The One about Trek 50! (Part Two)

Section Four

I started section 4 with a renewed vigour!  I think I was in a much better head space by this point as I knew the section I had dreaded most was over and I knew there was only just over 20 miles to go (after walking 28 miles, 20 really does not seem that bad!).  At the start of this section we started walking with another group, Covers 2 whom we would spend the next 11 1/2 hours and the rest of the trek with.  We had seen this group several times before in the previous three sections as we overtook them and vice versa as we took little breaks.  It quickly became apparent that the route we were supposed to take was not an option...it was across some farm land which although I am pretty sure is a public footpath the dog barking at the gate had us all think an alternate route may be better.  Unfortunately this alternate route meant going up and round and boy was it up!  It was like bitch hills evil bitchier sister!  We got to the top and just kept walking, and the rain came again.  The temperature also started to drop at this point so the rain became uncomfortable.  To be honest this section was pretty unremarkable, initially it seemed to go pretty quickly because we were talking to the other team, on the previous 28 miles I think we had run out of things to say to each other! 

After a quick check in with a marshal we were directed as to where we needed to carry on.  So we kept plodding on, it got darker so the head torches came out.  At this point the section started to feel like it was taking a lot longer than it should.  There was multiple times where we stopped to check we were on the right path as walking in the dark can really screw with your bearings.  There was another not horrendous hill and then it was down.  And not a nice down.  Down, in the dark, in the rain, on wet grass as there was no defined path.  The downhill seemed to never end, after seeing no other teams for the previous 8 or so miles we finally started seeing others again.  So on we went, down and down and down until we reached our next checkpoint which I think was a cricket club. A cup of tea was greatly received.  Unfortunately at this checkpoint Ruban had to retire after walking a valiant 38 miles.  Many others stopped at this same checkpoint, some from injury, some from sheer exhaustion.  By this point it was midnight, everyone was soaked through and I think some just had enough.  6 full teams declined to carry on from this point and numerous individuals did too, including a member from the team we were walking with who was struggling with their knee. 

I too had a hairy moment at this checkpoint.  We were getting ready to head off and tackle section 5 and upon standing I felt really dizzy.  I sat down but it didn't abate and I felt like I was going to be sick.  I stood again and felt as if I was about to drop, Hannah and Paul said the colour drained from me and they carried me to a medic.  He inspected me and checked my blood sugar which was normal. Although I had just drunk a sweet tea.  He suspected it was exhaustion; also my lack of eating during the trek had caught up with me.  Another sweet tea, a couple of dextrose and luckily the dizziness passed and we were ready to go.  This was the scariest moment of the trek for me as I had it in my head that I was going to finish this but my body was letting me down.  Eventually, my head won and my body just went with the flow. 

Section 5


Section 5 started a little like section 3.  I was a little anxious given my recent dizzy spell and I knew this was where the last big bitch hill was.  Again the rain decided to screw us over and my energy levels were slumped at this point.  We slowly started to ascend and I took short 10 second breaks every minute or so to keep me going.  Massive thanks to the Covers 2 guys who relieved me off my backpack and carried it all the way to the next checkpoint!  It soon turned out we were on the wrong hill.  Disappointment overwhelmed me as it soon transpired that all the ascent we made which I would estimate to be approx 500 feet was for nothing.  After scrambling down some boulders (not fun when it’s wet, slippy and dark!) we were on the right path once more and again we climbed.  I had another bit of a mardy at this point as Hannah repeatedly said "the flat bit is just up ahead", eventually I snapped and said "you said that 10 minutes ago!" shortly after we reached the flat!  Unbeknownst to me, Paul who was behind me at this point was getting a bit wobbly so when we reached the flat we took a short break.  After getting some sugar and electrolytes in him he was good to go.  We were now back on familiar territory that we covered in section 2, we kept walking and as we did the sun started to rise.  We were making good time and everybody’s spirits raised as it became apparent we could finish this within 24 hours (this was in doubt at the last checkpoint).  Despite the fact we had been walking for 22 hours we reached checkpoint 5, the last before the finish in good spirits and surprisingly alert!  Another tea and it was time to tackle the last 4 miles!

Section 6


Everybody seemed to go a bit quiet at this point.  Perhaps they were too knackered to talk; perhaps they were focussed on reaching the finish line.  Myself, I was thinking about the previous 46 miles and how much we and I had achieved and that in a short time we would be at the end and all the pain, the tears, the suffering would have been worth it.  The rugby club and finish line in sight I felt overwhelmed with emotion and the achievement and crossing the finish line to applause I gratefully received my medal.  I immediately sat down and took off my boots and socks, my feet were a mess, and my legs ached, tiredness washed over me but still I was in awe of our achievement. 

We had done it.  We had walked 50 miles! 50! in 23 hours and 24 minutes!  Out of the 33 teams that set off at 7am the day before we finished in 15th place (pretty respectable I think!).

A bacon sandwich and a cup of tea later it was time to leave and head back to the hotel.  Although not before nominating Covers 2 for the 'Best Team Spirit' award, if it wasn't for them guys the last 3 sections would have been insanely dull and perhaps we might not have made it to the end.  I was pleased to find out a few days later that they won the award based on our nomination.  Well done guys!

After sleeping for most the day we woke up and compared pain.  Hannah...(damn her!) casually strolled along as if she had only walked 5 miles not 50 whilst I hobbled behind her like an 100 year old!  Both Paul and I had feet that had swelled to twice their size, blisters, joint pain etc.


So on reflection; after all of this I guess you are wondering if I would do it again?  The answer is YES!  Immediately after finishing the Trek I thought there is no way I would do it again, 30 miles perhaps, but 50 NEVER!  By the end of the week I decided that next year I want to do the London to Brighton 100k walk (approx 63 miles) and have deluded myself this will be easier than Trek 50 as it won't be so hilly.  Since doing the trek I have suffered with an ankle sprain, hip pain, blisters and lost two toenails (not counting the other one I lost in training!).  I can honestly say it was all worth it. 

Trek 50 I plan on taking you on again one day.  But until that day I plan to rest! 

To check out our video diary of the day go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5rtvl7WMSg