Chucky Mama Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 Not wanting to hijack the running/training threads I thought I'd start a separate topic. I seem to have been roped into this Coniston Challenge in the attempt to buy a Guide Dog. Has anyone done it? Any tips on training for kayaking? "The mountain bike route for the challenge will involve a 17km route of beautiful lake shore lanes, rugged forest roads and long flowing descents on the fast single-track trails of Grizedale forest. Launching from the shores of Coniston Water on our sit on top kayaks, you will enjoy a wet and wild paddle on a 3km lap that will be designed depending on the prevailing weather conditions on the day. Leaving Coniston village behind, the 10km hike route will take you to the summit of the famous ‘Old Man of Coniston’, 803 metres above sea level. Weather permitting; you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of all you have achieved. A hot pasta lunch is also provided to all participants. " (am liking the last bit best ) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 Sit on top kayaks are really easy. The ex used to be a white water kayak instructor, I can ask him to give you some coaching if you like. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snowy Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 Take plenty of waterproofs Everytime I walked in or around Coniston I got drenched It's not known as the wettest place in England for nothing! I also don't think I ever saw a 'spectacular view' from the top of Old Man as it was always shrouded in cloud. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted February 18, 2011 Author Share Posted February 18, 2011 Take plenty of waterproofs Everytime I walked in or around Coniston I got drenched It's not known as the wettest place in England for nothing! I also don't think I ever saw a 'spectacular view' from the top of Old Man as it was always shrouded in cloud. I thought there'd be a catch. I hope the weather is kind to us, hiking in the rain is pants. Sit on top kayaks are really easy. The ex used to be a white water kayak instructor, I can ask him to give you some coaching if you like. Tips on building up the right muscles would be great Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jools Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 No idea about the water bit, but the only way to train for mountain biking and hiking is mountain biking and hiking lol. I used to do a lot of cycling while we lived in Northamptonshire so my cycling muscles were pretty good, but Grizedale isn't flat and while the ups and downs might be quite small by some standards, they still flipping hurt if you aren't used to it! You'll probably be okay getting up the Old Man (it was my first Lakeland peak) but going down might hurt more. Just be prepared for some pain for the next few days. When is it? We're just the other side of Coniston Old Man in the Duddon Valley, so I'll have my binoculars at the ready and wave at you when you reach the top. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted February 18, 2011 Author Share Posted February 18, 2011 When is it? We're just the other side of Coniston Old Man in the Duddon Valley, so I'll have my binoculars at the ready and wave at you when you reach the top. It's in September, you will probably be able to hear me (sobbing probably) I don't know about see me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 I'll ask him about the muscles CM - how far will you be paddling? Sit-on-top kayaks are harder to paddle as you don't have anything to brace your legs against, but they are safer if you capsize. A waterproof kag and a lifejacket are a must, most paddlers also wear a plastic helmet. i will ask if he has any spares that you can use. He doesn't paddle much these days due to a shoulder injury. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 They obviously call it a Challenge for a reason . Good for you, sounds like hard work but will be a fantastic achievement . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparkysmum Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 Sounds awesome CM, Good Luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlo Posted February 18, 2011 Share Posted February 18, 2011 It sounds great - all the best. Let us know how to sponsor you for that one! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted February 19, 2011 Author Share Posted February 19, 2011 Claret is is a 3km kayak and they are the sit on top jobs (17k bike and 10k hike up a dirty great hill) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Speckled Hen Posted February 19, 2011 Share Posted February 19, 2011 Sounds good CM We'll be sponsoring you on Oxfam's Trailwalker next I"ve done the Coniston and Hawkshead here ......http://www.lakelandtrails.org/ Beautiful scenery and a great day if the weather holds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
