It has been a while since I was scheduled to complete the National Three Peaks challenge (N3PC). You may have seen on Instagram that I was hospitalized shortly before the scheduled weekend, which meant I had to cancel my place. From what I saw in the Whatsapp group, the women who were able to take part did incredible and were able to achieve their goals. Of course, I was a bit jealous of them but also very happy that they were happy. Plus now I have an extra year to train.
Over the last few months, I have been training for this event which also meant testing out kit and fuel to help me prepare. The Outdoor Adventure Girls provided me with a packing list. Most of the items I had, such as a rucksack that holds a Camelbak; waterproof and warm layers; neck pillow for the car; battery pack, and flip flops. I knew there were a few essential items that I would need to spend a bit more time locating that would ensure I was comfortable during the challenge.
First and foremost, I needed sturdy hiking boots. These boots would need to be waterproof, comfortable to walk in, and support my ankles. Luckily for me, my friends at Salomon gifted me a pair of X Ultra 360 Mid Gore-Tex hiking boots*. This stable shoe offers a high level of foot protection, all-terrain grip, and will keep your feet drive. As soon as I put this boot on, it instantly feel comfortable on my foot. There was barely a need to break them in. I just had to get used to tying the laces a little looser to avoid aggravating my Achilles tendinopathy. In early May, James and I went camping in (wet) Scotland and these boots helped keep my feet dry.
Most people suggest hiking boots for the National Three Peaks challenge as your ankles will need a lot of support as your body fatigues over the course of the weekend. Be sure to invest in a good pair of boots months before the challenge (if possible). Take the boots out for many hikes in varying terrain to make sure you are comfortable. I also suggest reading ‘Fixing Your Feet’ to help you harden your skin and preventatively tape them up. It is worth paying for the expensive athletic tape because it will last longer and keep your feet happy.
The next item that is important to your overall comfort over the challenge weekend is a pair of hiking poles. In the past, I have never been on Team Poles. Of course, I had them for the ultramarathon in Jordan but didn’t use them every day (looking back, I should have practiced with them more in sand). I never use them on other runs or hikes before I turned 40 (not even Kilimanjaro). I don’t know if I am older and wiser now, out of shape or carrying more supplies, but I used them in Antarctica and in Scotland for our camping weekend (which included climbing Ben Nevis which had snow at the top) and it made a world of difference. Now my Leki Sherpa mountaineering poles* will have to be content with warming up on the Surrey Three Peaks Challenge, Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike over separate treks. They are ready to go though as I invested in rubber pads to prevent the poles from slipping on rocks. The baskets are handy for when I am trekking through snow again at higher elevations.
If you go shopping for poles, keep in mind they need to be the proper length for your height. Some can also fold down and/or be very light in weight. These features can come at a premium but depending on how often you will use them and if you need to carry them in your rucksack over long distances, it may be worth every penny. Leki has a very cool feature on some of their poles that are a strap that easily hooks on the pole and releases quickly if you need to grab something out of your bag. This feature is included on some of the higher end models that require quick release. You might not need this on a normal hike but for something that is timed, like the N3PC, it might be worth it.
A big element that will lead to comfort for the N3PC is fueling properly. Not only will you have to eat on the go as you climb, you will need to eat in the car with food you have packed. One my my friend’s who is very experienced with hiking recommended ham and cheese sandwiches for when you are on the mountain. Keep in mind that you need to be able to eat while you are walking when doing N3PC. There isn’t enough time to stop and eat as time is of the essence. My favorite snack when hiking is GORP (good old raisins and peanuts). Of course, I add M&Ms to make it a bit sweeter. Full disclaimer, this is NOT easy to eat on the go ( I drop crumbs everywhere) but agrees with my stomach. I also tried a variety of granola bars on my practice hikes and keep my leftover running gels leftover in my bag for emergencies.
Hydration is a key part of fueling too. It was suggested that we carry 2L of water for each hour of climbing. Maintaining a good balance of salts while exercising and sweating will be critical to succeed in a 24 hour challenge like N3PC. As part of my training, I was testing out Humantra*. Their little sachets are sugar-free, plant-based, and contain six essential electrolytes. I just wish they had a caffeinated option! All the flavours I have tried so far have been great (Himalayan lime, Elderberry, Berry Pomegranate). The sachets are light and very small, taking up little space. You can stuff them in your pocket and add to your water as needed. I keep a few in my office for a boost in the afternoon rather then having a caffeinated fizzy drink.
Lastly, I want to be mentally comfortable too. For me, that means knowing how far I have climbed, what elevation I am at, and my heart rate. The Suunto Race* has an outstanding battery life, an altimeter, barometer, heart rate monitor, blood oxygen sensor and so much more (like a vibrating alarm, receiving your phone notifications and queueing your music). Not only can you instantly upload your hike to Strava (once you have mobile data reception) but you don’t need to worry about charging your watch or having a back up watch (like I did for my desert ultra).
Don’t worry, I am going to give this challenge a go next year. I am always up for new advice on this specific hiking challenge or any endurance challenge (I am doing 100km Race to the Stone next year too!). Leave a comment below with your tips or suggestions on other crazy challenges.
*Items marked with * were gifted. All opinions are honest and my own.
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