Moving on ... 2009 looming large

This is the time of year when I often think there is a long winter ahead before ‘next season’ … which in reality is simply not just the case. I’m at my most unfit and least healthy part of the year, having had a heavy cold for a few weeks. And there appears little reason to motivate myself. However, I’m not one to complain, nor push through illness or injury as that is simply foolhardy and did make me seriously ill many years ago.

Looking head to 2009 there is so much to do, both from a racing point of view and in terms of stuff to organize. On the race front my biggest news is that I have taken on the role of Race Director for The Hebridean Challenge, which is both scary and an honour at the same time. I’ve raced it a few times as a pair, solo and team and it is simply the best AR race in the UK. Working with Steph as organizer, and Gavin as route planner, it’s going to be an adventure of it’s own making. 'The Heb' race is highly to be recommended for many reasons; the scenery is stunning, the race atmosphere very friendly and the ethos of the event refreshingly simple and pure. There is no better way to have an adventurous holiday with your mates. It's also a good stepping stone for less experienced racers to sample longer, or Expedition type racing. Getting a team togther can be trying but it is well worthwhile. The 2009 race will see a few minor tweaks which will have quite an impact so I urge you all to get signed up in due course. I acknowledge that the web site is currently not quite upto date, but look out for a few ‘developments’ in the near future. I will also appreciate any feedback from participants as to what things you like, and dislike, as I aim to represent the racers opinion amongst the organising team, in order to help Steph and Gavin continue their excellent work. So if you have any comments or questions for me please get in touch. faulknerjoe@hotmail.com

Closer to home I’m busy plotting our own GL3Day event and busy with bookings for our next NAV4 training course in March. www.joefaulkner.com The full details are available on the website - remenber places are limited and will fill quickly after the New Year. The course is applicable to all mountain marathoners, adventure racers and off-road runners of all ability and experience. We deliver excellent instruction and coaching to tutor groups of no more than four people, during the Saturday, and then enable you apply your self to a mock training event on Sunday, but with support and feedback to help you progress. The evening indoor session and optional night nav later in the evening completes the programme.

On the racing front, the Open5 Series is in full swing although I dipped out of the Staveley event due to high levels of snot and snow! (Urgh) It was just too icy for me but t'was good to meet a few new faces, as well as the old ones and offer advice at the 'NAV4 Help Desk'. Team NAV4 were a bit short on numbers due mainly to the weather. Certainly, Wilko was iced up deep in Keilder Forest and was told not to travel; she does still head the overall leaderboard for Open5 points.

Stokesley is the next event in the series although I’m likely to miss that due to a combination of wedding anniversary, my wife’s birthday and an increasingly pressing need to get up north in prep for The Heb. However, Team NAV4 will be there in force. John Allen will be fronting up the Help Desk - his experience and skills are legendary!!!

Have fun over Chrimbo ... remember ... 'there is no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing (and sometimes the wrong choice of activity)'

Joe