The largest Ultra-Marathon in the UK...

...that is how the sergeant of the Gurkha Royal Signals described the event.

There's nothing like starting gently! But then it is a training route for Gurkhas...

What a preparation session we had Saturday - really eyeopening. We enjoyed a 2 hour session from the sergeant - information about camping before and after, some health and safety stuff so we don't die of exposure/ exhaustion / low flying sea-gulls!

Perhaps the most compelling were the presentations from 2 guys who had completed the walk last year - one as a walker and one as a member of the support group. The degree of planning was impressive - I'll be emailing them for a template of their schedule which thankfully they have offered me.

Each CP (checkpoint of which there are 11 including the finish line) timing was calculated by Naismith's rule and reviewed so that they knew if they were walking too quickly and therefore were in danger of burnout along the way. In fact even after the first CP they were 30mins ahead - by CP5 they were 3hours ahead - but all seemed happy to continue.

The logistics too were considerable - making sure that the support crew had enough water to supply them with for 1 ltr per CP (totalling 44 litres during the route), spare socks, night-walking kit, folding chairs for a CP stop, snacks a hot meal and stove - not to mention spare socks and the right type of underwear etc etc.

We need to organise the support team - and they need to understand that they are an integral part of the team success of the walk - and the fundraising.

As for training this week, I have completed 2 10 mile bike rides and 2 x 1.15mile runs - all is getting much easier and waist is benefiting.

If you feel led - volunteer for our support team and you can play an important part in making a difference in the lives of countless people who Oxfam and the Gurkha Welfare Trust serve.