Friday 26 June 2009

Sunday 12th April – Toughest Day!

Still in my adopted Tenzing group, and feeling rejuvenated I was ready to face the hard slog ahead. For the first half of the day, we were again treated to the beautiful mountain-hugging views, as we followed the glacial water through the hills.

The group naturally segregated into 3 groups, based on speed. At one particular ascent, I was treated to a Kodak moment. Blinky had become sandwiched between 2 groups of ponies on a bridge. For quite some time, the stubborn animals just refused to move. It was an unusual sight, as most of the herds of yaks and ponies we had seen, obediently moved along the trail carrying supplies.

It became common to hear “yak attack”, as a bumbling herd clattered down the steep rocky trail towards you. A brief but welcome break for the old feet!

“Yak attack!”

At our first tea break, I asked Bill for help in finding some sort of WC. The food hut had broken toilets (long drops) and so I was directed to a hillside where there was a little wooden shack (rustic little hut, which could have been helicoptered in from a Clint Eastwood Western). It was really not unpleasant - great views too!

Lunch stop revealed some unlucky trekkers, who had been hit by the dreaded diorreah. Some poor chaps complained of having to make 7 toilet stops already. On our trail that was not ideal.

Bowel movements were steadily starting to become a prominent topic of conversation. I was feeling ok, all apart from my coordination and logic (which some would argue was missing from the start). P handed me an iodine tablet at lunch, which I confidently put into my lemon tea, instead of my water bottle. I think the altitude had started to affect my brain?!

That afternoon, we had 3 Indiana Jones-style bridges to look forward to. I developed my own approach, using the rather traditional method of – ‘don’t look down!’.

Hell Hill
This was the toughest part of the day/trip, which I lovingly named Hell Hill. It was the end of the day, and energy levels were starting to flag. It became a real struggle for our diarrhoea crew, with a 900m ascent ahead of them – humour failure starts now.

The toughest part came with the relentless ascent, which was 2 and half hours of constant uphill winding trail. With the altitude starting to take effect, and the increasingly slower pace, many of us were quickly running out of water.

Following a final break, I set off with Milo and Kinsey. Kinsey and I exchanged usual knee-banter, whilst Milo set the pace. Not long into our walk, and it was clear that Milo was becoming increasingly sluggish, whilst swaying across the path. We made him stop, as we could see he was dehydrated. Unfortunately for him, we were all on our last dregs of water. Passing DC, Milo was able to take some of his water, and then luckily we found a water pipe coming out of the mountain. Putting on my “Mother” hat, I insisted that Milo take dyroloyte, which offered some hope.

Still struggling, we took a very slow final journey to the hostel and luckily came across a small hut in the forest selling water. The journey was slow, and I was really worried, as Milo’s energy seemed to fade with each step. We made it - Milo was prescribed bed, whilst I self-prescribed a much needed shower.

A simple shower trip became one of my comedy highlights. JB emerged from the shower having forgotten his towel. Using his t-shirt to cover his modesty, whilst keeping his rear against the wall he edged along the corridor. However, by successfully turning his rear away from me, he was giving the laundry girl a full view. After an embarrassing exchange of laughter he regained momentum shuffling off into the distance.

That night we were divided into camp Tenzing and Hilary, which was a shame but necessary as there were so many of us. The usual banter and card/perudo tournaments kept everyone amused, until passing-out time.

Saturday 11th April – Yeti Airways



As we made our way through the rather rustic “departure lounge” and greeted by the Otter, a couple of nervous flyers grew to a few nervous flyers, which ended up with most of us thinking, “is it too late to turn back!”. As a group there was plenty of nervous chatter. I fed my homeopathic wonder drug (mimulus) to a few nervous flyers, inc Blade who grew a bit of a taste for it.

Walking into the airport we were greeted by a line of rather modest check-in desks, each including a giant set of kitchen-style weighing scales. Through to the departure lounge, and we experienced our first taste of Himalayan pricing. A pack of hob knobs = £4 (they saw us coming!).





Standing next to the small green Yeti on the runway was the point at which it started to sink in. The banter was building to a nervous crescendo. Now or never!

There were 12 on our plane, including the air stewardess, who hunched over to walk down the mini-isle, handing out sweets and cotton wool. I think the sweets were a temporary distraction method (“umm yum sweet” rather than “oh my god I’m going to die”) and the cotton wool was there to drown out the sound of the engines, (and the wailing screams).



Jen and I were brave/stupid and sat at the front of the plane. Blade was next to us, and still smiling – mimulus starting to take effect. As the drone of the engine fired up, looking ahead Jen and I couldn’t help but laugh as we came face to face with “make the most of your time on earth” written on the back of BJ’s t-shirt – a poignant reminder of the adventure that lay ahead of us.



As the mountains started to close in, I remember looking over the pilot’s shoulders to be faced with Lukla’s midget runway. Not only was it a fraction of the size of a standard one, but it also happened to be perched on a mountainside. The smooth landing was a surprising relief.





Most of us were escorted to a teahouse, which was our temporary dumping ground while we waited for our kit to arrive. There were a couple of nervous trekkers, waiting on packs. It was at least 2 hours before everything landed. After an introduction to our team of guides, porters, body guards, chefs and ……. it was trek time.

