NAV4 Courses ... and more

Busy, busy lately with lots of preparation ready for a number of forthcoming events.

The hot topical news item is that the next NAV4 course on 27-29th March is fully booked, but the date for the Autumn course has recently been confirmed as 11-13th September at Borrowdale YHA. The website will be updated shortly to reflect this, but all details will remain the same, so if you want to book a place for September you can download the Booking Form and send it to me, making it clear you wish to book for September.

There has been a lot of interest in our courses recently, which may be due to the media hype of last year's OMM event, or simply because the tutor team do an excellent job of delivering quality tuition and coaching, and is an excellent value for money course. There has been no price increase for some while now but this may have to be reveiwed soon, so if you do booking now you may be grabbing saving yourself a few pounds.

September's course always books up very quickly, especially once the OMM entry deadline approaches and the start list is published. September's NAV4 course does traditional have an 'OMM' focus but is of course applicable to any mountain marathon or adventure race.

Entries for GL3Day are also pleasing. Recently, the number of entries received was hoovering around 42; which I find a thought provoking number for a long distance event in The Lakes! Whether it's the 'Meaning of Life' or not, 42 hardy souls represent a quality field rather than one of quantity ... which suits us fine. After last year's epic it's pleasing to see so many friends coming back for more. There are a few places still available and all entrants who have applied so far have been accepted. Further details will follow soon, and it promises to be a route not to be missed, and the idyllic exclusive campsites will be two of the best we've ever used.

The Heb (Hebridean Challenge) is the third item currently absorbing some of my time and energy, although Stef and Gavin are currently doing an enormous about of leg work in preparation. All those on Stef's mailing list will have received an email newsletter from her detailing the 2009 event, which has some exciting changes to the usual format. I'm looking forward to getting up to Skye for more recce-ing during the Easter break, having spent time on Harris earlier in the year. The Heb is quite simply The Adventure Race that every self respecting racer should do at least once in there life. Some come back every year and others take a year off now and again. It certainly is an adventure and quite a commitment, so what is the attraction? Quite simply, Real adventure racing in stunningly dramatic locations, with a great atmosphere. Open to Teams or pairs this year, it's an amazing way to spend a week truly, 'Adventure Racing' with your friends. It's also achievable for what could be termed 'multi-mixed-skill teams' as not all team members are neccessarily racing at the same time, or need to have equal strengths, so it isn't as harsh or commiting as the normal four person team events. Whether your coming for the full week, can you spare the time for just the first two days on Skye, it will be a great event which will reward you highly.

What 'The Heb' needs from you is your entry forms and money! The Heb is self-financing and run on a shoe string budget by hard working volunteers. There is no slick marketing hype with this event - just an experience you will never forget. The race needs your commitment to make it a success and secure the future of the event. The Heb 2009 will be a unique race ... but I'm already looking forward to 2010, either as a competitor or Race Director, as the plan is to revert towards the original 'Barra-to-Lewis' format, and maybe with a return of the Solo class? Either way, entry in the 2009 event will help you prepare for 2010.

Just a quick reminder that whilst I have the grand title of Race Director this year, this is a bit mis-leading as Stef Sargeant is still the overall Organsier, and Gavin Earons the Route Planner. Between them they have the lions share of the work to do, where as my role is to deliver and 'direct' the race on the day-to-day basis. I've already had several emails from people
with questions and comments and would welcome many more so that I can contribute to delivering the type of race that you, the participants, require.

Getting to the start line of any race is often the hardest part and The Heb is certainly no exception to that. This year logistics will be easier than before, so that is even more of a reason to take part in 2009. You won't be disappointed.

Yours,

Joe - have fun - go commit!