Consumed with envy...

...because I decided to apply for TGO Challenge after the expiry date for 2011 applications.

You see right about now I am reading tweets about folk who are making their final preparations for their crossing of Scotland, and it's making me ever so slightly green-tinged.

On the 13th of May 300 like-minded folk will be setting off from the western coast of the Highlands on a footpath which will not finish until they reach the waters of the North Sea.

They will have probably spent most of the year sorting gear, selling the old and testing the new with a view to making their challenge that tiny bit more comfortable. They will have deliberated about their route, re-planned sections in case of foul weather and listened closely to news of bridges and path obstructions with the potential to scupper carefully meticulated routes.

They will have learned of new eating, camping, supply-getting, and socialising venues on their routes and will doubtless have considered how to carry which foodstuffs and how much of them they'll need.

They will have learned of bereavements in the TGO community, new arrivals, challengers who have had to drop out and those who have gained a place as a result of their disappointment.

I have been through all of this and I am not even applying for TGOC 2012 until the form comes out in TGO Magazine's October issue - out September.

I have my route largely planned with a couple of foul weather alternatives to get pinned down.

I have revised my base kit from somewhere around
10kg to more or less 5kg including my pack.

I have got out into the wild outdoors much more to strengthen my legs and tone up.

I have reduced my bodily pack weight (aka Belly) from a gross bodyweight of 15st 8lb to 14st 4lb.

I have moved from mountain boots to trail running boots (a liberation).

I have shifted from heavy waterproofs to water-resistant wind-proofs.

I have over a year to go!

So all you challengers, please do me this one favour; please keep blogging, tweeting, podcasting (that one is best left to Bob Cartwright and his clan) , and posting on forums. It is keeping me inspired and making me rethink my approach to long-distance walking daily.

Bye for now, I'm just off to pack for a midweek break in Basecamp Billy (aka the caravan). Off to the Broads with my family for a bit more outdoors-ing!



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