Which Race The Sun event did you take part in?

Race The Sun Cheddar Gorge (July)

What inspired you to sign up to Race The Sun?  

Having previously really enjoyed taking part in RTS Brecon Beacons and Coniston Off- road events, we were keen to take on another challenge and loved the idea of taking on Cheddar Gorge. RTS events are always a great way to keep fit and raise money for a brilliant cause- a winning combo! 

Had you taken part in this challenge, or one like it before, or was this your first experience?

See above... 

What personal or team goals did you hope to achieve by participating?

Signing up to the event motivated us to train over the winter and it was also a great way to meet up regularly. Personally, I was also thrilled that Action Events had kindly agreed to add Wolfram Syndrome to the list of rare diseases research that they fund as it is a cause close to my heart owing to one of my best friends son's having tragically been diagnosed. 

How did you and your team prepare for the event?

We put regularly rides and walks into our diaries and did a bit of kayaking. It was a lovely way to spend time together and motivation to stay fit and train over the winter. 

What was the most useful tip or piece of advice you received while training?

Don't forget to factor in rest days!

Did you face any unexpected challenges during your preparation?           

Injury is always part of training and pulling a calf muscle prevented me from doing lots of my intended training. However, adapting and changing up my training schedule and workouts to aid recovery, whilst still staying fit was a good lesson in resilience and problem solving! 

Can you describe the moment you crossed the finish line?           

Joy and elation! Knowing that all our hard work and training had paid off and we had contributed to such a brilliant cause that will hopefully change lives was amazing. 

What was your favourite part of the course or event?    

The bike descent of Cheddar Gorge was exhilarating and made the long climb up worth it!! The views from the top of the Gorge on the hike were also stunning and it was beautiful being out on the water on the kayaks. 

How did teamwork and camaraderie play a role in your experience?      

The event always has a great atmosphere and there is friendly chat with lots of new faces, it's amazing how quickly you find a common thread with total strangers. The RTS staff are always so enthusiastic and supportive, and our team was brilliant at supporting one another. All of this made it such a fun, tough but hugely enjoyable day. 

Were there any moments that tested you physically or mentally — and how did you overcome them?

Yes, the hike up the gorge was really tough with legs tired from riding up it and the event coincided with a heat wave, so it was difficult to carry enough water to stay hydrated. 
The RTS team put in extra water stations and we followed their excellent suggestion of soaking baseball caps in water to stay cool and avoid heatstroke which worked brilliantly. 

How did you find the fundraising? What did you do to raise funds? What was most effective?

It was tricky as the economic climate is so tough at the moment, so people don't have lots of spare funds. However, sharing the personal side of why I was doing this- raising money to fund research which could help my friend's son helped make it relatable. 
Also asking people to just donate a small amount and emphasising that every little bit helps meant people were happy to do so and didn't avoid sponsoring because they didn't have the spare money they would have perhaps liked to donate. 

How did it feel to fundraise for a cause that supports medical research into conditions that affects babies and children?             

It's such an incredible feeling to know that you are doing something which could change someone's life. It's definitely hugely motivating in the hard moments of the challenge when you think how much those we are fundraising for struggle every day. 

Do you have a particular story or moment that shows the impact of the event on you or your team?      

I think the fact that we have just signed up to our fourth RTS event, the Jurassic Coast next spring, shows what a brilliant event it is. The hiking also motivated me to challenge my teenage son to climb the tallest mountains in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales with me. So far, we have done Snowdon and Scafell Pike and plan to tackle Ben Nevis next summer! 

What would you say to someone considering taking part in Race The Sun for the first time?        

Make like Nike, and Just do it!!! 

Is there anything you wish you’d known before signing up?         

Don't underestimate the hike, I thought that part would be really easy and focussed on bike training. However, we live on the Suffolk border where it is really flat so hiking the mountains was much tougher than I anticipated! I would therefore say defo get some hill walking in if you can. 

Did anything unexpected or humorous happen during the event?            

It's always fun to see people who go all out on the fancy dress, being overtaken by a gang of men running in neon tutus was definitely an amusing experience! The bananas in pyjamas girls in Brecon were also brilliant. 

How would you describe Race The Sun in one sentence to a friend?        

A fantastic opportunity to get fit and to raise money for a life-changing cause, a win-win! 

Would you do it again — and why?

I love the combination of cycling, kayaking and hiking and RTS events are always held in stunning locations. It's a great way to see somewhere new and to do the supported physical challenges as well as making a difference to people's lives.