Salisbury 54321 challenge

On 11th August I completed the longest training session to date - a 30k walk organised by Salisbury fire station! Was a lovely day and actually ended up getting a little sunburnt.

The walk started at Salisbury fire station and went first to Old Sarum which is the original site of Salisbury:

 

We also went to some private estates which aren't normally open to the public. The prettiest was Longford Castle near Alderbury

We had lunch en route to Harnham and the racecourse down some quiet lanes back through the centre of Salisbury and obviously had to go past the cathedral!

The feet and legs were aching towards the end of our trek which took over 7 hours but pleased to say I made it and china feels that one step closer!

Stour Valley Way

Need to really crack on with the training so set out today on a longish walk along the Stour Valley Way which I am lucky enough to be able to get to straight from the house using the public footpaths.  Weather was beautifully hot so decided not to take Bailey which was a good decision as came across a couple of non dog-friendly stiles.

The Way is supposed to be along the Stour river but the section near me doesn't go as close to the river itself as I was hoping.  Thought I would also use this an opportunity to try out Rob's SLR camera to see if I can get to grips with it in time for September and take it with me.

This is the short section next the river:

but most of the walk was along small B road and fields like this:

After a couple of hours, I stopped off for some quick refreshment (and toilet break!) at a local hostelry before heading back.

My favourite picture, ironically, was taken in the field behind the house where I came across a calf by himself which became very curious in me and came over as I started taking photos of him.  I think if I had stayed, he would have come right up next to me but I could hear mummy cow bellowing behind me as she came into the field so exited left sharpish!

All in all, quite pleased with the effort as I managed just over 16 kms in about 4 hours.  Am shattered now but it does drive home the need for the training.  I also need to find some hill walks as it was much flatter than the Great Wall will be!



Gym

Have started going to the gym during the week as there isn't enough time to do a proper long walk.  Must admit that my induction was so funny.  The gym instructor wanted to push me particularly developing the muscles I'll need for all of the steps on the wall.  Unfortunately, he overdid it over the squats and I could barely walk back to the car as my legs felt so wobbly!

The move!

It's been radio silence for ages.  It didn't help that we now live in the middle of no where and it took ages to get connected to broadband.  I have been keeping up with the training now and have been on some lovely walks.

 

These are some photos from the Deverills which are only 5-10 minutes drive from the house.

Abseil - we did it!

I am so chuffed that everyone managed to make it on Sunday and we all completed the abseil!  The cliff was part of an old quarry and was about 70-80 feet high (25 metres).  After being kitted up in harnesses and helmets, we walked up a little track up the side of the quarry to get to the top which was hard going in itself!

Given that I had organised the abseil and persuaded everyone to join in, I was nominated to go first!  The only problem being that I was easily the most scared but at least it eased the pressure for everyone coming after me!  Below are a few photos at the top - I'm not sure how well I hid the fear...

However, I knew that everyone had been so supportive so I didn't really have a choice - I had to do it.  So, I screwed up my courage and went for it!

I struggled with the technique of abseiling and seemed to either stop or hurtle to my death (or so it felt!).  I was so scared that I didn't look down the entire way so the landing came as bit of a surprise...

I have some video which I need to edit which shows me letting out a very undignified squeal at the end!  Everyone else then followed with much more grace to show how it was done!  Really proud and appreciative of all of the support that people have shown.

Fancy winning £20 on the Grand National?

I am running a sweepstake for the Grand National which takes place this Saturday 6th April.  It costs £2 to enter per horse.  I will pick a horse out of the hat for you and let you know which is yours before the big race.  The person holding the winning horse will win £20 and the balance will go towards the fundraising for the Genesis Research Trust.  To enter, all you need to do is donate £2 by clicking the justgiving link on this page or sending a text to 'CHNA79 £2' to 70070.  Put 'Grand National' in the comments on the justgiving page or send an e-mail to me at rebeccalouisesmall@gmail.com so that I know what it is for.  Some of the favourites are left such as Colbert Station and Imperial Commander so you are in with a chance!

West Lavington and Salisbury Plain Walk

Thought I would get the Easter weekend off to a good start with a walk - got to start the fitness training at some point.  Started at a little layby just off the main road in West Lavington, along the Wessex Ridgeway onto the Imber Perimeter Path then back into West Lavington.  Total of 6 miles which took just under 2 and a half hours.  The details of the walk are here.

Huffed and puffed my way round but made it without being too tired so seems to be a good base line.  The hardest bit was this hill on the Wesex Ridgeway where it joins the Imber Perimeter Path.

Beautiful views but it was freezing on the perimeter path.  Mind you, it was pretty cold down in the valley as well!  Bailey had to break the ice on this puddle to have a drink (and generally get nice and muddy).

Back in time to carry on with the packing - what fun...