We should have known. Really. We’ve been in this situation many a time before. But do we learn? Rarely.
On Saturday morning, after an excellent dinner and a good night’s sleep hosted by our favourite aunt, my youngest and craziest brother Lewis and myself approached the start of the Wessex100. The aim of the event was to walk 100 miles in 48 hours – although we thought that would be too easy so our own target was 36 hours. After all, that’s only 3 miles an hour and over two hours for rest – how hard can it be?
Very is the short answer, but more on that in due course.
As we approached the start line, our worst fears were realised: the vast majority of the other participants were members of the LDWA (The Long Distance Walkers Association; think the Ramblers – Extreme Edition). They were experienced, generally considerably older, well prepared, carrying small bags, and looking like they do this kind of thing for fun – not for the challenge & fund-raising that we were in it for. Last minute repacking (read: ditching non-essentials) meant we actually missed the start, but we were not concerned; after all, we had 100 miles to catch them up. 
The route was very well planned, and the route description generally excellent. Taking in public footpaths, bridleways, country roads and the odd stretch through small villages, we were treated to some of the south of England’s finest scenery: green fields, woods and hill paths. We often went several miles without seeing a road – what a joy. The weather did its part too – some cloud cover and a gentle breeze prevented us totally overheating.
The going was not easy however. Lewis and I are both experienced walkers and will happily clock up 10 – 15 miles in a day while climbing in Scotland. This was different. This was relentless, on very dry and unforgiving terrain. After 20 miles, we were feeling it – mostly in our feet. At the 35 mile mark, a significant stop was taken for major foot-repair procedures. We were both expecting the half way point to signify the overcoming of a major psychological barrier. In reality, it wasn’t quite like that. It came at about 4am, shortly before we saw the eastern horizon lightening. It was a relief, but with the sun dawned a realisation that we had to do what we had just done all over again.
Both of us were suffering seriously with foot problems. We were both very tired, the previous day’s heat and the sheer length of time on our feet were taking their toll. I was having stomach problems too. The rapidly warming day didn’t bode for a fast pace, meaning we would have to go well into, if not right through, the second night of walking. While we both arguably could have continued, the mutual feeling was that the effort required to do so would only do more damage to ourselves, and significantly lengthen the recovery period.
It was a tough decision. We didn’t want to let anyone down. We didn’t want to quit. But in the end, I decided that enough was enough. At checkpoint 9, the breakfast stop, after 22.5 hours of walking, and having covered 61 miles, we retired. Naturally we are both very disappointed. I hope that over time, that will fade and be replaced by pride in what we achieved: 61miles in less than one day is still quite good going.
This is one escapade from which I will heed the lessons. Should we ever undertake such a challenge again (and neither of us have ruled it out) we will be far better equipped. To be honest, we both seriously underestimated the effort required to do this and were woefully underprepared. In true karmic retribution, our dismissive comments on the beardy-weirdies who do this for fun came back to haunt us. I now take my hat off to every single person who completed the walk. (Incidentally, I would be curious to know just how many completed it. At the time of writing, the results have not been published. I will post an update they are released.)
In summary, the event was very well organised, the countryside awesome and it was great to take part in it. We learnt a little more about ourselves and having had time to recover somewhat, I can reflect on a great achievement. I will definitely learn from this one.
Finally, big thank you to all who supported us. The fund-raising was one of the main reasons we did it, and we have earned over £600 for SWORDE-Teppa. Huge thanks to everyone who contributed.
See you next year???
G.
