Physically fit
There is a physical element to the BG Energy Challenge event and we strongly recommend that all competitors prepare by getting themselves fit.

You don't have to be a marathon runner to take part! Fitness, however, is a key ingredient to your success, alongside being mentally sharp and working as a team.

Many individuals use their participation in the event to get themselves fit. The fitter you are, the more you can enjoy the experience and the more you can contribute to your team effort. If you already do regular cardio-vascular exercise by running, playing football or going to the gym, etc, you are probably fit enough to take part in the Challenge. However, you should build on this base fitness in the run up to the event. All your effort will pay dividends when the Challenge is on. If, however, you have not been exercising regularly, you need to start building up your fitness and stamina levels now. Not only will it allow you to do well at the event, you will start to feel healthier too!

When training, you need to take account that you could be canoeing, cycling or running over some testing terrain. It is always a good idea to get some miles of training in these activities before you turn up to the event.

If you are looking for a minimum benchmark for fitness for the BG Energy Challenge, we suggest that you should be able to run about 5 miles without stopping and without having any detrimental impact on your health. This is not to say you will not be covering more than 5 miles over the whole event - you will! However, with this base level of fitness you can take part and enjoy the Challenge. Build your fitness levels beyond this and you will start to put in better performances and feel great!

Mentally fit
It is just as important to be mentally fit as physically fit. The key challenge of this event is for teams to be able to make key strategic decisions and solve intricate puzzles when physically tired. The team that adapts best to these dual challenges will be the winner.

Teams can get mentally fit by practicing solving puzzles. Although the mental challenges you will face during the BG Energy Challenge will more than likely be different, it is important that your brain is exercised in the lead up to the event too.

Teams can expect a range of different mental tests to challenge them during the course of the event.  This could consist of anything from breaking a code to cracking a puzzle, from map reading to a maths game or sudoku.

At least two members of each team will need to have had prior experience at map reading and be reasonably skilled in the use of a compass and following bearings.

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