Hi, I've recently signed up for the Footsteps of the Maasai Trek with Charity Challenge for 1st September 2006. I would love to hear from anyone else who has signed up for the same trek or who has done this trek before.
It's the first time I've done anything like this and I'm really excited but also nervous as hell!!! Any tips from other trekkers would be very welcome!!
Hi, I have signed up for the Trek 23rd Sept 06. My son has also signed up for it. In 2002 we did the Great Wall of China Trek. It was a wonderful experience. I found it very challenging because I wasn't as fit as I should have been. This time I am going to the gym three times a week and walking on other days.
I have set myself mini challenges each month for the next three months gradually pushing myself. How are you preparing for it?
Hi Terry
Mini challenges are definitely a good way to prepare as they keep the motivation high. My training is going well so far! I'm going on walks at the weekend as often as possible and trying to increase the mileage little by little. I do 2 weight training sessions a week at the gym concentrating on strengthening my legs, back and arms (trying to prepare for carrying kit!). I've started walking into work a couple of times a week which is about a 6 - 8 mile round trip depending on chosen route that day! I'm also doing a couple of cardiovascular sessions at the gym using the treadmill and cross trainer. I'm hoping to get some longer walks in as I get fitter. I've found a local long distance walking group who do about 20 miles a day. my plan is to join them in the summer.
You must have enjoyed the China trek to be coming back for more! Did you use walking poles? I haven't used them before but was wondering if they would be helpful. Whereabouts in the country are you? I'm in Newcastle.
Hi Janet,
I haven't taken part in the Maasai Trek, however took part in Nepal Trek 1999, Scandinavian Trek 2002 and am currently fundraising for Peru Trek Sept 2006.
They are life changing experiences, even though the fundraising is getting harder, due to sheer number of treks available these days.... hasn't put me off though, I do enjoy the challenge !!
Good luck with your challenge trek, you will enjoy the event I'm sure.
Do reply, I will be glad to hear back how you are getting on with fundraising etc.
Clive.
Hi Janet
I really did enjoy the China challenge and the group we went with were great. I didn't take poles with me but I was glad to borrow one at times, so I will bring them this time. On the evening before coming home we had dinner followed by people from the group entertaining. One lady had written a poem about the Trek it was great.
I am just about to go out on a 15 mile walk, I intended to begin earlier in the day but we had unexpected visitors. Working full time, going to the gym and finding time for long walks certainly leaves little time to get bored.
I live in North Hertfordshire about 30 miles from London
How is your fund raising going? I am finding it harder this time as there are so many Treks, Runs, Cycle challenges etc. I am holding a race night on 5th May and a quiz night in June. Friends and family who cannot attend are being 'encouraged' to buy raffle tickets or make a donation.
hope to hear from you soon
Frances (stupidly signed on with my husbands name!!)
Hi Frances
I hope you enjoyed your 15 mile walk! i've been to the Lake District over Easter and did lots of walking. I really enjoyed it but am pretty knackered now! I took your advice and invested in a couple of trekking poles......what a difference! Definitely a good move!
For fundraising I've just been encouraging family and friends to donate. I've paid the full cost of my trip myself as I'm going through a tough time (my Dad died of cancer last year and I'm now running the family business with my brother!!!) and I didn't want the pressure of having to reach a definite target. It sounds like you're doing well with your fundraising though.
My training has been going well so far but I need to do much longer walks throughout the summer. I've found a Long Distance Walking Group in Newcastle and I'm going to meet them tonight. They do walks of around 20 miles a couple of times a month so I'm planning to join in. I currently go out walking with my Mam who is happy to do about 9 or 10 miles but isn't too keen to do more in one day! Hopefully they will be a nice group and all will go to plan. As I've lived away from Newcastle for a long time I only knew my family up here when I moved back about 18 months ago so I haven't got lots of training partners!
let me know how things are going for you
Hope to hear from you soon
Janet