Aluredian 25
everyone. Shrouded by darkness, we
sorted out our minor problem and crawled
exhausted into our sleeping bags at 1.15
- to then be rudely awakened at 1.30am,
2.00am, and again at 2.15am by a
persistent fire alarm, while during the
periods between each alarm we were
assaulted by glow sticks and flying
bodies.
Rising on Sunday at 4.00am was an effort
for us all, especially as we had only two
and a half hours' uncomfortable sleep.
Sunday was the second major day -
Endurance and Drill. We were all thinking,
are all our early mornings and no free time
going to pay off? I have never known
things be quite so hectic before a stance
than Drill; once changed into Lovetts, we
couldn't even take a seat in the bus for
fear of ruining the creases laboriously put
there by Mr Belfield.
Putting our all into the endurance course
was vital; becoming tired was not an
option. All that stood in front of us now
was two miles of mud, water, tunnels and
uphill sprints. Having run the course
before in training, we all knew how much
you have to put into it. I've felt nervous
before events in the past, but nothing like
this ever before. It was past casual
butterflies in the stomach, I was physically
shaking from adrenalin, buzzing to go.
The A team ran five minutes before the B
team, and this time was vital to getting
revved up and completely focused on the
target of finishing as fast as your body
could take you. I was honestly more
focused on this race than any exams I
have ever taken. After collapsing over the
finishing line we all knew the pressure had
been lifted and we had done everything
possible and it was no longer in our
hands.
When the words "King's College, Taunton"
were read out as the winners, I have never
felt so proud and ecstatic before. After
such hard graft and hours spent on
practising, it had paid off. Hearing the
other schools groan at our achievements
made it all the more worthwhile.
Personally, one of the best moments for
me was during Drill, when the Drill
Instructor said "I wish our King's squad
could right-dress like King's Taunton," the
King's squad being the 32-week recruits
who are passing out to become Royal
Marines.
What can be proved from our experience
is that if you try your hardest at something
and really push for it, I mean really push
for it, you will achieve your goals.
Ten Tors
All three of our teams yet
again successfully completed
their Ten Tors expeditions in
excellent times.