Chook n Boo Mum Posted February 2, 2012 Share Posted February 2, 2012 My DS has announced that next year, he and a friend will be doing (note will not would like to..... ) the National Three Peaks Challenge with at least one older brother as part of the team. Part of me is amazingly proud of him wanting to take part in such a huge challenge, part is worried he's biting off more than he can chew Has anyone done it? I had a quick scoot over the website yesterday, as I suspect I will be designated driver, but I couldn't find any mention of recommended minimum age for attempting it....he & his friend will both be 16 or thereabouts..... Any thoughts would be very welcome as ever, many thanks, Sha x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 2, 2012 Share Posted February 2, 2012 A friend did it last year - they are pretty fit and said it was very hard; I think you need to train up for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chook n Boo Mum Posted February 2, 2012 Author Share Posted February 2, 2012 I think I need to train up for it & I'm just the driver I feel a jolly to Snowdon (nearest of the 3) might be in order......he'll either be more determined or be put off for life He did the South Downs Way last year & is planning to do a sponsored kayak this year.....not known for his little challenges my boy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted February 2, 2012 Share Posted February 2, 2012 I've done it Sha... It was one of the best experiences of my life I trained hard for 6 months, and I needed to, it really is a very hard challenge. I completed it in 23hrs 45mins, but lost 6 toe nails and needed toe surgery afterwards We did ours with some army trainers, so they kept us motivated (and even lanced a blister on my toe in the mini bus... Glamorous it wasn't ) Ben Nevis was the easiest even though it's the highest, scarfell is evil!! And snowdon would have been fine if you hadn't already done two mountains.... I cried all the way I don't doubt that your DS could do it, as I know how determined and sensible he is. However, I would say he needs to do a lot of weight training on his legs, and get some mountain walks under his belt. Give me a shout if you want any more information. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted February 2, 2012 Share Posted February 2, 2012 Some friends have done it before. Hubby joined them a couple of years ago but it ended up being a two peaks challenge that year as the weather at Scarfell was dreadful and it was unnavigable. They also found Ben Nevis the easiest (the route up and down is obvious) and Scarfell the hardest (very easy to get lost). They will need to train to ensure they have a good level of fitness and also make sure their map reading skills are up to scratch, getting lost is a real possibility especially on Scarfell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chook n Boo Mum Posted February 2, 2012 Author Share Posted February 2, 2012 I'm getting to like this plan of his less and less ......I have no idea about the other two boys, a pair of brothers from school, and I'm hoping that DS's big brother will join them, at least he has a sensible (older) head on his shoulders Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 I used to do orienteering as a teen, but nothing that extreme. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chook n Boo Mum Posted February 3, 2012 Author Share Posted February 3, 2012 He doesn't go the easy route Clare, last year he organised to walk South Downs Way with his big brother, and DH went too....3 generations of Worth Boys raising money for the house charity......wanted to kayak on the Severn this year , not on his own he isn't! Convinced him that non-tidal water is a good idea, where we can hire a boat of some description so we can "support crew" easily.....no way he's kayaking alone! His first comments re 3PC involved him and a friend.....then extended to include friend's bro, I've stipulated minimum 4 in the team, then should something happen they are still in pairs, hopefully his own big bro will go along too It may not happen, but he's a determined little thing......stubborn it might be said ......I suspect we'll be taking up fell walking/ running in the near future.....joy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angie Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 My son in law and his pal do 3 peaks every year in aid of The Downs' syndrome association, my DD will be doing it this year so long as they promise to walk at her pace and not leave her . They try to beat last years time . (I will be home with the grandchildren.) They walk every day training and do 10 miles plus at weekends , i think the yorkshire dales is good training for them. Not sure about my daughter though , she is a runner not a walker. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 Bless him Sha - all that energy! My ex was a white water kayak instructor, so I was the support driver for river runs (mini bus with trailer) or when they did the Devizes to Westminster challenge.. I was 8 months pregnant at the time and driving on to the next point to meet them and hand over supplies. You're right not to let him do anything alone - far too dangerous. R is talking about doing the swimathon this year to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer care - I think it's a 10 mile swim but not really sure of the details. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chook n Boo Mum Posted February 3, 2012 Author Share Posted February 3, 2012 The year 12 challenge is traditionally swimming the Channel as part of a relay team......yup, that's on his wish list! No way I'm support team for that one......drive stupid distances, no problem .......support team on inland water, ok......support team on big water with big boats, not on your life, much better/more useful candidates for that post...I know my limitations Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chook n Boo Mum Posted February 3, 2012 Author Share Posted February 3, 2012 He's had an exercise programme devised for him by the gym/fitness instructor to improve his upper body strength & stamina for kayaking, presumably it'll be adapted to prepare for the 3PC...... He finished his programme the other eve & BBM'd...."just done mum, could only manage 3 press ups after " ...bless him Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 Awww, that'll put hairs on his chest! