MW Mountain Training

Big trees - New Forest - New area to work in. What fun!

When one of your athletes win:

"Most Improved" runner...

1 - You are proud (a proud big sister 😁)

2 - You know your coaching skills work!

If you want a running coach just get in touch at:
[email protected]

PB? Age group %? Return to running? Ultra ambitions?

I can help you achieve those goals.

Check out: [email protected]" rel="ugc" target="_blank">[email protected]

There is something special about standing on Mam Tor on a beautiful afternoon, after the mist has lifted and the Peak District opens up around you, while a Duke of Edinburgh Silver team makes its way across the ridge with maps in hand, confidence growing.

One of the joys of supervising DofE is that balance between responsibility and freedom. At times, direct supervision is required when cooking, and providing support with camp craft. Then there is close supervision, where I can see the group moving well in the distance across the fells, watching them pause to make navigational decisions, knowing support is nearby if required. And finally, remote supervision, the strange modern mix of mountain craft and technology, watching trackers, knowing where teams are, trusting the process, and giving young people the space to truly adventure independently.

This weekend was a true four-seasons experience. Hail rattling, strong gusty winds, claps of thunder, a streak of lightening, bursts of rain sweeping through the valleys, and then suddenly burning sunshine reveal the hillside in its all it's glory. Classic Peak District weather.

Day three always brings a different kind of challenge. I'm Standing on Win Hill before 8.30 in the morning, waiting for teams to appear over the hillside. They are carrying heavy packs loaded with tents, clothes, food, with tired legs from the previous days effort. I can see them slog their way uphill, heads down, digging deeper than they probably ever have before. And then the change; they reach the top, look out across the Peak District, and see the beauty. They realise they have just experienced the very definition of type-2 fun. Tough in the moment, but unforgettable afterwards. The reward is always the views, and they sense the achievement and feel the quiet confidence that comes from doing something genuinely hard.

The DofE Awards have a special way of teaching resilience. Wind on the tops, tired legs on the climbs, laughter at checkpoints, wet boots, snack stops, navigational debates and that brilliant moment when a team realises they are capable of more than they ever thought

It is never just about assessing navigation. It is about watching confidence grow one contour line and one tired step at a time.

Final recce for TREC navigation workshops completed. Beautiful but chilly day!

You've got to read "One Way Ticket" by Rolfe Oostra. A great adventure book about, well, "mishaps and mayhem"! Yes, of course I'm mentioned, in the Mera Peak chapter, but only because I was ill!! No, I haven't written anything this time! He didn't ask 😉. I remember the Australian, though I had forgotten until I read about it. It's a while ago now! 2012?!

A beautiful and fresh start to the day! Spring, thank you for trying so hard to punch through the long winter!

Good to give back to the mountain environment. Tree planting on the slopes of Foel Goch. A group of Mountain Leaders, representing RAW Adventures planting for The National Trust. 2 stakes, 1 net, 1 tree keep moving!

Thank you Leo Houlding for a wonderful night. Interesting, inspirational and moving. Lindsey Houlding, what a family you have! I had to get a picture and I went in civvies!!!

Going to see Leo Houlding https://www.theatresevern.co.uk/booking/?event-id=10989&instances-id=1196175 tomorrow. A few seats remaining...grab them quickly. He is worth it! Tomorrow. Theatre Severn. 19.30hrs!

Booking – Theatre Severn