I am taking part in the Inca Trail 2006 in aid of Oxfam

I am so pleased that I have been accepted to take part in Oxfam’s Gobal Challenge in June 2006 to trek the Inca Trail to the lost city of Machu Picchu in Peru.



It will be an amazing experience and an opportunity to raise money to support Oxfam’s excellent work. Treking up and down steep hills over many days, in fluctuating temperatures and at altitudes of over 18,000 feet will be very challenging for me but it is a journey that I am determined to make. I will be developing my fitness and stamina through a programme of regular walking and longer treks over the coming months.



The purpose of the Trek is to raise funds for Oxfam's work to help overcome poverty and to support some of the poorest people and communities in the world. I am aiming to raise at least £2,500 in sponsorship, so I’m asking everyone I know to sponsor me. If you can help in any way at all, it would mean a lot to me. Your donation, no matter how small will make a difference.

Donations can be made online at: https://www.bmycharity.com/V2/rainbowone

Best Wishes

Rhysian

Article in Local Press

TRACING ANCIENT CIVILISATIONS

Climbing up the hills around her home is ideal preparation for Rhysian Pengilley. In just three months time the 49 year old from Ystalyfera will be embarking on one of the most challenging treks in the world to the lost city of Machu Picchu. Rhysian isn’t just indulging a travelling bug because while she is exploring the ancient civilisations of the Incas she will be raising thousand of pounds for OXFAM.

“I have supported the charity via monthly donations for some time but I wanted to do more. I am fifty this year and I thought it would be a wonderful way to mark it,” said Rhysian. She admits to mulling the idea over before plucking up the courage to apply and send off the entry donation. Luckily she was accepted and so Rhysian, who works for the Adult Education Department at Swansea University, is now training so she can complete the challenge.

She will join a group of 30 people from all over Britain for the 10-day trek. The group fly out to Lima and then on to the ancient city of Cuzco where they will embark on the trek to Macchu Pichu. Rhysian is already training three times a week in the gym and regularly walking but she admits that it’s not the length of the trek that worries her.

“We are walking at quite high altitudes so we are in danger of altitude sickness and as we camp out at night I am also a little worried about the bugs and creepy crawlies.” But Rhysian knows that whatever happens there is a team of professionals and doctors with them to make sure they do not come to harm. But the hard work will be worth it for two reasons. Rhysian will be able to explore the lost civilisation of the Incas in one of the most beautiful places in the world and she will be helping a cause close to her heart.

“I have to raise £2,500 before I can go on the trip. I have had a great response from local people and at work but I am still looking for more help to reach my target. We will be following Rhysian’s progress and will let you know how she gets on when she returns from Lima in June.

Its Going to be a Tough Trek

Updates from the Oxfam Global Challenge Team arrived by post today to remind us all that the trek will be challenging and that training is essential. The 'Training Tips' really 'hit home' - it's not going to be easy trekking the Inca Trail.

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Excerpts from Oxfam's Training Tips: 'The trekking is tough and training is imperative. This is a trek at high altitude, which is physically challenging and it is vital that you have trained. Training well will mean that you can be confident and relaxed during what will be a real test of your endurance. '

'Start by walking two to three times a week for at least one hour each time (already doing this -so far so good) It is advisable to train carrying a rucksack weighing approc 5kg (havent done this yet)

'At weekends, start with 3 hour walks on hilly terrain where possible' (already doing this - but maybe the routes are not hilly enough)

'Increase gradually to walking 3 to 4 evenings a week (1-2 hours each time) At weekends increase walk to 5 hours over as rough a terrain as possible. It is advisable also to hike on 2 consecutive days for up to 10 hrs (our maximum trekking day) (this is yet to come in my training) If possible train at altitude. Be aware that the trek involves some very early rises. Wake up call is usually 05.30 and on day 4 and 7 it will be at 04.00. There will be significant fluctuations in temperature. In early June, sunrise is at 06.00 and sunset at just before 17.30'

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June doesn't seem very far away now (its not!) and I am definitely not fit enough. I think I my training plan needs a total rethink!!