Three Peaks Challenge - Training & Mountain Fitness.
Before embarking upon your mountain challenge, whether it be a national Three Peaks or Yorkshire Three Peaks, or indeed any mountain endurance challenge, you should spend at least a few months conditioning your body for the rigours it will need to endure.
Apart from reaching an acceptable basic fitness level, you need to enhance your endurance and stamina when out in the hills, known as 'mountain fitness'. The only way to increase mountain fitness is by spending time out in the mountains, getting used to walking and hiking over tough terrain, in all manner of weather conditions.
A fully detailed six month Three Peaks Challenge fitness and training plan can be found by clicking the link.
Good training and preparation is essential if your group have little or no previous experience of hillwalking, and even those with some basic experience would benefit hugely from a few outings together in the mountains. Those with more experience may wish to increase their mountain fitness, brush up on navigation skills - especially night navigation, test out new kit, and see how the rest of the group are getting on...
As most people will attempt the Three Peaks in the summer, then much of your training will take place the previous winter. This is actually a fantastic time to train, as the early dark nights, cold wind and rain, and miserable conditions can realistically simulate a night on Scafell Pike during your challenge..!
As most people will attempt the Three Peaks in the summer, then much of your training will take place the previous winter. This is actually a fantastic time to train, as the early dark nights, cold wind and rain, and miserable conditions can realistically simulate a night on Scafell Pike during your challenge..!
Training Events.
Your training should try to include and improve the following: Teamwork, navigation, map & compass, GPS if used, equipment, fitness, stamina, timekeeping, weather conditions, etc.
You should use the opportunity to discover each others strengths and weaknesses, and help each other improve. Now is also a good time to formulate a plan of action should any team member prove not as fit as they thought, or get a slight injury during your Three Peaks Challenge. Will they retire from the challenge - or will the whole team slow down to their pace, even if this means you will take more than 24 hours?
Merseyventure organise a number of Three Peaks Challenge training events each year, on Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon. Held over a weekend, you can either attend a single day or the full weekend. Prices start from just £25 per person, and Team Leaders entered into Merseyventure events attend free.
Merseyventure 3 Peaks Training Events 2013 are as follow:
Wasdale & Scafell Pike - Three Peaks Challenge Training - 23rd & 24th March 2013
Daytime and nightime ascents, fully guided, £25 per person. For more details, click here.
You should use the opportunity to discover each others strengths and weaknesses, and help each other improve. Now is also a good time to formulate a plan of action should any team member prove not as fit as they thought, or get a slight injury during your Three Peaks Challenge. Will they retire from the challenge - or will the whole team slow down to their pace, even if this means you will take more than 24 hours?
Merseyventure organise a number of Three Peaks Challenge training events each year, on Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon. Held over a weekend, you can either attend a single day or the full weekend. Prices start from just £25 per person, and Team Leaders entered into Merseyventure events attend free.
Merseyventure 3 Peaks Training Events 2013 are as follow:
Wasdale & Scafell Pike - Three Peaks Challenge Training - 23rd & 24th March 2013
Daytime and nightime ascents, fully guided, £25 per person. For more details, click here.