned for outdoor activities, taking advantage of the Julian Alps in the winter for snow sports and the incredible emerald green water of the Soca River and the 106m Boka waterfall in summer for water sports. The green forests on sheer mountainsides also make it an ideal location for hiking, running, mountain biking and paragliding.
For a flavour of what I got up to check out my Bovec blog.
Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge - June 2009
The Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge is a 26.1 mile circuit of the highest peaks in the Yorkshire Dales, Pen-Y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough with approximately 1600m of ascent and descent. Living less than five miles from the foot of Pen-Y-Ghent, I can regularly be found summiting the individual peaks.
In June 2007, I completed the entire circuit. Leaving before sunrise on a crisp morning I reached the top of Pen-Y-Ghent after a brisk run. My descent from Pen-Y-Ghent was quick as I made my way across the valley to Whernside. The heavy rain of the previous week made navigation problematic. Instead of a fast crossing on relatively flat land, I found myself wading through the marshes and reeds, relying on my compass a lot more than anticipated.
Once I reached Whernside my ascent was slowed by a strong, driving wind, which did a good job of sapping energy. The steep, rocky descent made up for it. Letting my legs go, I flew back down the other side and headed towards the foot of Ingleborough. The climb up the final peak is steep, which means getting to the summit quickly. I always enjoy short, steep climbs. Once at the summit, a swirling mist came in (not unusual at the top of Ingleborough) and again I resorted to using compass to ensure I began my descent on the correct path.
The final leg of the challenge is about 5/6 miles of steady downhill back into the village of Horton in Ribblesdale. It was a relatively quick finish although deceptively long as the chilling wind whipped around my tiring legs
The Long Run - August 2005
Teaming up with Alex Macdonald (future partner for the Atlantic Ocean Rowing Race 2010), this was my first experience of an endurance run. This independent challenge was to run from Barnard Castle, County Durham to Settle, North Yorkshire. The route was 62 miles and we completed the distance in just over 13 hours.
The weather we experienced on the run varied drastically and at times was extreme. In an attempt to keep weight low (except for carrying far too much water), I failed to pack any wet/cold weather gear. Obviously, shorts, t-shirt and a beanie is the only way to do it.
As we headed through the bleak, isolated areas of the English countryside we experienced hail storms, heavy rain fall and strong winds, which severely slowed progress. The undulating terrain and regular climbs to high and wild places made the route extremely interesting and challenging