It’s been a while since I was due to do the National Three Peaks Challenge (N3PC). You may have seen on Instagram that I was hospitalized shortly before the planned weekend, forcing me to cancel my place. From what I saw in the Whatsapp group, the women who were able to participate did amazing things and were able to achieve their goals. Of course, I was a little jealous of them but also very happy that they were happy. Plus, I now have an extra year to train.
Over the past few months I have been training for this event, which also involved testing equipment and fuel to help me prepare. The Outdoor Adventure Girls provided me with a packing list. Most of the items I had, like a backpack containing a Camelbak; waterproof and warm layers; neck pillow for the car; drums and flip-flops. I knew there were a few essential items that I would need to spend a little extra time locating to ensure my comfort during the challenge.
Above all, I needed sturdy hiking shoes. These boots should be waterproof, comfortable to walk in and support my ankles. Luckily for me, my friends at Salomon gifted me a pair of X Ultra 360 Mid Gore-Tex* hiking shoes. This stable shoe offers a high level of foot protection, all-terrain grip and will keep your feet moving. As soon as I put this boot on, it instantly feels comfortable on my foot. There was virtually no need to break them in. I just had to get used to tying the laces a little more loosely so as not to aggravate my Achilles tendinopathy. In early May James and I went camping in (wet) Scotland and these boots helped keep my feet dry.
Most people suggest hiking shoes for the Three Peaks National Challenge because your ankles will need a lot of support as your body tires over the weekend. Make sure to invest in a good pair of boots months before the challenge (if possible). Break out the boots for lots of hikes in varied terrain to make sure you’re comfortable. I also suggest reading “Repairing Your Feet” to help you toughen your skin and preventatively tape them. It’s worth paying for the expensive athletic tape because it will last longer and keep your feet happy.
The next important item for your overall comfort during the challenge weekend is a pair of hiking poles. In the past, I have never been part of the team poles. Sure, I had them for the ultramarathon in Jordan but I didn’t use them every day (in hindsight I should have trained more with them in the sand). I never used them on any other races or hikes until I was 40 (not even Kilimanjaro). I don’t know if I’m older and wiser now, out of shape, or carrying more supplies, but I used them in Antarctica and Scotland for our camping weekend (which included l climbing Ben Nevis whose summit was snow-capped) and it made a world of difference. Now my Leki Sherpa* mountaineering poles will have to make do with warming up on the Surrey Three Peaks Challenge, Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike on separate treks. They are ready to go because I invested in rubber pads to keep the poles from sliding on the rocks. The baskets come in handy when I hike in the snow again at higher elevations.
If you’re shopping for poles, keep in mind that they should be the right length for your height. Some can also fold up and/or be very lightweight. These features can be expensive, but depending on how often you’ll use them and whether you need to carry them in your backpack over long distances, it may be worth every penny. Leki has a very nice feature on some of their poles: a strap that easily hooks onto the pole and quickly detaches if you need to take something out of your bag. This feature is included on some of the higher end models that require a quick release. You might not need it on a normal hike, but for something timed, like the N3PC, it might be worth it.
An important element that will contribute to the comfort of the N3PC is refueling correctly. Not only will you have to eat on the go during your climb, but you will also have to eat in the car with the food you packed. A very experienced hiking friend of mine recommended ham and cheese sandwiches when you’re in the mountains. Keep in mind that you need to be able to eat while you walk when doing N3PC. There is not enough time to stop and eat because time is running out. My favorite hiking snack is GORP (good old raisins and peanuts). Of course, I add M&Ms to make it a little sweeter. Full disclaimer, this is NOT easy to eat on the go (I drop crumbs everywhere) but it suits my stomach. I also tried a variety of granola bars on my training hikes and kept my leftover running gels in my bag for emergencies.
Hydration is also a key part of fueling. It was suggested to carry 2L of water for every hour of climbing. Maintaining a good balance of salts during exercise and sweating will be essential to successfully completing a 24-hour challenge like the N3PC. As part of my training, I tested Humantra*. Their little packets are sugar-free, plant-based, and contain six essential electrolytes. I just wish they had a caffeinated option! All the flavors I’ve tried so far have been great (Himalayan Lime, Elderberry, Pomegranate Berry). The sachets are light and very small, taking up little space. You can put them in your pocket and add them to your water if needed. I keep a few in my office to give me an afternoon boost rather than reaching for a caffeinated soft drink.
Finally, I also want to be mentally comfortable. For me, that means knowing how far I’ve climbed, what altitude I’m at, and my heart rate. Suunto Race* has exceptional battery life, an altimeter, barometer, heart rate monitor, blood oxygen sensor and much more (like a vibrating alarm, receiving notifications from your phone and queuing your music). Not only can you instantly upload your ride to Strava (once you have mobile data reception), but you don’t have to worry about charging your watch or having a backup watch (like I do). did for my desert ultra).
Don’t worry, I’ll try this challenge next year. I’m always looking for new tips on this specific hiking challenge or any other endurance challenge (I’m also doing a 100k stone run next year!). Leave a comment below with your tips or suggestions for other crazy challenges.
*Items marked with * have been offered. All opinions are honest and my own.