Latest News... April 2007 Update

Much has been happening on planet NAV+art over the winter and recently I seem to have been prepping many things at once for the coming season. Training and preparation for the forthcoming World Championship race is going well although it tends to dominate every training day, and my office has also been a bit of a bomb site with kit for the team but I’m really pleased to say it is now whittled down to manageable proportions. After all, it’s not about kit, ‘Less is More’ and all that. . . . . .

 

We recently delivered our first fully blown weekend NAV+art training course of 2007 in March, to a full house of 20 people. We caught the last of the wintry weather during the Sunday, so much so, that everyone did well to survive and achieve in very difficult conditions. Wet and very cold feet were evident, but it did wake people up to the fact that bad weather is dangerous.

 

Next up on the training course front is a One day NAV+art course at the request of, James Thurlow of Open Adventure. This One Day special is aimed at Open5 competitors looking to do the Open24 or other longer and more remote races.

Entitled ‘How to survive the Open24’, it will be a very worthwhile day, especially as it is the day before the Open5 event at Keswick. We can also offer accommodation (a bit roughty-toughty but sure to be a good laugh) to anyone who want to come along. Details can be seen separately on the website. The day is to be based at Bampton and Haweswater, our old stamping ground and great for access from the M6. Consequently, it also fits my own green policy of not hammering the central Lakes, ie, Borrowdale!

 

We also continue to provide all manner of training days’ under the NAV+art ‘Masterclass’ banner, but have very limited time in the next few months, sorry.

 

GL3Day News – It’s full!!

The event has been well over subscribed due to a number of reasons not least because it is such a good event. It is now part of the British Mountain Marathon Championships and some people are using it as team training for the ARWC 2007.  There is a small waiting list of potential entrants, but it’s unlikely that we can fit more in.  Remember, it is in North Wales this year, despite being called the Great Lakeland 3Day. I am taking part myself as my friends are organizing for the 10 th anniversary.

 

On a total different scale, Dockray-Hartside Fell Race is perhaps one of the lowest low-key races in the calendar. Just six miles and 2000’ of ascent on a balmy mid May evening (Wednesday 9 th May at 7:00pm) pretty tough as races go, but good value for £1:00. Experience, local knowledge, navigation skills are essential. Entry on the day only, by registering at ‘The Quarry Car Park’ just down the road from the village. (GR 397211) You’ll need your own map, as well as the usual fell race kit, that definitely includes a wind/waterproof jacket. Maps, compasses, whistles, etc should be routine as well. PLEASE DON’T PARK IN THE VILLAGE OR HOTEL GROUNDS AT ANYTIME DURING THE RACE. This especially includes non-competing runners who ‘just want to go for a jog instead!’

See you there. . . and in the pub afterwards, perhaps.

Joe