No Plan Survives First Contact

My life has been consumed with planning and logistic preparation for the Enduro214. We have all read and seen on social media some of the amazing challenges that have been achieved, like Jamie Aarons 31 day record of a continuous round of the Munros. What you won’t read about is the preparation, planning and logistics that, without being in place, these things just wouldn’t happen.

I’ve already stated it would be very difficult for me to take the fell runners’ lines set by the likes of Paul Tierney, but this was the base plate for my route. The reality is I will be on my own for the majority of the challenge and therefore I cannot afford to injure myself attempting to descend a difficult line. I will also be on the move with minimum breaks for anything from 10-12 hours per day. The average speed for a mountaineer carrying an expedition bergan is 2-3kph, this is not taking into account Naismith's Rule. For example, on Day 6 I will be traveling 34.2km and summiting 12 Wainwrights, this is a very long day that could take up to 16 hours!

The great news is 118.5km of the route will be classed as light. Due to so many out and back legs along the journey I will be able to ground dump my bergan and travel with a very light pack with the necessary safety kit. Once again one of my main corporate sponsors Motif8 has pulled a blinder by creating a patch which will be secured to my main pack and hopefully will allow it to remain where I left it.

Reality is starting to sink in on how difficult this ultra-endurance challenge is going to be. Having mapped out the route both digitally and conventionally I have spent days studying the route and realise the extent of the challenge. It will be amazing to have friends, colleagues, veterans and hopefully some celebrities join me during the event and hopefully they will have their own journey along the way.

What I can't plan for is the environment and my ability to adapt to the physical and mental pressure of the challenge. The longest I have been on expedition with basic rations is 10 and 12 days but these were both sea kayaking and canoeing trips in Scotland and Canada so minimum impact on my feet and legs. Having completed numerous climbing and mountaineering expeds including the Himalayas. I know I am capable of moving technically across the hills (this includes navigation, moving in poor weather and visibility and squaring away my admin 24/7) but I know I will be pushing the envelope trying to deal with potentially life-threatening conditions for almost 4 weeks continuous. My motivation will be why I decided to attempt this, to support our veterans that are in need of help.

"The hardest mountain to climb is the one within!"