Shall I do this?

Question

I am a 14 year old girl about to embark on my bronze Duke of Edinburgh award.

I have previously (In June) completed my practise edpedition and went into it with a very positive attitude. However I can describe it as the worst experience of my life. My feet felt like they were peeling off and I was walking on coals, I was hot and sweaty even at night, our food was **** and I felt ill despite my optimism. In september I am going to do the real thing. SHall I do it? It is less and I am so so close now, I feel like I should just do it and do lots of training (not sure what) but I feel a sense of dread even now and I dont really care about getting the award. What do you think, I think its 15 miles by the way. Shall I just do it or should I quit?

Have you had any similar experiences?

Thanks Guys

Answer 1

Get a good pair of hiking boots and a couple of pairs of proper socks that will wick moisture away from your feet. Before you put them on, dust your feet with talc or foot powder. To stay cool, get a broad-brimmed hat. Alternatively, you could get an Arab kufiyah. If the humidity is low, a wet kerchief can cool you. Dress in layers that you can peel off. As far as food goes, put a few snacks in your pockets.

BTW, break in those boots and try out the other gear well ahead of time.

Answer 2

Go for it. while you may not really care about getting the award now, it will be an accomplishment you will be proud of the rest of your life.

the things we are the proudest of are the things that are the hardest to attain.

Answer 3

I think in the future you will find much greater pride in saying:

"I am a recipient of that award; it was the hardest thing I've ever done and I hated every minute of it, but I earned it"

than you will is saying:

"Yeah I almost earned that award, but I quit three-quarters of the way through."

Answer 4

I think you should do it. If you quit now you might always see quitting as an option, and in the end it will not serve you well, and will set you up to be unsuccessful. Go through with it, it may be hard, but you will be glad you did it when it's over. Things that are worthwhile are never easy, and even if you don't see the value now, you will later in life.

Answer 5

i did not do my bronze. However i have my silver and gold, After nearly 20 years of completing the gold i still think of those times as my favourites.

Go for it, you will enjoy it