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Training with the Dragons
Dragon BeX Training Schedule Prior to her Killimanjaro climb
Date November 2010
Location: Brecon Beacons
Total Distance over the weekend 8 miles.
Accommodation: B&B
Notes from training:
Advised by the qualified mountaineering staff at the beacon’s climbing guide station that trainer and jeans, lack of torch and no map was not the best way to gear up for the hills in November. Was told that the gentle river walk was the most sensible given our obvious lack of experience.
Lesson: Need to buy some decent “gear”
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Total amount of miles over weekend: 15
Notes from Training-
OMG! Quads are in fire. We have come full circle from attempting Brecon back in November 2010 with jeans and trainers! With out a doubt the best training environment there is! Walked up Corn Du, Pen y Fan and Fan y Big. The weather on the first day was terrible at the top, we were shrouded in cloud which was cold and wet very very windy! But good simulated conditions. Day two- more very steep assents but this time in the sunshine!
Lesson: Nothing more that can be done training mountain wise...massive hills in Wales however they were only 900m high. Kilimanjaro is 5895m high gulp!!!!
Date: April 2011
Location: Lands End
Total Distance over 2 days 20 miles
Accommodation: Youth Hostel.
Notes from Training- Weather was stunning, the coastal path breath taking. Really tough walk in the heat but Cornish Pasties and Evening Ciders help.
Lesson: Sun Block and hat essential. Need to check the appropriateness of 35 year old women chatting up Cornish Surfers.
May 2011
Location: East Devon
Total Distance in Day: 8 miles
Notes from Training- Stunning day walked with Diva Dragon and her Dogs Fergie and Jock from my home in Exmouth 8 miles up the coast to Sidmouth.
Lesson: Take a look around at what is on your doorstep- you wilkl be amazed ghow stunning the UK can be.
June 2011
Location: Dartmoor
Total Distance over 2 day: 20 miles
Accommodation: Tent
Notes from Training : Accompanied by Diva Dragon, Jock, Fergie and Sue. Dartmoor is bleak and beautiful and we were fortunately prepared with the correct kit for the rain and hot Sun. Except for Sue who forgot her walking boots….(who’d of know you can walk Dartmoor in Converse trainers.
Lesson: Check the size of your tent before you erect it. A one man tent is cramped if 2 people stay in it.
July 2011
Location: North Devon
Total Distance over the weekend 32 miles
Accommodation: Campsite in Croyde
Notes from training:
With out a doubt the most stunning route so far. First Day we walked from Coombe Martin to Lynmouth and Lynton. Some of the most stunning coastline I have ever seen. Our lovely local friends made us a delicious curry that night which left us full bellied as well fell asleep that night in our two man tent. …….only to discover that two man tent leaks in the rain. ( I can only equate it to Chinese water torture!)
Day 2 was more stunning scenery with a strenuous walk from Croyde to Ilfracombe. Very tired legs by the end.
Lesson: When sleeping in leaky tent- take snorkel and mask!
Thank you each and everyone for all your support. xx
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