Completed Challenge 4# - Swimming!

So originally this challenge was to swim 3 miles which I was unable to do in one go. I adapted it to swimming 30km over the summer holidays and it has proved one of the most grueling! Due to various commitments I decided to complete the swim in 3 weeks. This involved swimming 60 lengths of a 25m pool every day for 20 days.

Mentally as much as physically this was challenging. There are only certain times in the holidays that it isn't 'family splash zone' where the pool is filled with inflatables. This meant I found myself up and about much earlier than I care to when I'm off work. It also takes a chunk out of the day when I'm busy with other challenges. So motivation was a struggle! Thankfully a great friend came with me when she could and I chatted with old friends, acquaintances and even the odd stranger to keep me going in the pool. Thank you to any one who motivated me in any way.

Physically it was also difficult. I had to build up my fitness and endurance level but also watch my back as I have a weak spine. I have been pulled apart by the chiropractor today and she pinched a few vertabrae back into place but otherwise I feel fit and healthy so I have hopefully done myself some good along the way!

As always you can support this or any other challenge - or even nominate your on - by donating at www.justgiving.com/30before30sense

Completed Challenge 3# - Experiencing being deaf-blind.

Originally I didn't know how to achieve this one and get the most out of it. I decided to complete an assault course blind-folded and with ear plugs in. We made it a family affair as my sister took part with me and my mum supported us both. Please note this was done at Lea Green Development Center under their professional guidance. Many thanks to them for allowing us to do this.

This was a really important challenge to me. I was totally humbled by it especially as I was conscious that at any time I could remove my blindfold. It was also a massive challenge for my mum who had to figure out how to maneuver her 2 adult children. I experienced a full range of emotions from feeling exhilarated when I could climb over things myself, to scared when I had to place my trust fully in someone else and in some places frustrated and lonely when I had to wait for my mum to help me and she was busy with my sister. I could see how easy it would be to just give up and go home and this was just an hour of my life.  The loveliest moment was when the sun came out towards the end and the small amount I could sense through the eye mask seemed like diamonds. It was a beautiful moment I wouldn't have noticed if I had full use of all my senses.

The experience really touched all 3 of us so I've asked my mum Anthea and sister Tessa to write about their experience as well.

 Tessa:

This challenge was much more emotionally difficult than I had anticipated! There was frustration at having to wait to be guided by someone when I just wanted to be independent, the crisis in confidence when I couldn't get my footing and general temptation to give up at almost every stage. But there was also the overwhelming sense of security and gratitude of being guided by someone you really trust. I can't even imagine this being my constant reality.

It sounds obvious but my other senses were really heightened. The warmth and texture of the wood and tyres felt amazing and the warmth of the sun on my face (when it finally came out!) was immense. On the flip side I felt every bump, bruise, scrape and graze which was less nice!

Anthea:

 

I guided them to each obstacle in turn and then started them on their way, sometimes by handing them a rope and sometimes by placing their first foot on a pole or whatever. The scariest moment of this challenge was when they both clambered across tyres that were 1.5 metres off the ground.  I was well aware how high they were but the tyres guided them in a straight line.  Getting them down was tricky!  All then went well until I misplaced Tessa's foot and she lost confidence in both me and where she was going. 
50 mins of utter trust and teamwork.  I found it exhilarating but maybe that was because I was mum again.

Remember you can support this or any other challenge by donating at www.justgiving.com/30before30sense

 

Completed Challenge 13# - Dinner for 10

Well everyone is still alive! I stuck with a simple stew recipe for the main and used our new slow cooker as well as the oven. This meant I could get most things sorted early on and not get stressed when everyone was arriving. I had a helping hand from my sister but I'm used to being the sous chef and wasn't very good at giving instructions!

We had a meze platter to start with cocktail bellinis, palma ham, humous and grilled halloumi. This was very popular and a good chance to get people drinks and chat with my guests. Despite a brief red wine spillage incident the evening went off very well. Thank you to my all my 'guinea pigs', I can't promise my husband that I'll be cooking from now on!

