Sherry Knight, from Oxfordshire, started getting involved with endurance treks in 2012, after she decided to “do something with her life,” and signed up to do the 100k Sahara Trek. In 2013 she did her first TrekFest, and this year she is back for more.
Which route are you doing, and which charity are you raising money for?
This year I will be doing The Brecon Beacons 27 mile route – I was tempted to go for the 54 mile route, but I’m doing a 100k the following month and didn’t want to overdo it! I am not doing it for money – doing it for the love of it.
What inspired you to do last year’s TrekFest?
In September 2012, I decided I needed to do something with my life. I registered for the 100k Sahara Trek, which I would do in October 2013. I had never heard of TrekFest, but came across it when Googling challenge walks that I could use as training for the Sahara.
Tell us about your experience
It was brilliant! I was so nervous when I drove the endless miles to the Peak District. I had never been before, and as I got nearer and saw the size of the hills, my butterflies were going mad! I arrived way to early but went and registered, then chose some breakfast. The forecast was for a hot sunny day and it was already warm.
A girl came up to me who I had chatted to on the TrekFest Facebook page and my nerves started to leave me. A few of us from the page ‘The Banter Group’ had agreed to meet up before the start for a group photo – it was great opportunity to finally meet all the people I had chatted to over the last few months. It was only me doing the 27 miles so the rest of the FB group went off to the start – I did feel a bit gutted, as thought we would all start together. I hung around until the 27 milers had to go to the start. People had mostly entered as a group so there were just a few individuals – we had to go to one side.
I started chatting to Janine (also an individual) and we said we would just go together – the best decision I made! We chatted for England and got on so well – an hour in, we had agreed that no matter what happened, we would finish together. It was really hot, but we dug in. I find hills hard – no matter how hard I train – so I found it quite tough-going getting up Jacobs Ladder. But Janine was brilliant and fed me loads of jellies to keep my sugar levels up!
I remember one section that we did around five-ish – the hill was never-ending, and we were hot, smelly and staving, but we made it to the checkpoint. We could have stopped easily as we were tired, but we pushed ourselves on. Throughout the day, I had just wanted to finish – I didn’t care if it took longer than 12 hours, but by the time we reached our last checkpoint, that changed. We stopped no more than 5 minutes then marched on – we couldn’t believe that we had another hill to climb. But we clenched our teeth and got to the top, then went down a really stoney, unevern path – we could feel every stone under our feet.
We eventually reached Hope and almost ran to the finish line – we did it just under 12hrs. I couldn’t believe it! I was so happy and chuffed that I had completed TrekFest in the required time. I couldn’t stop smiling!
Why are you coming back again?
The people! All the TrekFest staff were brilliant and kept us motivated, plus look after you really well. The banter we have on the Facebook page – a few of us are doing it again and Janine and I are doing it as a group this year – as the Blister Sisters! I just love the camaraderie of the whole event.
What is your training routine?
Honestly – I don’t really have one! I do lots of walking with my dogs, but there are no hills where I live so I just try and get lots of miles under my belt. I work full time so it’s hard to fit in.
Any tips on surviving the trek?
Enjoy it and mix with the people taking part – they are the ones that will get you through it. You get well-fed and watered at checkpoints so you don’t need to weigh your rucksack down with lots of food and drink. And look after your feet!
Where is your favorite place to hike?
I don’t really have one favourite place – I love anywhere rugged with mountains and lakes, although I do have a soft spot for Snowdonia.
Have you done any other charity challenges before, and if so how does TrekFest compare?I have done a few now. TrekFest always stands out because of the people who take part – we have a really good laugh via the Facebook page and share lots of helpful tips and advice.
For more information on TrekFest go to www.trekfest.org.uk
