For those who have completed the Trailwalker Challenge previously there will be no doubt as to both the degree of difficulty as well as the fact (as I have previously stated) that the South Downs is NOT FLAT!
In our training to date along the South Downs we have climbed over 12,000 feet, over the course of 117km. However, this is still seen by many as simply going for a bit of a walk across some hills.
Now, if we had said that we had walked over 70 miles and had then scaled Everest, then people would sit up and take notice. Preposterous? Well maybe, but consider this.
Whilst the summit of Everest is over 29,000 feet high, it actually sits on a plateau that is over 18,000 feet above sea level. Therefore, if you are climbing from base camp to the summit, then you have a little over 11,500 to ascend.
Therefore, having "climbed" 12,574 feet so far on the South Downs, the two feats (as opposed to feet) seem very comparable to me, especially as we didn't have any Sherpas!!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Hmm - interesting view Paul but your analysis does not allow for the fact that base camp has first to be reached; the gradient and difficulty of the remaining climb to the summit is just a little more challenging than even the steepest slope on the South Downs; the temperature and weather is likely to be a tad inclement; and not to mention the oxygen content being roughly 1/3rd of that we enjoy on the hills of Sussex.
ReplyDeleteOtherwise completely agree with you!
Pete
Pete, thanks for your comment - especially the last four words!
ReplyDelete