Why Take on The Three Peaks Challenge? Well, why not!

As another member of our Charters Three Peaks Challenge Team is unveiled, we thought we'd ask our intrepid Headteacher, Mr Fletcher, more about his motivation to take part in this iconic adventure to raise £10,000 for our Unity Fund.

WHAT IS YOUR MOTIVATION FOR TAKING PART IN THIS CHALLENGE?

I enjoy walking in the mountains and also running long distances, so the 3 Peaks Challenge is an ideal combination of both.  Each year I always like to have a physical challenge to work towards and this is a great one for this year.  It also means that as a team we can help to raise money for our community and support individuals and families.

Also, to do an event that means you have to start again twice in 24 hours is a significant piece of exercise, and I am intrigued to know how my body will feel.

WHAT IS YOUR TRAINING SCHEDULE – IF YOU HAVE ONE - AND HOW DO YOU WORK THIS INTO YOUR DAILY ROUTINE?

I always try to walk as much as I can, never under estimating just walking as good exercise.  If I go into London I never use an escalator on the underground or a lift, (it's always stairs) once again a simple part of keeping a good level of base fitness.  It is difficult to get runs in during the week due to work and meetings, so I try to get in 10,000 steps a day (mostly in school).  That’s the advantage of a large site!  At the weekend I try to run on both days, normally a run of up to 10 miles on Saturday and then a run of between 13 and 20 on Sunday.   Every run is always accompanied with a great play list of contemporary songs and classics; my current Three Peaks place list has 89 songs on it, and is always set to random as I run.

As well as keeping me fit, it also helps with me with mental well-being as I can switch off, listen to music, and churn ideas over in my mind or work out any concerns.

DO YOU HAVE ANY HEALTH TIPS/FOODS YOU ARE EATING/CHANGES TO YOUR LIFESTYLE YOU HAVE ADOPTED TO HELP ACHIEVE YOUR GOAL?

In terms of health tips, always make sure you get some exercise everyday as it is so important to help you with your mental health and getting things into perspective.  I have a training goal that I try to work to, but if I can’t, I amend and change what I do. For example, if I can't do a long run because of another commitment, I will run a short distance, but harder, or even pick a hill and run up and down a few times.  I don’t just not do anything.

In terms of food tips, I love fresh food with loads of veg and fruit.  Once again, eating the right food makes you feel better.  I also make sure that I eat the right food to help ‘fuel’ me and also help me recovery after a long run.  I have even been known to have an ice bath when I have another long run planned the next day in my training schedule!

Donations to help us reach our £10,000 target can be made below:

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