Good news from Raleigh International

The awaited phone call came this afternoon from Lizi at Ralieigh International. I passed my assessment at the weekend and have been offered an Adventure Project Managers role. This means I'll be organising and co-ordinating the trek aspects of the Raleigh Venturer's expeditions. The emphasis is less on leading and guiding and more on inspiring confidence, facilitating teamwork in a challenging but safety concious way.
Due to various commitments I won't actually be going for another 15 months, but there will be lots to do in the meantime. The odd bit of fundraising will need to be organised, and an initial deposit paid. All very existing, and a bit daunting too!

Raleigh International Assessment Weekend

The assessment weekend for Volunteer Managers (VM) took place at Broad stone Warren Scout Camping Sussex. This was an intensive weekend aimed to give potential VMs an insight into what they could expect on a Raleigh expedition and an opportunity for Raleigh to assess their suitability for different VM roles.

An early start saw me heading south and driving around the M25. Once I reached the Sussex area the snow started falling, such that by the time I was within one mile of the Scout camp the A22 was closed! After a 20 mile detour I finally reached the camp an hour late.

The weekend consisted of a series of activities and scenarios that relate to typical/possible events during expeditions. These ranged from indoor activities to others in the extensive woods around the scout camp. The amount of pre-information  is limited for a purpose, this way you have to react to situations as they occur. Over the weekend we were divided into three groups to undertake the activities. Personally, the ones outside were more enjoyable. Although, one was quite challenging especially considering the temperature. If you've attended one of these weekends I'm sure you will realise what I am talking about. If you haven't I'd hate to spoil the surprise!

Over the weekend you will most likely be guaranteed a challenge to your expectations, and at some point be taken out of your comfort zone. The challenges will be physical, mental and personal. In line with many organisations reflection forms part of the process.

With my ML my interest would naturally be  as a Adventure Project Manager and be involved with the treks. I'm also interested in the Project Manager role as I have an interest in environmental projects. Hopefully, I will hear soon about what happens next.

A rather watery cross country race

Finishers commemorative
horse brass 

The Hardwick X-Stream is a great cross country race that takes place in Buckinghamshire. It lives up to its name as there are several stream/water crossings during the run. None of which can be avoided and require at least immersion up to the waist.
Heading off with a small contingent of runners from my local running club, we descended on the small village of Hardwick prepared for all they could throw at us. This was the second year I have run this race, last year the water was so high that one crossing and small section of the run had been removed. So when we came to this first water crossing I was not prepared for the cold and feeling of shock that it rapidly produced. A quick run around the field and then back across the same stream. The second time actually felt worse than the first, only a few minutes earlier.

One of the more straight-forward water crossings

The unravelling shoe laces struck again and I lost valuable time doing them up. It took some time to catch up with a fellow club runner, and soon I was ahead and making good ground. Never a real contender for the team, but a pleasant way to spend a Sunday morning.
It is a tough race, with numerous water crossings that take it out of you, but satisfying. Probably more type II fun than type I, but never something I regretted signing up for.

Fell running in Leicestershire - the Charnwood Hills race

Today saw a small select group from the running club heading off top Anstey in Leicestershire for the Charnwood Hills fell race. Granted this is not an area people automatically think off when considering areas for fell races, but this one is extremely popular. So much so that it sold out within 24 hours!

Optimistic numbering at today's race! We did finish in this order though,
but these were not our overall positions in the race.

A quick dash around the muddy school field and then off into the 'wilds' of Leicestershire. The conditions were officially described as 'soft going' and good grip was essential if you wished to stay upright. The route goes through ploughed fields, open moorland, the middle of a golf course and around a country park. Apart from the loop around the country park it is more of less an out and back. Despite this it feels like most of the 14 miles are up hill. The hardest is Old Tom, which looms ahead of you for the first few miles. Most of us had to walk some or most of this steep climb up to the ruins. After passing over the brow the hill the full blast of the cold February wind hit you.
This was my second time running this race, and the weather was much colder than the previous year. Finishing a couple of minutes slower I think was justified by the prevailing conditions. No bling to collect on this race, just the satisfaction of finishing. Then into the school hall for a hot drink and something to eat.