Training For The 3 Peaks Challenge
Last year we made the choice to sign up to attempt to complete the 3 Peaks Challenge, which is something that had been on our bucket list for some time. I was excited about finding a new objective to train for, the fact it’s a chance to take on a challenge with my partner and the opportunity to explore new places.
I’ll start with covering the ‘Frequently Asked Questions’:
So, what exactly is the 3 Peaks Challenge?
The National Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing/walking up the three highest peaks of Scotland, England and Wales.
The total walking distance is 23 miles (37km) and the total ascent is 3064 metres (10,052ft). The total driving distance is 462 miles.
The 3 peaks are:
Snowdon, Wales (1085m)
Scafell Pike, England (978m)
Ben Nevis, Scotland (1345m)
How long will that take? Who will drive?
We’ve decided to attempt to complete the challenge over 36 hours and we have the additional safety of a few designated drivers.
Where will you sleep?
On the coach, I’d say that we’ll all be pretty good friends at the end.
Why are you looking to complete this?
To raise money and awareness for ‘The Lewis Foundation’, to create memories, have an adventure and push our limits.
How will you train?
Aha, glad you asked!
I’ve decided to keep a training diary to share how I/we are training, to share with you what is working and what isn’t and anything we learn along the way.
During January I eased myself back into fitness by joining weekly boot camp classes, gradually increasing my running and aiming to walk more. Now we are in February it was time to change, whilst I have a base level of fitness, I know it’s going to take more than running the odd 10km and weekly boot camp classes.
My plan for this week goes a little like this:
How to train was something I’ve struggled to find information on, everyone has been telling me to focus on long walks and endurance. Of course, it makes perfect sense! When I was climbing/mountaineering my primary focus was on long slow run’s, however, my objective is to build a strong body as a whole, my training could benefit from weightlifting alongside long steady cardio and faster-paced workouts. I’ll be following a similar plan each week, but I’ll be shaking it up by adding different classes, back to back walking and long slow runs.
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In my next installment I’ll be covering the following:
*A training update – Plus, where we’ve been walking
*Kit – What is working and what is not!
*Food, glorious food – How I’m fuelling my workouts.
Tell me, have you completed this challenge before? How do you recommend training?
Katie
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