9 March: Beginning of the End

 

We're well into the last two weeks now. Not long to go. The countdown is on.

 

Ben Loyal from Ben Hope, 2010

 

I was reminded the other day by a former good friend that I have a birthday coming up. It came as a bit of a shock actually. I'd really not thought about it for some time, such has been my focus on Coast to Coast. It's ironic that this is the very reason for doing the walk. As a distraction tactic it almost worked!

 

Having been reminded of this momentus event it also occurred to me that I've not made any plans for after Coast to Coast. Sure, in general terms I've had some thoughts and conversations about projects at home, forthcoming events, and goals at work. But nothing is planned. I've paid little detailed attention to anything beyond the walk for some time. I feel a little uncomfortable, like there is a void in my near future. It's a stark comparison to the last few months of detailed concentration and focussed activity.

 

It's also the case that I have thoroughly enjoyed the build-up and been increasingly inspired and galvanised by the growing anticipation. Now that's almost over and all that's left is the execution. I'm a bit disappointed it's almost over. This is the beginning of the end.

 

I mustn't allow this maliase to take anything at all away from the experience of the next few weeks. This is what I've planned and worked for, what I've wanted for a long time. Maybe if I start to set out some post coast to coast thoughts this will allow me to relax into it.
 

Angle Tarn, 2012

 

I've done some walking since getting back from Lanzarote, but not at same level or intensity as before. Looking back I was in pretty good shape then. I tell myself that things have conspired against me in the last few weeks. Somehow I've found it harder to carve time out from work and home commitments; I've not been quite as motivated to train, maybe because I don't see a benefit; and I've struggled to get completely clear of my man-flu. These are all excuses rather than reasons. I guess it means success will require a bit more bloody minded determination. Thankfully I have more of this than I do ability.

 

Crybyn, 2011

 

This is a strange time, waiting for it all to start. Time seems to move slower. In marathon parlance it is the "taper". A period of rest and recovery designed to ensure you go into your event fresh and keen, whilst not losing the conditioning built up through training. The routine of many weeks is broken and the time previously taken up with training and planning is freed up, but you are not ready to fill it. I always imagine it will be a time of relaxation and anticipation, but it never is, so why should this time be any different. I'm impatient to start. 
 

Small Water & Haweswater, 2011

 

I'm really looking forward to getting back into the hills, and this is the theme for the photo collection accompanying this post. It's a selfish thing - therapy for myself, to help me through the final week or so of waiting.

 

So,  the planning is all but done; my team is briefed and ready to go; I've confirmed final arrangements with most of the places I'll be staying; booked packed lunches and dinners where needed; and confirmed final baggage transfer arrangements with Suzi.
 

Helvellyn from Whiteside, 2012

 

Actually, a project management technique I've picked up over the years came in handy this week. Because it's on the plan and someone has agreed to do it, don't assume it's going to happen. Look for what is most likely to let you down and what you cannot afford to go wrong and check it. If it's really important check it within an inch of it's life. Make sure you get positive confirmation before moving on.
 

I booked my accommodation back in the autumn, several months ago. It is a kind of critical item on my plan and there has been a window of time for something go wrong. So I emailed them all this week to let them know I was coming as planned, and asking them each a question. The purpose is to get them to reply, confirming they are still there and still have my booking.

 

 Sure enough one of them has gone wrong. Sadly it's the Mardale Inn at Bampton (remember - this was one of the two "must stay" places on my route). I received an email back from the property owner advising me that the tenants at the time of my booking disappeared a few months ago along with details of bookings taken and my deposit. The owner had no idea that I'd booked and would have been surprised if I'd just turned up. I've been able to make alternative arrangements in the same village so the plan is in tact.

 

Scafell Pike from Great Moss Wild Camp, 2011

 

The main thing left to do now is assemble my gear and pack it into my large yellow holdall. I have lists. I live by lists. The interesting thing is that I rarely need to refer to a list I've written. But, if I don't write a list I invariably forget something. How does that work?

 

My packing list for Coast to Coast is comprehensive and well ordered. I am confident I will remember what to pack whether I need to refer to the list or not, and I will diligently tick off the items as they go in the bag. Maybe I am some sort of planning freak after all.
 

Ullswater, 2012