As we walked through the cobbled streets of Lukla, a small town perched on the mountainside, it was rather surreal to pass Starbucks (Nepal-style). As we left Lukla for the start of our adventure, guides Bill, Nir and Polsan lead us through a prayer tunnel, lined with prayer wheels, spinning them clockwise as we went past.

This was our first official day trekking, and was by no means easy. The trail lead us down, round, up and down the hillsides beyond Lukla. The path was dotted with black and white prayer rocks. As if an obedient group of goats, we made sure to pass each one clockwise. The views were beautiful, and stretched out across the valley. It was hard to believe that we were still relatively low down, and with the ascent, our picture postcard backdrop was only going to get better!

Lunch stop was a small cabin perched on the Cliffside. At this point we witnessed the first ITN interviewing by Mark and Marcus. I said my bit…not sure if I was TV worthy….hair not looking great!

The final part of Day 1, and the trail lead us past more and more intricately carved prayer rocks painted in black and white. Polsan told me that the rocks were engraved with prayers, and are traditionally said as a chant.

Winding up to our teahouse stop, and we were greeted with smiling George and his camera who caught us struggling up the final steps. The hostel was such a pleasant surprise, with twin rooms (not mass dorm sleeping) and actual beds with mattresses (not stone floor). The best bit was discovering a sit-down WC, amazing! We happily over took the dining area that evening, and as the 80’s tracks filled the room, competitive games of cards and Perudo commenced.

With an early start, and the toughest day trekking ahead of us, most of us were lucky in getting a full 10 hours sleep.

Friday 10th April – Doha

Seven hours of on-flight entertainment/eating/drinking later and we were in Doha. A cramped shuffling through the arrivals lounge brought us to our duty-free haven, and where we would be spending the next 3 hours. After an unpleasant toilet experience we were all ready to go. A group reading sesh of G-Man and Toovey’s Tenzing Bible kept us duly amused/enlightened until the next leg.



The flight to Kathmandu was less lively, with most unconscious. A gentle murmur of snoring and heavy breathing filled the plane as we took the 5 hour flight. On arrival, we were greeted by a red brick building with it’s very own mahogany clad 1970’s arrivals lounge, followed by a bus draped in a Everest Test flyer made by Peace Nepal Treks. As celeb-trekkers we were then each presented with a leigh, made of real flowers. It was a pleasant surprise and lovely welcome to Nepal.

Driving through Kathmandu was an experience. I think I saw my life flash before me at least 6 times. As we indicated (toot horn) for our (toot horn) hotel (toot horn) it was rather surreal to leave behind the dusty, dirty streets in exchange for a smartly groomed hotel.

Our first night in Kathmandu - the beginning of our amazing adventure. For most of us (exc Hc) this also meant the start our temporary convert to vegetarian life. There is something rather amusing at watching a host of men tucking into veggie burgers!

"Veggie burgers all round..."

Thursday 9th April - Departure

A prompt gathering of pink and blue bods at Lords progressed with a sprinkling of camera action and posing for the press. Unfortunately we missed out on the media masses, who had opted for a different press call….their loss!

Being one of the Flight 2 Crew, I was lucky to have the afternoon in which to attempt a re-pack. I was certain that I could create some sort of miracle in shrinking my pack further.

The airport transfer later on went as expected. Brooksie was over optimistic with timing, meaning a dash for the bus, and a taxi to the Oval where Addison Lee took us the final leg to Heathrow.

Monday 30 March 2009

9 days to go!!!

Now comes the reality check. After months of hard work and planning by our super leaders and the following of our talented cricketers, fabulous trektators, eager umpires, buzzing photography/film crew, enthusiastic pr team, and ever patient and supportive partners, family and friends the trek is finally here! It is hard to believe that a week on Thursday I will be carrying my shiny red North Face pack through Heathrow ready to board the plane and begin our adventure of a lifetime!

The adventure in fact started when we all signed up to this gig 12 months ago (for some 2 years ago). These last few months really have zoomed by and seeing everyone together on Sat for our final meeting, it was clear that we are all very eager to just get there.

Saturday brought with it both happy and sad news. Happy in that we have secured a Title sponsor, Nokia, which is amazing news for both the trip itself and our fundraising. Sad in that we will be losing the much admired Charlie BN from the trip. Curry pays special thanks in his blog to Charlie, a very fitting and heart felt message.

Finally we were treated to a professionally mastered power point presentation from our medics (all be it minus the projector). Ian, Brek, Isla and Nick all willingly stepped up to the task of scaring the s*** out of us. A presentation which I will be keeping away from my Mother. But seriously, although we nervously giggled our way through the slides, we were all in agreement that it was really important to receive the shock tactic approach....one particularly embraced by Brek who used the word 'death' a record number of times. AMS can be a reality for many trekkers at high altitude, and it really is important that we all remain aware of how our bodies are coping throughout the trip.

