The Rotary Club of Corringham Thameside

On Saturday 15th March, 3 members of the team, Terry, Rob, and David took the opportunity to do a training walk on the actual course. Starting at the Queen Elizabeth Country Park at Petersfield and then walking to the first 2 checkpoints before returning. Spirits were high when we set out, even though we could see the massive hills that would confront us. The first checkpoint was reached in fairly good time (7 miles in 1hr 45 mins) and without incident, apart from a short break to don our wet weather clothing as it began to rain. We did not stop to rest at this checkpoint (probably a mistake) but pressed on to checkpoint 2.
This is where the fun started. The reasonably maintained tracks through the forest gave way to some really rough, tough excuses for tracks. Sharp uneven surfaces which were heavily rutted by farm vehicles plus cloying mud that made every step a nightmare. To add to this we were continually climbing and descending hills of up to 250 metres. Nevertheless, we continued to our next objective – checkpoint 2, which we reached at 2.45p.m.
A 20 minute stop for refreshment, change of socks and a welcome sit down. It was here that Rob observed his 1st blister. With a blister plaster applied we started on our way back along the same route. Our lunch lay heavily in our stomachs, (another lesson – eat little and often) and we made steady progress along the treacherous paths until Terry lost his footing and ended up face down in a muddy puddle. Thankfully, only his pride was hurt and his clothing wet (and I bet cold). As we climbed yet another brute of a hill, we failed to notice a signpost and took a wrong turn. This took us about SIX miles out of our way ! Eventually, with the help of a kindly motorists directions, we were put back on the straight and narrow. Only problem with this was that we had to reclimb the hill we had just descended !!
Rob’s feet were beginning to take their toll and Terry was beginning to feel the strain. The mistake was a big dent to our confidence but nevertheless we all gritted and teeth and carried on. The hills were beginning to take their toll, necessitating us to rest every few hundred yards on every ascent and not only was the rain getting heavier, but the light was fading fast. By the time we reached checkpoint 1 again it was pitch dark and would have been dangerous for us to try and pick our way through the wooded area. Thankfully Rob was able to call a cab on his mobile, but the 15 minute wait for its arrival meant we were beginning to get cold. Three very relieved Rotarians wearily climbed aboard the cab and were returned to the start point to pick up the car. By this time, we were shivering. Heater on and quickly onto the A3 and home. We didn’t arrive home until nearly 10p.m.
On reflection, the exercise taught us some valuable lessons. Take every opportunity to rest, eat and drink small quantities, work as a team and don’t leave anything to chance. We covered some 26 miles over steep hills that were far more difficult to climb than those encountered on our training walks in flat old Essex. We managed to hang on in, even when the going got tough.We plan a few more trips to the course before the event in order to toughen ourselves up. There’s plenty of time to improve, lot’s of teams don’t start their training until now.
Cheers, David Fenn

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