Something different was organised for today. Lizzie and Woody (P2P leaders) took us out of Bath to Nuneaton army barracks for a day of army team/character building activities. We didn't know alot else just that we need walking boots with ankle support and that we'd be given overalls.
On the bus at 7am we immediately perked up because the bus was fancy!! Think what football clubs travel in. Tables and a big sofa area at the back, not the minibus we were expecting. Anyway 3 h later after a nap and a service station stretch we arrived and got into our overals and in my case borrowed walking/army boots. 
So the aim of the day was around working as a team, leadership, how you operate under pressure and problem solving. We were split into four groups and had 5 tasks to complete. Each one was 15 min each and one of us was appointed leader. They were all logical, thinking tasks and involved moving equipment or grabbing things with certain constraints. If that wasn't enough we had to run EVERYWHERE carrying a huge jerry can between us (which we didn't even drink from) and then do exercises in between tasks and when the leader was getting briefed.
Here's what I learnt about myself:
I definately hate running
I like being the leader but I panic if I don't have a plan
I lead best when I know what is happening (obvious) then I am clear and directive
I find problem solving of that nature really difficult. Something to do with having to think really fast on the spot
I become despondent easily - if I lose value of a task I quickly become uninterested
I can be caring and look out for my team
I take on the role of one of the strong team members and will do tasks that others don't want to do
I am a team player
Physical tasks I am happy to push myself on I will grit my teeth and get on with it
I am uncomfortable not knowing the whole plan for the day
I'd rather not say if I'm struggling, my hip hurt today but I kept going (this is maybe not a postive)
So by the end of the fifth task which was basically a bleep test (running back and forth carrying equipment) we were all wrecked and sweaty and grateful that lunch was next up. We stuffed ourselves sat in a field getting tea out of a big box thing. All good. Next up was the assault course..... But only after we got made to do extra runs because we couldn't line up as told!!!
We had to complete two laps of the course in our team. The fastest wins. The obstacles included: over and unders, climbing a brick wall, balancing, rope swings, monkey bars, climbing a frame and of course running. It was a big group effort with all teams cheering one another on, and no one being left behind. My team didn't win (we lost 😩) but we did have the advantage of going first. Again I found myself encouraging a lot and trying to lead by example; often taking on obstacles first or second. I was pretty happy with my personal performance and much more enjoyed the post lunch activities. I actually wanted to give it another go!
And that was it. We removed boots and overalls (gladly, it was boiling), showered, debriefed and got back on the bus. I should mention that is was two peoples birthdays today; Ash and Liv! A big happy birthday wish to you both - you won't forget today! We celebrated with cake/second dinner at Nandos after first dinner at YMCA which was good as it got us out of the hostel.
Tomorrow is the last full day. It has gone very quickly all of a sudden. Speak then x
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