Only a short while into the night hike up Snowdon at the weekend, I thought I was going to have to turn back.
It was about 12:45 am, and we had barely started out, but I was blowing out of my backside.
Our group of about 100 people had been divided earlier that evening into three groups - Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced.
I had been put into the Intermediate group, which I felt suited me well. I have done a fair bit of walking, I work out regularly, and for my 55 years, I’d say I’m above average in my level of fitness.
Kev being Kev had decided he wanted to join the Advanced group, and I agreed he could probably keep up with the pace. He’s a faster walker than me and is pretty much a machine when it comes to hills.
I know I’m quite a strong walker because we hiked the Swiss Alps last year, but I figured because it was a night hike and I’d be fighting sleepiness I’d be safer in the Intermediate group. The Advanced group were mostly professional personal trainers or ex-military types (and Kev), so I was content to be in the group below.
Before we set off, we sat for about 3-4 hours in the hotel meeting room, having kit checks and being debriefed as to what to expect.
Our guides were ex special-forces guys, and the lead guy stood up on stage and said, “Stay in your groups and listen to your DS’s. Don’t f*ck about. The path is safe in daylight hours, but there are steep drops at the side, so pay attention to where you’re walking. This is going to be hard, but one day you’ll be too old to do stuff like this, and you’ll wish you were back on that mountain…”
I heard the Beginner group announced and they left at about 11:30 pm. I knew I would be leaving around 12pm.
However, sodding ADHD kicked in, I didn’t pay attention and I missed the Intermediate group leaving.
I had failed at Rule 1 - Stay in your groups.
Shit.
I went to see our group leader and they said don’t worry - you’ll be alright - take it steady, so I set off with the Advanced group, feeling happy to be sticking to Kev’s side.
The Llanberis path is considered the easiest route up Snowdon, but the road out of the village towards the mountain is steep. I didn’t realise quite how steep until we saw it in the daylight coming home.
Just a short while in, I said to Kev, “Something isn’t right. I don’t feel well at all.” My heart was beating out of my chest and I was feeling shaky. I grabbed Kev’s hand, feeling totally out of my depth.
“You’re alright.” said Kev, pulling me up the hill.
I just kept remembering all the warning stickers I’d seen on gym equipment saying if you feel sick, dizzy or shortness of breath, then get off the machine.
I felt all those things. We had gone off at quite a pace on a steep incline, and I was feeling like a proper granny - I had no place among this group.
“Kev. I’m going back. I can’t hold everyone up…”
The DS behind me said, “Don’t worry. They’re going too fast. Drop your pace back and keep going. You’re doing fine.”
He radioed to his colleague leading the group, “Tell them to slow it down! This pace is ridiculous. They’re not on selection!”
“Is it OK that I feel sick?”, I said, thinking it best to let them know I was really struggling - I didn’t want to be a liability.
“Yeah. You’re good. Just slow right down and take it easy. They can’t keep up this pace. You’re doing fine…”
I focused on putting one foot in front of the other. I told myself I was with professionals and they knew what they were doing. (However, I also told myself I was with a bunch of ex-special-forces who could possibly be complete nutters - but I drowned that voice out in my head with “I’m safe - I’ve told them I’m not feeling good but they think I can do it - I can do it”.
I kept holding Kev’s hand. I was actually pretty scared I was pushing myself too hard, but I felt safe with him, and with the guys from Gone Rogue.
Keep. Walking.
A little way on the incline started to level out a bit, and I felt as if I could breathe more easily.
My legs started to feel stronger, and I was settling into a good rhythm.
I was starting to realise that I was actually feeling fine again. I started to believe I could do it, especially when we started to pass a couple of people who were previously a good hundred metres or so ahead of us (I felt pretty proud about getting up with the main group, but of course getting towed by Kev a good portion of the way also helped!).
We made it to the summit in just three hours, which is a decent time.
This photo was my view. It was too early to see the sunrise! It was windy, foggy and raining by that time, so rather than hang about at the top we headed straight back down.
Did I feel cheated that I never got to see any views?
Absolutely not. I was buzzing!
The sun was starting to show when we were halfway down the mountain, and what we did see was beautiful.
I was so glad I didn’t talk myself out of making it all the way up, and feeling grateful to Kev and the Gone Rogue guys for keeping me going.
This isn’t to say you should ignore warning signs if you aren’t feeling well when exercising. I wouldn’t have carried on if I was on my own, but I trusted the fact that my guides knew why I was experiencing problems, and they fixed the problem, and it turned out fine.
I’m just saying I felt glad to have done what felt like a Very Hard Thing.
Not hard for everyone, maybe, but I’m feeling very proud of myself right now.
I still feel sore from carrying a heavy backpack up a mountain, so I know I’ve pushed myself, and it feels bloody great!
Also, I have since realised I looked like a nun with my hood and head torch on! I didn’t feel at all sleepy at the time, but the tiredness was showing on my face.
(Description: This photo shows a man embracing a woman. His eyes are saying “Thank God I don’t have to drag this clown any further. She’s heavier than she looks”. She is saying “I’m so proud of myself - I hardly needed any help at all. I might apply for the next series of Ninja Warrior!”)
I already know what my next fitness challenge will be, because Quarter 3 kicks off today and there’s a whole new round of goals to chase…watch this space. (Hint - it’s not Ninja Warrior…)
What do you want to achieve by the end of September? If you write it down, it has a better chance of happening…