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chook n Boo Mum Posted February 3, 2012 Author Share Posted February 3, 2012 ROFL hairs on that chest Clare Hope instructor instils the importance of eating too......DS is such a skinny minnie, he keeps growing UP but never OUT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 bless his lanky limbs! Rosie is thinning out slightly - she's shot up lately and is a good couple of inches taller than me now. She's always been a bigger build than me and has broad shoulders from swimming. She doesn't really feel the cold. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ms Marple Posted February 5, 2012 Share Posted February 5, 2012 My ES did this last year with 3 friends and a driver. They are all very fit and were older 22. Their worst problem was traffic volume on the roads Inbetween the worst bit being on the way up to Scotland in the first place. The posted a really good time in the end but I can't remember it exactly. How old is older bother as I think there should be someone older with them but then I am quite risk adverse in my thinking. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted February 5, 2012 Share Posted February 5, 2012 My hubby did the 3 Peaks a few years ago and said it was the best thing he's ever done (apart from marrying me and having the kids obviously) He did it with some people from work, they had a coach to take them to the 3 peaks. He said you have to treat it with respect and definitely train for it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willow Posted November 14, 2012 Share Posted November 14, 2012 Just wondering how your DS challenge went ? I've just committed OH and myself to doing this next summer with one of my cousins. She's doing it as part of her training to do an everest base camp hike, I'm not planning to go that far I thought we'd best start training now, I'm fitter than OH is as I row a lot and ride but I'm also rather over weight so I'd best tackle that or I'll be carting too much additional weight up these peaks. OH is perfect weight and physically strong but doesn't do any regular exercise. We're both 48 So am I completely potty ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chook n Boo Mum Posted November 14, 2012 Author Share Posted November 14, 2012 Well done on committing.....it was decided the younger boys were too young this last summer, so they were planning on going next summer anyway...tho with GCSEs in the mix, who knows if they'll have time to train! We will see.... Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chook n Boo Mum Posted February 14, 2013 Author Share Posted February 14, 2013 Once again this little Challenge has reared its head..... A "calendar of unavailability" is currently being run by the small boy so we can narrow down the maximum number of keen attenders before the date is finally set & prayers for good conditions and optimum fitness are sent up to the relevant gods/spirits/knowitallteens as appropriate....then we'll work on parental support team ....I hope we are not going to be the only ones, however I am currently looking at minibus hire, just in case! Has anyone who did the Challenge used a hired guide? Am wondering if this is a sensible idea I should stand my ground on, or an optional extra which may just be a mummy pacifier? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chook n Boo Mum Posted February 14, 2013 Author Share Posted February 14, 2013 Just wondering how your DS challenge went ? I've just committed OH and myself to doing this next summer with one of my cousins. She's doing it as part of her training to do an everest base camp hike, I'm not planning to go that far I thought we'd best start training now, I'm fitter than OH is as I row a lot and ride but I'm also rather over weight so I'd best tackle that or I'll be carting too much additional weight up these peaks. OH is perfect weight and physically strong but doesn't do any regular exercise. We're both 48 So am I completely potty ? What dates are you going Patricia? And are you doing any "dummy runs" before hand? X Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chook n Boo Mum Posted February 14, 2013 Author Share Posted February 14, 2013 Going back & reading over this thread.......this year he has actually asked a couple of adults if they are interested, one being a teacher at his school, so at least the boys and poss 1 girl will know him, and the other being a girly friend of mine, so all bases covered for appropriate adult supervision I hope.....also his big bro is 32 so a very big bro, his attendance depends on dates & work commitments I think I'm looking forward to this.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seagazer Posted February 14, 2013 Share Posted February 14, 2013 When my husband's group did it they had a couple of guides, primarily for insurance reasons. They were quite a large group and had a coach to ferry them about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Space Chick Posted February 14, 2013 Share Posted February 14, 2013 When I did it we had some army guys as guides, very experienced had done the 3 peaks several times. There are some sheer drops at the top of Ben Nevis, so I felt save having an expert there. Also Scarfell is pretty challenging so good to know the score. Snowdon is a doddle though. Speaking honestly, I wouldn't have been happy doing it without a guide. So I would say its essential and not a Mummy Pacifier. These were the guys we used and they were outstanding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willow Posted February 14, 2013 Share Posted February 14, 2013 What dates are you going Patricia? And are you doing any "dummy runs" before hand? X I must admit I'm very nervous about this With the rubbish weather getting fit and doing lots of long walks is very much behind schedule and I'd even had to give up riding in January due to too much work I haven't ruled it out yet but not altogether sure I'll manage the required level of fitness this year Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
