Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Oxfam Trailwalker - completed!

I typed the beginning lines in a slight haze, probably my senses having been addled due to the painkillers and lack of food in my system. However, there is no denying that I completed the Oxfam Trailwalker 2007. I have the medal to prove it.

The Oxfam Trailwalker is a 100km hike through the English South Downs and is for a great cause: the Gurkha Welfare Trust. I urge most peeps to read up on the Gurkhas - the way the British government in the past had treated these veterans, puts the entire country to shame.

The Gurhas we all met at the check-in points were the friendliest army peeps I have ever met. They're a tribute to their nation and their people.

So, on thursday evening (12th July 2007), me and Shena packed. She was joining Terri, Kirst and Mike as our support team. Little did I appreciate how much we would be relying on them. At this point, I was eager to pack up and get a good night's sleep.

Friday had me complete half-day's work and off down towards Petersfield, a small town in the south of England and close to the beginning.

Arrival

We were the first and the immediate problem was organising a meeting point. Shena and I pitched a tent and got ready but we were both hungry - already the BBQ was in full swing yet we had no vouchers for the food. It was with the welcome pack that only our team leader (Martyn) could get. A few 'phone calls later and the rest of the team informed me they were arriving. Only Mike and Kirsty would be missing and they would be coming in tomorrow afternoon.

While Shena went to get food, the four competitors: me, Martyn, Jane and Peter queued up for equipment checks. We were lucky that our check was quick and cursory. Other people had to have their support teams checked as well. Since our SP included only Shena (now queuing for food) and all the kit with either Mike (due tomorrow) or Terri (now in a B&B) - we probably would have had some problems getting registered.

I had an electronic wrist band wrapped around me and then collecting my competitor number, we were ready to roll....for food. We all queued for another 30 minutes for food but it was worth it.

Wolfing the food down and then me and Shena turned in for the night. It appears we're the only two camping. The others all had made arrangements for B & B nearby. The night had a thunderstorm that kept Shena awake. I slept like a log.

Start to Checkpoint 1.

100s of competitors gathered at the start. Some jostling as peeps wanted to get into position but all good natured. Some bag pipes were being played to see us out and after a couple of good luck speeches from the head sponsor - we all started the 100km hike with a cheer. The first 10km to checkpoint 1 was fast, there were some fools who were running the entire course and a bunch of competitors had left at 06:00 for this purpose. The bulk of the hikers were leaving with us at the 08:00 - a smaller number would be leaving at 10:00; this staggered approach would help lessen the crush at the checkpoints.

Checkpoint 1 was a crush as competitors queued to get in. Our walk there was fast; a rate of about 4.5km per hour. We there in under two hours so this was good. We scanned our wristbands at the check-in point and had a water fill up. I quickly checked for blisters and broke out the compede and padded up a potential hotspot. Then we were off. All in good spirits.

Number of 'call of nature' incidents (Ming only): 0
Liters drunk: 4

Checkpoint 1 to Checkpoint 2
Day starting to heat up but we were taking in plenty of fluid. Still we were within the main mass of walkers though we had competitors overtake us throughout this section. After a tough climb we arrived at CP2. Our support team (Shena and Terri) greeted us with hugs and smiles. Changed to my walking trail shoes as the boots were proving to be too heavy and hot. A small blister was forming and I treated it with yet more wads of compede. At CP2 I think I went through one and a half boxes of the stuff!

Number of 'call of nature' incidents (Ming only): 2
Number of litres drunk: 5

Checkpoint 2 to checkpoint 3
More ascending but am concerned that I am peeing so much. Had to find bushes off trail but all is good. Temperature was hot with little shade, sun high in the sky. Pace slacking a bit though and the field of competitors was thinning out.
We arrived at CP3 and scanned in. Done 30km at this point and though a bit tired, we were still very focused on the rest of the hike. I didn't bother think that we had another 70km ahead of us.

Number of 'call of nature' incidents (Ming only): 3
Number of liters drunk: 4

Checkpoint 3 to Checkpoint 4

Painful. This was a hard one. After taking on water at CP3 - we made our way through open hills, the path was very rocky and while my walking trainers were comfortable - they did not give the undersole protection that my boots did. By the 38km mark, my feet were very very sore and I could feel every stone and pebble under my feet, almost like as if the boot wasn't there. Martyn was really suffering and he had the same problem, though worse. I wasn't suffering anymore blisters, at least not the painful ones. As a thought, is there a difference between painful and non-painful blisters?

This stretch was hard for me. Martyn really slowed down too and was feeling bad for slowing us down as well as thinking of dropping out. Mike and Kirsty were here to greet us. Nice to see two new friendly faces.

