Kelli Banks

Cateran Yomp 2026 – Training Update: Wet Miles, Solid Progress & A Slightly Misled Partner

Hi All,

A little training update from me as the Cateran Yomp edges closer on the horizon - and I’m genuinely feeling good about where things are at right now.

Training is going well, even with a small curveball thrown in. I had a procedure on my spine at the back end of January, so I’ve been balancing recovery with building strength and endurance again. It’s required patience and a lot more listening to my body than my ego, but overall I’m really pleased with the progress.

Over the past two weeks I’ve clocked around 60 miles on foot with a cool 3,500 ft of elevation gain in total. Not record-breaking numbers, but consistent, solid work - the kind that actually builds resilience rather than just chasing stats.

What has been relentless, however, is the weather. I’d estimate about 90% of those miles have been completed absolutely soaked through. The UK seems to have settled into what feels like permanent rainfall mode. On the bright side, I’m unintentionally getting very good at testing waterproof layers… and my tolerance for soggy socks is now elite.

That being said, I did smash a 20-mile hike in under five and a half hours, dragging an unsuspecting Ryan along under the gentle pretence that it would be “just a short walk.” It was genuinely great fun though - and the big carb-heavy dinner afterwards was very well received by both of us.

Gear update - because it matters more than people think:

• No blisters so far, which feels like a small victory worth celebrating.
• My new LOWA boots have been brilliant in terms of comfort and support.
• That said, I don’t think they’ll be my final challenge boots. I’ve got my eye on another pair I plan to purchase next month once I’ve done a bit more research and tried them on properly.
• I’ll also be investing in some excellent insoles - underrated, but absolutely worth it when you’re talking about long-distance, multi-terrain walking.

On top of all of this, life doesn’t exactly slow down. I’m working full-time and studying for my Master’s at Falmouth University, which means spare days are few and far between. Staying motivated isn’t the problem - getting the time sometimes is. But being out in nature genuinely resets everything for me. It’s where I think clearly, decompress, and remind myself why I signed up for this in the first place.

And on the fundraising side… I am honestly blown away by the kindness and generosity people have shown. I have now exceeded my original fundraising target, which is something I never expected to say this early. The support, messages, and donations have been incredible - thank you genuinely.

That said, I’m absolutely continuing to fundraise. The original target was just a milestone, not a finish line. If the legs are going the distance, the fundraising might as well too. Every extra pound raised goes directly towards supporting those who need it, so I’ll keep pushing for as much impact as I can make between now and the event.

Right now the focus is steady mileage, sensible recovery, and gradually increasing elevation without aggravating anything post-procedure. It’s less about speed and more about durability -turning up strong, not broken.

The rain might be relentless, but so is the training.

Every soggy mile now is one less surprise later.

Onwards.

Why I’m Taking on the ABF Cateran Yomp

I joined the British Army at 16, just a week after 9/11, and service shaped me in ways I’ll carry forever - resilience, discipline, humour, loyalty, and the kind of grit you don’t learn anywhere else.

But like many veterans, the hardest battles didn’t always happen in uniform.

I left the Armed Forces in December 2019, just before Covid changed the world. That timing made my transition to civilian life feel brutally isolating. The structure, identity and community I’d known for years suddenly disappeared - and the world shut down at the exact moment I needed connection the most. Over time, my mental health suffered, and there were moments where I’ve felt so low I’ve considered the most unthinkable options.

What has carried me through is remembering this: I made it home, when so many others didn’t. I hold deep gratitude for that, and I know my fortitude is testament to the skills moulded in service. But I also know this - had I accepted my veteran status sooner, I might have reached out earlier and accessed support through charities like ABF The Soldiers’ Charity. 

Although I’ve not accessed The ABF services, they helped my brother Marcus and his family when he became gravely unwell whilst in the early stages of his service. He would have continued on to have a successful career in the Army but unfortunately his injuries were too complex. I’m grateful the ABF were there to support him when he needed it the most.

That’s why I’m taking on the Cateran Yomp.

I’m doing it for my fellow brothers and sisters - especially those facing their darkest moments - to remind them they are not alone, and that support is there.

More recently, I’ve been diagnosed with cervical foraminal stenosis, which has finally explained the chronic pain I’ve lived with since I was 19. At times it can leave me unable to manage normal daily tasks - the Cateran Yomp challenge will test me, and I rise to it.

It is my intention to complete the full 54 miles, carrying all the friends I’ve lost, every step of the way.

If you can support my fundraising, I would be forever grateful. Thank you.