Exerting Large Amounts Of Energy For No Apparent Reason

So, I got back a while ago from a 30 km hike in the Forest of Dean, for Ten Tors training. I am in pain. not only that, but this 30 km is a bare fraction of the intended 45 miles for the eventual event in which I must trek across Dartmoor for the 45 miles with roughly 13 kg on my back, more if I get stuck with the tent/trangia, over two days.

So why am I doing thing? To be honest, I don't really know. I rather, I do, but it involves several things, and I'm not sure which is the most true.

1. It's fun. During the thing, this is not strictly true. I fact, I can remember every training expedition and all eventual events ending with me thinking "Thank sweet logic that's over". Once, I think I may have broken into tears (admittedly it was raining, we were behind schedule, and it was my first time. Added to that the seemingly endless bogs that confronted us to our final resting place for the day, on top of some tor, in a relatively good quality tent, hands frozen, grimly clutching our wayfarers for warmth and sustenance simultaneously. And once again I wonder, why do I do this?)
2. The satisfaction of having done it. This is more true. Despite the above, I have always felt a warm sense of pride at having completed the seemingly impossible (not as impossible as the contents of my other blog, but pretty close)
3. The muscles. Even I can be as superficial as that. But, truth of the matter, this thing does put you a fair way towards being fairly ripped.
4. It's a recognized achievement. i.e., it looks good on the old CV/Resumé. I guess it's valued for the whole teamwork/completing arduous tasks given to you aspects. And its pretty impressive in itself.
5. It's pretty impressive in itself. When looking for something interesting to say about yourself, you can always mention "I've done Ten Tors". And seeing as many people don't know what the hell it is, you can extend the conversation by explaining it all, and of course exaggerating all the daring adventures and events that happened. For example, the daring time when we were training in the Black Mountains, in Wales, and the snow was up to my waist (read: somewhere between my ankles and knees. One step later, I was up to my neck (read: waist) in snow! Admittedly that was quite fun.
6. But I think the prime reason that everyone does this, is, at the end, when you've abandoned your stuff, you're aching all over, and you've received and had you photos taken with your medals, when all is said and done, walking the short distance, flinching every step, into the army canteen, and receiving your free cup of tomato soup.

The last one was obviously (partially. It isn't bad soup) a joke. The real reason is the luxury of the scalding bath when you get home.


"I am a shadow on the wall, I'll be the one to save us all"