NEVEREST - Charity Event Challenge

BEN'S TRAINING DIARY

8th November 2006

Greetings all lovers of showing Newton who’s boss.

I write upon my return from my last climbing based training session before the big day. Training has been intense recently, and I’m feeling fatigued; though I be able to rest up before the event itself. My feelings are a myriad of concern, excitement, anxiousness and confidence; thankfully my studies are keeping my mind on track. I can barley wait for the challenge itself.

October 2006

Thursday 26th October

Greetings all, my body is not quite sure what it’s been up to. Today I cycled to Leeds and back, with a 3 hour climbing session in between. My flatmates were all worried when I returned home; I have a face which seems to make others very aware when the body beneath it is tired. Overall, however, training is going well, and my only real concern is to-do with my grabbing tools. I have the soft hands of a lover (not a climber) which has, through most of my life, not necessarily been a bad thing. However, their lack of leathery-ness is leading to an ever increasing array of blisters: which worries me a little. I have purchased some finger tape though, and hopefully this will remedy the problem.

My spirits are still high and I’m looking forward to the event more as time goes by: due to a mixture of increasing confidence; and an eagerness to be free from the constraints of training – giving me more time for both my MA and new friends.

14th October

Hello one and all, as I write my hands are sore; but my sprits high. A recent session at Leeds wall went well and, despite some harsh wear and tear to my hands and feet, for the first time in all my training, I’m actually confident of being able to complete the challenge in a respectable time. It is no longer a fearful distant day of reckoning, but a challenge which is being relished and looked forward to. I am (as a result of an incredibly generous father and a recent birthday) in possession of a new bike, and will be riding to and from Leeds in order to add some aerobic training to my climbing days.

I feel more grounded at university now, and a recent visit from friends at home has filled me with renewed enthusiasm for life and the climb itself.

2nd October

I find myself a month and a half away from the big day and tension is starting to rise within me. I am now a graduate student at York, my course starts next week and I’m just beginning to get accustomed to my new surroundings. There is a huge lake for me to relax around and many a duck who gratefully accept anything you wish to throw in their general direction; the sports centre is also impressive. Though it lacks a climbing wall, one of the best in the country is only 30 miles away – in Leeds. So I’ll be making many trips there to get some more vertical training.

My last week of freedom at home was absolutely inspiring. After finishing all the DIY I was hoping to, I embarked upon a road trip to Bristol to see a friend in hospital; and stay with one of my closet companions from school days. The only difference was I biked the 100 miles rather than go by car – it seemed like a great way to train, and keep myself going all day. Though carrying supplies and spare clothes etc weighted me down a bit, it was an enlightening experience, and it was a great way to get some sightseeing in; in addition to meeting many friendly people.

The week finished with a party with my old university friends. It was just what I needed before heading up to York; and I know I have many friends for life from my Oxford years.

August 2006

I have been training in earnest for just under a month and things are hard at the moment; it seems like time is against me. Though I am free from the difficulties of employment or University (I left Skoda early in order to do some DIY to Dad’s house – where I’m currently living), the training is wearing me down. However, I am optimistic towards the future, and want to take training to ‘the next level’. A good friend of mine from Brookes has a degree in nutrition, and will be sending me a ‘dream list’ of foods for me to consume over the next few months. Additionally, I’ve decided that, after a great weekend of dance-based fun, the time has come to stop drinking alcohol until the challenge is complete. This represents a jump in dedication to the cause, and I know this will aid me in getting into a positive mindset. Friends have been asking after my progress and their concern and encouragement is giving me the extra 10% I need at the moment.