Arrived to hugs from our wonderful support team. We were all tired but the team did well. Shena put a cold flannel on my face and that refreshed me so quickly. My first priority was to change back into my boots. The soles of my feet were killing me. Peter looked tired while Jane was still quite fresh. After some food and refreshments we got ready to go.

There were some distractions of course...


Kirsty was brilliant, she was dubbed the 'Toe Queen' as she deftly provide welcome relief to all our feet, some blistered, all sweaty and horrible.
After her considered ministrations and with clean socks - it made a significant difference to how prepared we were in facing the next leg. The competing field was now very stretched out with some of the front runners a good 20km ahead of the pack. At CP4, we were in the last 1/3 of the pack.

Number of 'call of nature' incidents (Ming only): 3
Number of liters drunk: 5.5
KMs done: 40km

Checkpoint 4 to checkpoint 5
Martyn decided that after a quick thigh massage and a tight pair of boots, he could continue. I was mildly refreshed as I had my leather boots back on and had a brief rest. However, after only 150m; Martyn stopped and told me he could not continue. His feet were still hurting him too much. This was a great shame and we felt bad for our team leader who now had to trudge back and inform the marshal's that he was dropping out. Now we are three.

The walk was fast and we had to ascend. On the flats, Jane always led the way. After some confusion with the map (Martyn was our nominated map reader, so we felt his loss imediately) we were on track. The trail we were walking on was actually quite deserted. Most of the group we left with (the 8AM'ers) had left us behind and we were with the middle to tail-end of the 10AM'ers. The temperature was also dropping now as the sun started to dip down. CP5 held the promise of some more rest and refreshment but was still a fair distance to cover. We met about half a dozen teams on the way. Some appeared to be a bit lost. We all appeared to be following on another! My feet were getting hot and heavy. A number of hot-spots on my feet had now transformed into pain areas. Blister-city here I come.

Arriving at CP5 we quickly checked in and grabbed something to eat. I sat down amongst my support team and tried to chat. I was tired and my feet were starting to complain. I dusted it with my talc. This was also the point where we would say good bye to Shena and Terri; both were retiring now and Mike, Kirsty and Martyn would continue with the support. We would see Shena and Terri for breakfast, hopefully at CP8 between 10:00 - 11:00 on sunday. Both did a sterling job for us at the earlier checkpoints.

Number of 'call of nature' incidents (Ming only): 3
Number of liters drunk: 4
KM's done: 50KM


Checkpoint 5 to Checkpoint 6
This was another hard one. While the temperature had cooled it also meant that light was fast leaving the sky. We were entering into the night hiking phase, something that we've been practising and for me, I was looking forward to it. One thing I noticed on this one was the '1KM to CP' markers were WRONG. They were NOT 1km to go markers, more like 1 MILE and it makes a massive psychological difference when one is almost teased by them. Then again, it could be that I was getting tired and irrational.

My boots were feeling heavy and I knew, despite my best efforts - I had some blisters forming. No doubt, some big ones.

It was with some relief that we came down off the hills and into an urban area (small town?) and in the dark we sought out the welcome '1km to CP' sign. We found it but as before, the 1KM was a bit off....more like 2KM.

We staggered into the CP around midnight (?) and there was Mike and Martyn who helpfully pulled off our packs and went off to fill them with water. Peter went to the first aid tent to get his knee strapped while I went looking for our support team.

I found them and they hurriedly slapped me into a comfy chair and fed me pasta and drinks as well as trying to sort out my feet. Kirsty, with no fear jumped straight in and got to fixing our feet. This time round however, I had a blood blister that was the size of a golf ball on my right heel. Not good and even Kirtsy turned around and said 'ugh'. I swallowed to pain killers and was determined to go on.
Everyone else was tired but we had another 40KM to go and for the next leg, it would into the night; so checking the head torch batteries we limbered up and started moving. I had borrowed Martyn's walking poles too as I really needed the support.

Number of 'call of nature' incidents (Ming only): 1
Number of liters drunk: 4
KM's done: 60KM






Checkpoint 6 to Checkpoint 7

This was another hard walk and after only 1km out from CP6, I felt both blisters burst and I was in agony. My feet felt wet and I prayed for relief. At the 3KM mark we had to pass a car park and as we got near to it, we heard and then *saw* a rave in full swing! Lights were provided by the numerous car headlights and a van of some description with a couple of DJ's on the decks at the back. This was around 02:00 in the morning and very bizarre.

As we continued to trudge through, largely in silence we could see small strings of lights behind us - the other trailwalkers following. Occasionally, we could see a flash or two of a headtorch in front of us; these were the trailwalkers in front. We had a long way to go. Night walking was also quite problematic as it was difficult to see the ground in front of us. It was also surprisingly quite cold.

I also slept walked. Very strange. Never happened before.

