Learning lessons...

This has been the first time the support crew has actually had to live up to its name and generally so far we think we've done a reasonable job. We just about included all of the necessary kit, provisions and sundries and our team of walkers seem reasonably satisfied with the service.

However, we have learnt very clearly that we need to be more much organised in terms of how we store things inside the bus. At the moment we have a very varied assortment of bags stuffed (although not completely haphazardly) with various ingredients, dehydrated foods, crockery, pans, water - you name it, we've got it tucked away in our little minibus.

The difficulty is that each of the checkpoint stops needs to very efficient - a bit like a Formula 1 pitstop. The walkers need to quickly rest/tend to their feet, have the required food and refreshments and then get back underway.

Usually the exact meal requirements are phoned/texted in to us twenty or so minutes before the team arrives. Once the order is in and we know the ETA then we've got a really short period of time to get everything prepared. The overall numbers of teams entering mean we also can't get to the checkpoint too early. As soon as our walkers arrive, they might need to change certain clothing, boots or just have a craving for something specific.

Consequently, the biggest lesson today is that we need to be fantastically ordered - with everything in boxes. Personal items and kit will be separated out for each walker and food & common items will need to be organised so that anyone in the support crew can lay their hands on any specific item in seconds (at the moment, we've all contributed different things, so although everyone knows where something is, nobody knows where everything is. Cooking a meal is a very consultative exercise!)

Our aim will be to get the team refreshed and on their way as soon as practical, with minimal fuss or bother around them. Obviously they need to rest, but so far today the walkers are suggesting they want to get moving again a little more quickly than they've been able to. Hopefully our new ultra organised approach will let that happen.