We’re called Charity Challenge for a reason, our events are no ‘walk in the park’ – they’re designed to demand more of you. As a participant, you have dared to take yourself beyond your comfort zone – all for the good of your chosen charity!
But how fit do you actually have to be to take on a challenge, or to sign up in the first place? Well, everybody starts somewhere – and if there’s one takeaway from this read, it’s that your training matters. Keep reading for all you need to know about getting fit for your challenge…
Who can sign up to a challenge?
Our participants’ motives come in all shapes and sizes. They may have been spurred into action by an illness, divorce, bereavement or perhaps they are setting out to mark a landmark birthday or anniversary. Whatever their reasons, our participants all come united in the desire to do something completely different for a worthy cause, and for themselves.
Our only stipulations are that you are over 18, relatively fit and have a positive and flexible approach to adventure travel. We accept 16 to 17-year-olds, providing they are accompanied by a parent or guardian of legal age. As for the upper age limit, well, there’s no such thing! Our more mature clients have included a 75-year-old man who successfully completed the Rajasthan Tiger Bike Ride in India and a 72-year-old man who summited Kilimanjaro!
Top Tips:
- Take a deep breath, commit to a challenge. You will NEVER regret. As for being fit, the Charity Challenge family supports all abilities and none of them are races. Thanks to Charity Challenge, I now concentrate on life’s positives and Kilimanjaro remains the greatest achievement in my life. – Sally Wilson, Participant
- I was 62 when I climbed Kilimanjaro with Charity Challenge, although not at the peak of my physical ability due to recent chemotherapy, my team encouraged me all the way. – Sue Gray, Participant
How do I know how difficult a challenge is?
To help you decide whether you’re fit enough for a challenge (or have time enough to train), we grade each challenge by difficulty level. You can read all about a specific challenge via the Choose Your Challenge page of our website, including a breakdown of the difficulty level, suggested training plan and what a challenge day looks like.
Difficulty levels:
- Challenging: A “challenging” trip will test someone who is relatively fit and has a spirit of adventure. Previous experience is not a must, as long as you commit to adequate training. Overseas trips may involve some altitude, but this will be compensated by easier terrain and hiking conditions.
- Tough: A “tough” trip should be undertaken by someone with previous experience and interest in the activity – whether biking or trekking. It will usually involve camping, in a remote environment, with reduced facilities. Both cycle and treks will be hilly, and training is essential. On a UK “tough” challenge, you should expect 10+ hours of exertion over demanding terrain.
- Extreme: Extreme challenges will typically involve altitude, and a great deal of endurance. These trips are not to be taken lightly, taking place in extreme environments, without home comforts. They will challenge you physically and mentally, so training and experience is vital
Top Tips
- Choose a challenge commensurate with your level of previous experience, fitness, personal commitment and determination. Sometimes people can achieve much more than they may think! – Don Maclure, Participant
- Charity Challenge are best choice for organisation, attention to detail and people’s needs. I’ve done Peru, Kilimanjaro and Zambezi with them; where I had the privilege to meet two cancer survivors. No one ever slows the group down as it is always at a pace to suit everyone. – Trudi Clark, Participant
What support do you offer with fitness and training?
Getting fit ahead of your challenge is a vital part of the pre-challenge preparation and the importance of regular training should not be underestimated. We have written fitness training plans, which are provided in your Participant Account Area, to give you a structure to steadily increase your training efforts.
Training Challenge Discount – if you would like to test your fitness and kit out ahead of a longer challenge or overseas departure, why not consider booking a 1 or 2 day UK Challenge?
- We are offering all participants 50% off the registration fee when you book on one of the UK challenges listed here. Just use the code TRAINING when booking. (T&C’s – you must have an active booking on another challenge to avail of this offer. Discount cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer).
Top Tips:
- If someone is struggling a bit then it’s okay as everyone has those days – that’s what a challenge is all about. We all get each other through it! And the challenge leaders both from Charity Challenge and the local tour leaders really look out for us all, regardless of fitness or age! – Katherine Irvine, Participant
- I did the Everest Base Camp challenge and we had a range on our group from 22 right up to mid 50s! There was a massive difference in ability too, but the guides and sherpas always made sure the people at the back had someone with them, and spread themselves throughout the group to make sure everyone was alright. Everyone did really well! – Iona Nelson, Participant
What are the principles of fitness training?
Plan before you start: Even if you are active, it’s good to adapt your training towards your chosen challenge activity. This is vital in building the strength, cardiovascular stamina and muscle endurance required. To start, first establish your fitness goals, ensuring they’re realistic and achievable, yet still challenging.
Make use of our resources: Once you book, in your Participant Account Area once you’ll fine information on warm ups, stretching, cardiovascular training, cross training, resistance training, cool downs and the hazards of over-training. Our also blog hosts a wealth of posts regarding physical health, nutrition and training.
Start well in advance: Start your training programme as far in advance as possible. We recommend a lead-time of at least 16 weeks prior to departure, to allow time to gently build up your fitness levels (and if you booked on to a challenge departing sooner, it’s always best to start as soon as you can!).
Top Tips:
- Put the training hours in beforehand. The fitter you are, the more you’ll actually enjoy the challenge and all the amazing things it has to offer. – Jennifer McCall, Participant
- I have done 2 trips with Charity Challenge. My first age 52 and second aged 56. The support you get from the other people with you and the organisers is incredible. I am hoping to do one more before I am 60! – Moyra Mcglynn, Participant
Do you have any top tips for beginners?
The Charity Challenge team are always on hand to advise and support you in preparation for your expedition. Here are some of our top tips to get you off on the right foot with increasing your fitness:
- Get up an hour earlier for a brisk walk before work (or walk to work if possible!).
- If you commute, get off a couple of stops early and walk the rest.
- Take a walk on your lunch break and commit to taking the stairs instead of the lift.
- Cross training such as swimming, squash, badminton and cycling are fun ways to improve your overall fitness and reduce injury risk.
- Walk as much as possible in ‘real’ hiking conditions, being sure to test out wearing your daypack, kit and boots.
No matter your starting point, with the right mindset and preparation, you can take on a challenge, achieve epic things and make a real difference to a charity in the process! So, what are you waiting for? Book your adventure today!
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