Two-odd hours later and there was a noticeable change in the light and we were 2/3 of the way through this leg. We knew that there would be food at CP7 so that cheered us up. Our pace was slow however, it was Peter who noticed the early morning birdsong. Morning was imminent and sure enough - one step it was still night and then a split second later; it was a dusky day. No sunrise over the horizon but the effect was still quite profound.

As we approached CP7 we passed a number of trailwalkers who were fast asleep off the trail. One was awake and no doubt keeping time. I wonder if the power napping would work. Once again, we passed the '1KM to CP' sign and I had decided that the distance there and the real distance you had to walk was a cruel joke.

As we trudged on increasingly painful feet we passed the same Oxfam photographer who took a snapshot of us. She looked tired too.

CP7 had the ever smiling Gurkhas smile and cheering us on.

We were directed to the food tent after we checked in and ate warm pasta. The pasta was cooked at least four hours before and it was then we realised that we, as a group, were four hours behind our schedule. A little bit disheartening if you ask me. Also knowing we had done ONLY 2/3 and had another 30km to go was morale sapping.

We were running late so had to move; even if my feet were now bleeding. I took two more pain killers and struggled on.

Number of 'call of nature' incidents (Ming only): 2
Number of liters drunk: 3.8
KM's done: 70KM


Checkpoint 7 to Checkpoint 8 This was now very early morning hike (about 04:00) and it started to rain. I didn't have my waterproof bottoms so was soaked but at least the top half of me was dry. The conditions underfoot were horrible as it started to get muddy and slippy. Was glad that I grabbed the walking sticks off Martyn.

I was still drinking lots but started to lose some concentration. Certainly, between me, Jane and Peter we spoke maybe four sentences?

My painful feet made me dream of morphine. Bizarre.

The approach to CP8 was along a track and we met some other support teams still waiting for their teams. I could have swear we were the last ones in. Asking the ever-smiling Gurkhas there were still over 200 competitors behind us.

Martyn was there, the sole support team member but he didn't have any of the kit with him. I did lend his water proof bottoms. The ballooned around my legs like a tent. I was so tired I didn't care. However, I knew I had 20KM to go.

Had to dig deep to get the motivation to continue. Pain killers -> two more once I had stopped and no more left. Man, I wanted morphine.

Number of call of nature' incidents (Ming only):: 3-4
Number of liters drunk: 5
KM's done: approx 80KM


Checkpoint 8 to Checkpoint 9
There was some more rain at this point but typically, the rain stopped. We were so tired that I still kept on the thick water proof bottoms, my fleece and my winter hat. The sun was rising and so was the temperature. I didn't care. I was also thirsty.

This was the heart break walk. It was actually 13.4KM in length and was so long and exposed. We walked downhill for a while, it was bad for my knees and there was a section 20minutes in that had thick, grey gelatinous mud that coated the shoes and doubled their weight. I hated the place. We struggled through some very close bush and mud and emerged onto a windy path that led downhill. This bit was odd in which it was all quite sheltered with the next couple of kilometers hidden by the bend of hills. Peter was getting very distressed with the heat and both of us still had our thick water proofs on. I knew I had to take them off but was too tired. I managed to stagger ahead to a cooler bit of shade and spent about ten minutes taking off the fleece, water proof bottoms and hat and gloves. The relief was instant and I followed this with a massive gulp of water.

I was now very focused on morphine. My goodness, I wanted morphine so much even if I have never seen it in my life!

We emerged from the muddy shrubland into a more open hilly environment. We knew that halfway along trail; there was a water point. The marshals knew that this trail being so long that it required more water. We passed some runners who kindly advised us that 25 minutes along the trail there was a water point. Also some friendly riders and some mountain bikers. All cheered and encouraged us to continue. This gave us some incentive to continue.

I was exhausted when we arrived at the water point. The staff there (all Oxfam) offered us water and chocolate and chat. They were great; we knew that we still had about another 6KM to go - and based on our rate; that would take us another two hours. This did not encourage us at all.

Pete was getting hotter and more distressed with the heat. I was in pain and couldn't do anything but grimace whenever anyone asked us any questions while Jane was focused on the next stage.

Wearily, we stretched our legs and restarted our walk in near silence. I was tired and in pain. I couldn't feel my feet, just a hot burning sensation below my knees. We could see the trail we were walking on stretch like spaghetti for kilometers ahead of us and towards the horizon. I looked down at my feet and concentrated on the next step and increasingly used my hands and arms and walking poles for locomotion.

Certainly, walking uphill or downhill placed too much painful pressure onto either my heels or my toes.

The remaining six kilometers was not pleasant but I kept my spirits up by furiously going through my EVE-Online battleship setups and modules. Anything to take my mind off the neverending pace. Deep down, I knew we were slowly chipping away at the distance to the next CP.