Remember you can support this or any other challenge by donating at www.justgiving.com/30before30sense

Challenge 13# - Dinner for 10!

For the kitchen lovers out there this won't seem like much of a challenge. But to give you a flavour of the comments I got from friends and family "but you can't cook", "ha, good luck with that!", "has your husband run off and you didn't tell us". So I'm by no means a good cook, I'm not at home in the kitchen and the words domestic and Rachel do not go together!

To add the challenge - the people attending my soiree are all good cooks and have made me many an excellent meal before!

Completed Challenge 9# - Sensory Walk (very much not seniors!)

When this was first challenged I was told it was a sensory walk for seniors. We actually had a real mix of people so if any of you are reading this I'm not referring to you as seniors!

After an unfortunate start (rain delayed play from the Monday), and losing some of our participants due to the change in date, we had a fantastic day. I had tried to do my research and preparation in advance even attending a Derbyshire Wildlife tour of the meadow a few months earlier which was incredibly useful. I learnt all about the dew pond with it's Great Crested Newts, the grazing they do there, the bat cage and the coronation meadow. I tried to learn about the different plants but they change so much over a few months many of them weren't there and a whole load of new ones were!

Thankfully I was actually surrounded by experts. I learned so much about different flowers, trees and grasses from the others on the walk that as usual the challenge was a great experience for me.

We came back to my house for elevenses, a tour of the garden and the all important taste sense. This was also a chance for me to talk a little about Sense and what has inspired me to complete the challenges. I made far too much food but then I had been in the pool for half 7 to get my 60 lengths in for another challenge and I for one was ravenous!

We then carried on with a lovely walk up the quarry experiencing the eclectic mix of sounds from bird song to trucks and diggers. There is another beautiful meadow at the top near the mine and we spent some time smelling and touching the unsual range of plants that grow in such a lead filled environment.

We passed the Steeple Grange Light Railway, stopped for a spot of lunch and carried on over the rocks and the moors with frequent 'vista stops' as the views over Cromford are breathtaking.

A huge thank you to everyone who took part and for the fabulous donations from those who came and those who couldn't make it.

Remember you can support this or any other challenge by donating at www.justgiving.com/30before30sense

Update Challenge 4# - Swimming!

Much to my disappointment I can't swim 3 miles in one go. I've spoken to my chiropractor who laughed in my face and I've attempted it unsuccessfully! So I've changed the challenge to swimming 30,000 metres by the end of the summer holiday. This is still a major challenge as it's the equivalent of 30km or 1200 lengths of my local pool.

So in some ways it has turned into a much more dedicated challenge as I was up with the larks Sunday morning after a dinner party Saturday night to try and get as many metres in as I can.

I'm mapping my progress with the speedo swimfit app so will keep you updated once I have finished!!

Remember you can donate to support this or any other challenge at www.justgiving.com/30before30sense

Completed Challenge 10# - Epic Walk

When I first got this challenge I envisaged pouring rain, muddy boots and being battered by the winds on the moors. In this little Jane Eyre fantasy it never once crossed my mind that we would walk 22 miles on one of the hottest days of the past 7 years.

There was no possibility we would postpone, we had struggled to find a weekend and after all this was supposed to be a challenge. When Scarlett picked me up at 7.10am and it was already comfortable tshirt weather I knew it would be.

But thankfully both Scarlett (who set the challenge) and I are good in the heat and Jen who provided extra company, though not great in the heat, is an exercise machine. She joined us for some of the walk and ran back totaling a massive 26 miles!

With good friends and some putting the world to rights chats it was brilliant fun. The last 2 miles, when Scarlett's blisters had popped and it was by then 28 degrees and 7 hours after we started, were hardcore. But people stopped us to chat and asked about Sense so it felt wonderful to raise awareness as well as cash.

Thanks everyone for their support either financial or physical. If I ever say I'm too hot to walk along the beach for a lolly give me a kick!

Remember you can donate to support this or any other challenge at www.justgiving.com/30before30sense