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Possible water challenge location
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Hi, let me extend a warm welcome to everyone participating in this year’s BG Energy Challenge. My team and I are doing all we can to ensure this year’s event is every bit as fun and challenging as previous events.
You will learn the value of teamwork and how you handle competitive pressure. You’re about to embark on a challenge that will not only test you physically, intellectually and strategically but will reward you with an immense amount of fun so enjoy every minute of it.
I’ve participated in several Intelligent Sport events and have learnt the value of good decision making, strategic thinking and clear communication. These are skills you will develop further during the event. The winning team will combine these skills with their physical attributes in order to better manage their time.
Over the coming months, I will share some top tips on strategic planning and provide you with some analysis of how successful teams maximise their time.
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Possible coastal challenge location
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The BG Energy Challenge is as much about correct strategy as it is about fitness or mental prowess. Remember, strategic errors are part of the event and no team enjoys a flawless weekend. It is how you learn from your errors and apply these lessons that will dictate your overall success.
Team preparation plays a vital part in succeeding at the event. Improve your fitness and navigational skills through regular training and bond with your team mates through fundraising for CARE International and Sparks. Get to know each other and understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses. The more you learn now, the fewer surprises you’ll have at the event.
This month’s top tips are on pre-stage analysis; what you can do prior to each stage to ensure you plan for a successful one.
Please use the following points as a guide and not as a consistent solution to every stage concept.
Pre-stage analysis and planning:
- Begin each stage with a clear mission and a plan on how to achieve that mission. Set realistic goals and communicate clearly. Reach a unified decision – your team will be more flexible and effective at reacting to strategic changes. Try to develop a Plan ‘B’. You may not use it, but it ensures you have something to fall back on.
- Team Captains briefings are where we issue mission notes and any maps/matrix necessary to allow you to develop a plan prior to the start of each stage. These briefings are for Captains only and they are usually held the day before each stage. Team Captains are tested on their ability to analyse and comprehend information under tight time pressures. This is something teams should consider when choosing a Captain.
- Team Captains must then brief their teams, ensure that any particular skills are highlighted as team members need to know what is expected of them. Choose your team of four according to each members abilities and fitness relevant to each stage. Understand your team’s strengths and weaknesses. Additional team members should be aware of any role they are playing, including vehicle movements, substitutions and importantly, planning and strategising for the following stage.
- Allow plenty of time to prepare your stage equipment. Find time prior to every stage to take stock and pack your equipment before departing. Always carry a spare set of clothing and any essential course equipment (i.e. head torches, compasses, water-filled camelbaks). Remember the more equipment you carry on the stage the more it will slow you down so pack wisely. Stage notes include information on how long the stage will last and the nature of it (e.g. mental, physical and strategic difficulty).
- Finally, leave plenty of time to reach the start of each stage so you can park and prepare accordingly. I will hold a start line briefing for all Team Captains of around five to ten minutes before each stage starts. This is your last opportunity to ask questions about the stage before it starts.
Monthly brain teaser
The first of our monthly brain teasers are now online. Some of you many recognise these from the launch event held earlier this year. The ability to quickly solve puzzles will play a pivotal role in all stages at the event so it’s worth working on these as a team regularly between now and July. Click here to view this month’s puzzles.
And that rounds off my initial blog. I hope it has given you an insight into the event and how preparation is key to success. All that remains for me to say is get training, bond with your team, improve your communications skills and start fundraising.
Good luck and see you in Swansea.
Alan Rae
Course Director