Finally, we dropped down into another town and walked another kilometer into it. We were seeking out the '1KM to CP' sign.....and couldn't find it. Rounding a corner, we spotted a '500m to CP' sign and encouraged we tried to speed up. We knew that breakfast (okay a late breakfast) would be there for us and soon. However, the 500m marker was set where the 1KM marker was and this was once again, heart-breaking. Certainly for Peter who was coming close to losing his composure.

CP9 finally appeared in front of us. Mike and Martyn greeted us and grabbed our packs off our hot sweaty backs. It was now close to mid-day and I was hungry but had trouble using the spoon. However my angel, Shena spooned the porridge and fruit into me. I didn't take my boots off as I knew that blood and other stuff would come out and I would never get them back on today! The support team were once again, brilliant to us and gave us all a necessary morale boost. These guys really made a difference.

With some delight, Kirsty would be joining us for the last stage. This was a very welcome addition to the walk and we were grateful. We had about 12-13KM to go to CP10 and then to the end.



Number of call of nature' incidents (Ming only): 1
Number of liters drunk: 6
KM done: approx 90KM

Checkpoint 9 to Checkpoint 10.
The walk was through hills and open countryside, it required a tough ascent but once there - the walk was fairly easy. It helped with Kirsty helping us along and by the 5.5km mark, we could see CP10. Other trailwalkers were still around us and there was some fun banter but the end was (almost in sight). Once CP10 then it would be another 4KM to the finish. The last 4KM would be hard.

Feeling a bit more energised, I walked towards CP10. Actually, I hobbled to CP10 but what the hell. The Gurkhas cheered us on and I had the penultimate check-in. The next would be the last and at the end.

Number of call of nature' incidents (Ming only):: 0
Number of liters drunk: 3.5
KM done: approx 95KM

Checkpoint 10 to the end
My God, this was hard. The bends in the hills KEPT ON GOING.

For some, psychologically, they would be feeling that reaching CP10 - that one should be finishing. I knew that we had hike another 5.5km to go to the finish line. CP10 was the penultimate finish. Another 3 hours to go. I had to focus. The sun was out now and the hills were trapping the heat in. There was no breeze whatsoever. I still felt good but the my body was now stressed. My left knee was aching and my feet were throbbing in time with my heart beat. I felt thirsty and had the water tube in my mouth almost all the time, with water slowly trickling in. I do recognised the signs of heat exhaustion and dehydration but I still had the urge for the loo. Too much water flushes so much salt out of your system, that ironically, the symptoms are very similiar to

Kirsty was great moving between me, Jane and Peter. She was tired too having had little sleep the night before but she kept our spirits up. At the 98KM mark, Peter was exhausted from the heat and delirious. He gave up and sat down in the shade.

Thanks to Kirsty and Derrick the friendly St John's Ambulance-man; we managed to get Peter into some shade and some rest. The Gurkhas, seeing us in some distress also rushed over with some chairs for us to rest on. Peter was eventually given the all-clear though with some caution. The final push was only about 1.5km away and we had to get there.

So, leaving the cool comforting shade of the ambulance, Peter bravely walked with the rest of the team towards Brighton race course and the finish line. To be honest, when I looked up from my feet; I could see that the finish line was still so FAR away. It was a little disheartening to be honest. However, one foot at a time I think would be the mantra.

Kirsty and I supported Peter between us and once we were on the race track Kirsty ducked out and joined Mike with the other supporters. The final stretch to the finish line would be completed by the trailwalker team.

The bagpipes started up and our team was called out over the tannoy. It was a great feeling walking that final 500m stretch on the cool grass with the bagpipes playing and people, strangers all (with the support team sprinkled around) cheering us on and on. Quite emotional and uplifting. At 100m I let Peter go so he could walk unaided to the finish line and after 32 hours, I and the rest of Team LostAgain, crossed the finish line. 100km now BEHIND us.

We got our photos taken and given medals but hugs from our friends and loved ones was very special. Peter was taken to the medical tent while I sat down in the shade with Shena feeding me a nice curry. I was tired. Very tired but happy.

Post race (not nice pictures to follow)

The damage to my feet was quite bad. I did not take my boots off until I was home. I was in a lot of pain and soaking them in warm bath water almost made me cry.

Somehow, despite my best efforts I had managed to rub off a good thickness of skin and tissue off my heels/ankles. The blisters had burst at the 62KM mark and I walked on the blisters for another 38km, not taken off my boots once. I needed stronger pain killers too.






Total number of call of nature' incidents (Ming only): 19
Number of liters drunk (approx): 43
Of which were Cherry-red PowerAid drinks: 5
Number of socks used: 6 pairs
Number of power bars eaten: 11 (never again)
Number of compede blister relief pads used: 17
Distance done: approx 100KM

No comments: