CSSC member Jeanette Roberts entered the Caledonian Challenge in June 2011 with a team of 4 other girls to celebrate a significant milestone in their lives - turning 40.
On the big day we awoke to blue skies and a gentle breeze which was a huge relief after the previous weeks of torrential rain and gales. The atmosphere at the start line was a heady mix of excitement and apprehension - would we really be able to rise to the challenge of walking 54 miles along the West Highland Way in less than 24 hours with no sleep? Had we put enough training miles in? Would our feet ever look the same?
The nerves soon subsided as we got into our stride and the first 10 miles between Gairlochy and Glen Nevis passed really quickly as did the next 12 miles to Kinlochleven, although the steep descent to the Ice Factory was an absolute killer. A huge plate full of chilli and rice followed by cake and custard soon put any discomfort to the back of our minds.
We all knew that the third section would be the biggest challenge so the nerves returned once more - just how tough would the ascent of the Devil's Staircase really be? Thankfully, it wasn't too bad - a slow and steady climb and the exhilaration when we reached the top and saw the splendid site of Buchaille Etive Mor was awesome.
We quickly descended to the Glen Coe ski centre (walking past the Kings house Hotel and not stopping for some liquid refreshments was a killer), stuffed down more food and then set off across the pitch black Rannoch Moor ready to battle with the midges. Fortunately the wee beasts didn't make an appearance so the only thing that I had to suffer was a blister on my heel bursting at 2am. this was definitely the low point for me as up to this point it had never entered my head that I may not finish. I really wasn't sure that I would be able to walk another 14 miles on just my big toe! Thankfully the pain subsided and we soon arrived at checkpoint 4 for more food and numerous cups of tea.
The final stage turned out to be the real test for all of us. Seeing the sun rise and hearing the dawn chorus was fantastic but we were all struggling by mile 48. So, the sense of achievement as we crossed the finish line after walking for 23 hours and 25 minutes was immense. We had done it - completed more than two full marathons in distance and more ups and downs than two ascents of Ben Nevis! As a team we also raised over £2500 in valuable funds which will help make a difference to the lives of people in some of Scotland's most isolated communities.
It was certainly was the walk of my life... |
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