As we step closer to the end of 2024, the Bain and Gray team is not only busy with our regular work but also gearing up for a fantastic challenge—the Ultra Chiltern 50km Challenge! On the 28th of September, we will lace up our walking shoes and take on this formidable trek, all in support of our amazing charity partner, Astriid. Astriid is a wonderful organisation that helps those with long-term health conditions find meaningful work opportunities, and we couldn’t be more proud to support their mission.
As the big day approaches, here's how our team is preparing:
Hetty
Ever the seasoned walker, Hetty is continuing her training regime by walking to and from the office three times a week. She is also planning a couple of 16KM walks and one 25KM walk to get her ready for the challenge. Her preparation includes some serious carb-loading—think rice, bananas, and pasta—starting three days before the event to boost her energy levels. With snacks packed and plenty of rest planned, Hetty is focused on feeling fresh and ready to take on those rolling hills!
Liza
After completing the London Marathon earlier this year, Liza is continuing her fitness journey by running the 50KM. Liza’s intense training program involves a mix of fitness classes, running (never less than 10K), swimming, and gym sessions six days a week. Her favorite training includes Barry’s Bootcamp, which not only boosts her physical stamina but also helps her mentally prepare for the challenge. With regular visits to the sauna and steam room and ensuring she gets at least seven hours of sleep each night, Liza is all set to conquer the course.
Emily
For Emily, preparation is all about balance. She walks her dog daily, does weight training twice a week with a personal trainer, and fits in yoga, Parkruns, and cycling—clocking in around 50km per week! After snapping two ACLs in the past, keeping the muscles around her knees strong is crucial. Emily’s commitment to her fitness routine is sure to pay off when she tackles the hills of Chiltern.
Imogen
Imogen’s strategy includes walking to the office every Monday—a solid 10K! She complements this with Hot Yoga twice a week for strength and cardio, and three days of HIIT workouts. On top of that, Imogen is a step-counting superstar, aiming for a minimum of 20,000 steps a day, with Mondays edging towards 30,000. On office days, she hits around 25,000 steps. Talk about dedication!
Flora
Flora is all about walking whenever possible—whether it’s to or from the office three days a week, or simply choosing to walk instead of hopping on a bus or tube. She’s also fitting in two pilates classes each week to keep her body strong and flexible. Flora’s steady approach to increasing her daily steps is sure to serve her well on the big day.
Julia
Julia’s preparation includes twice-weekly pilates and spin classes, plus long walks on the weekends. She’s recently returned from a walking holiday in the French Alps, so she’s already in top walking shape! With her varied and consistent training, Julia is more than ready to take on the 50km challenge.
