The Mull Grand Traverse is a challenging event but totally achievable if you put in a little training prior to the event. It is designed so that people of all abilities can push themselves and achieve great things.
You training should be progressive by starting off slowly and building up towards the event. Try to make the training fun and make sure it fits in with your life, try walking, cycling or running to work.
On the build up to the event you should increase the frequency and length of your training and you should start to do longer walks/runs/cycles running up to the event.
Being successful and getting to bronze, silver and gold isn’t just about being fit it is being about being robust too. Long training walks, runs & cycles will prepare your mind and body for this amazing event.
If you need any further advice on training & preparation please get in touch and we will be happy to point you in the right direction.
Feet - toughen your feet by walking as much as possible. Trim toenails and use foot powder. Tape your feet with Zinc Oxide (Army type recommended) or Compeed before you start to protect areas prone to blisters. Walk about at home in bare feet as much as possible.
Socks - Smart wool socks are recommended. Change your socks regularly. It is important to keep your feet as dry as possible.
Footwear – Light hiking boots are fine or you can use trainers if you are more surefooted.
Rubbing - Wear lycra cycle shorts and use Vaseline to prevent chaffing.
Stretching - Warm up before stretching and stretch both during and after training. Remember to stretch down after the event.
Hydration – It is important to maintain balance with respect to your hydration. You need to ensure you arrive at registration well hydrated. During the event you should drink regularly both water and energy drinks which will help to keep your electrolyte (salt) balance correct.
Dehydration symptoms - Thirsty, not going to the loo, dark coloured urine and minor headaches.
Hyponatremia – This is a condition that happens when a person has ingested too much water and not enough electrolytes (salts). Their cells become unbalanced and it can mean they will not be able to go on and it can lead to more serious problems where evacuation would be necessary. It could very warm in August so it is likely you will sweat a lot during the event along you can help this by adding a pinch of rehydration salts to your water. You are more likely to lose your salts while walking/running rather than on the bike.
Blisters - If you feel a potential blister forming, stop and deal with it there and then. Puncture the blister with a pinprick, drain and dress it. Zinc Oxide Tape, if properly applied will prevent most blisters forming in the first place.
Temperature - Maintain a constant body temperature and prevent your body from overheating by continuously adjusting your clothing. Zip tops make this easier. If you feel cold put your hat on.
Checkpoints and waterstops- Keep stops at checkpoints to a maximum of 20 minutes or your muscles will begin to seize-up. Make sure ingest some food and fluids before you head off.
You should be prepared to move over rugged and mountainous terrain in all weathers
Map of the route provided by the organisers
Well broken in pair of walking boots and trainers
Spare change of clothes and towel
Wide rimmed sun hat, sun cream and sun glasses
Midge repellent and midge net
Cycle shorts and Vaseline
Basic first-aid kit
Energy food (nuts, fruit, chocolate and energy bars)
Mobile phone and whistle
Mountain or Cyclocross Bike
Bike Helmet
Small Rucksack with waterproof liner – sturdy bin bag will do!
Water containers – Camlebak or Platypus reservoirs ideal but bottle will be fine
Energy food & drink
Bike pump
Spare inner tube
Puncture repair kit including tyre levers
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof trousers
Hat
Gloves
Fleece or warm wool jumper
Sun cream
Sunglasses
Midge repellant
If you don’t have your own bike or don’t want to bring it to the challenge don’t let you put it off. We have a selection of bikes and helmets you can hire from us for £35 per bike. You just need to let us know on the registration form and we’ll organise it for you.