Finally my knee is getting back to normal and the long-john silver act is going. Regular stretching, recommended exercises are seeing me back to trek-health. I have to say I was a bit worried for a wee moment. I will have to continue the stretching and exercises up the mountain.....could prove interesting in a small t-house!

Very excited, can't quite believed it. Wow!

Monday 23 March 2009

Farewell!!

With a little help from ibuprofen and champers, for one night only trainers were swapped for heels!

It was our send-off fundraiser on Thursday @ Club 24, a rather trendy club on Kingly Street. Walking through the entrance and past the Everest Test photo gallery (inc my v.own mug-shot) my little bro and I couldn't stop smiling, as we walked past the frozen ice statue people, to be greeted by moving images being projected onto the walls - telling the story of our journey so far. I was happy to arrive early so I could giggle and enjoy the show; tractor tyre rolling, playing cricket in trafalgar square, hay bail hauling, snow trekking, running marathons in cricket pads, running marathons......Pretty good prep I think for the less than conventional sport of playing cricket up the world's highest mountain!



The party's resounding success was testimony to all the hard work our High-On-Ice committee had done. The party really was a send-off to remember.

A rather lethal complimentary cocktail helped to get things rolling. As the club filled to bursting and the tunes filled the floor with some truly unique 'shapes' the blurry 'i love everybody' took over. Needless to say I have a slightly hazy memory of the ending.

Despite the sore head, glued curls now flattened, knee/head craving the ibuprofen I was still smiling on Friday morning. In fact, I'm still smiling now, and still in fact wearing my Everest Test Party wristband (can't quite part with it).

With just over 2 weeks to go, and my knee finally responding to repeated rest/hot baths/stretching over the weekend I am now allowing myself to re-join the excitement run (not running......never doing that again). Final shopping list is in motion, as I begin to calculate what one might need when trekking up Everest.....to play cricket!

Wednesday 18 March 2009

Bath Half

Following the buzz that began the week, with our resident comedian Chris leading the way to yet another cracking fundraising doo (£6000 raised amazing work by all involved).....turns out the week was set to finish with a similar bang!



Following my physio visit on Friday, I was reassured by the fact that I had "runners knee". I was worried about there being a more sinister, ligament/tendon damage....but alas it was only my wee ltb,itb,bti muscle (can't recall the abbreviation) - the muscle connecting your knee and arse. When this tightens, as you run (which mine clearly has a tendency of doing) this then creates a tightness and pain in the knee. After a full hour of having my ltb,lbw,tb muscle pummelled (accompanied by genuine tears and blasphemy exploding from my mouth) Elaine (aka wonder worker) explained that I would be ok to run. My main relief was the reassurance that I would be fine for Everest (brill!!).

In Bath Elaine's words echoed in my ears, as I stumbled across the finish line (2hours 19minutes later), whilst being caught by one of the running dudes...."You will experience some pain after the race". Well, she was right, no huge surprise there. I did have a slightly funny look from the medic as I jumped (hopped) for joy as she told me I could keep the ice pack. Tying it round my knee, and then continuing to hobble my way round Bath, as my medal swooshed from side to side I was greeted by the Heroes welcome from the Bath people.....limping but with a smile on my face!

3 days on, and I am still with a slight limp but doing everything that I am being advised to do.....rest, relax, stretch, ice pack it, stretch a bit more, roll on my side across a foam tube (kindly lent to me by Wes). I'll get there, and whilst I stand by my decision to run, I cannot fully accept sympathy at this stage, as I stubbornly chose to soldier on!

Elaine says I'll be fine, so I'm also standing by that.....only disappointed that my attempt to look glam for once at the Send-off Party will be tarnished by my gleaming pair of trainers!!

Will keep you posted!

Thursday 12 March 2009

Spoke too soon!

Sitting in the bath last night, reflecting on the fact that I was now nursing a sore knee I stopped to think what it was that attracted the endless assortment of fluorescent clad runners to the sport! Sometimes it feels more like a magnet for injury - with the training period acting as more of a countdown to the inevitable painful end (be it a shin splint, swollen ankle, damaged tendon, aching back). It may sound melodramatic (ok it does sound melodramatic) but it was my immediate reaction.....and feelings of frustration. Suddenly, it hit me that I was possibly not going to be able to run on Sun!

Signing up to the Bath Half months ago, and proudly receiving my race pack in the post I was looking forward to the challenge. Starting out with my novice 30 minute training sessions and moving on from there.....to be plagued by a weak knee days before! Trainers have not been hung up quite yet however, and I have a physio booked for tomorrow. We will see. One thing I am certain of.....Bath Half or not, I will not be taking any risks at this stage. 4 weeks to go!

Tuesday 10 March 2009

Running on empty.....feeling great!

Last week ended on a truly virtuoso note. Having been recently made redundant I decided I could either spend the weekend crying myself to sleep, or pump up the training schedule (therefore turning myself into super woman, and avoiding the temptation to spend £). Crying was substituted for exercise on this occasion.

Sat - Swim (£3.50) followed by a 2 hour walk into town to see my bro (coffee/cookie £4)

Sun - With Bath Half looming (sh*#!!!) I decided that I would happily take up Vick's invite of a 9.5 mile run (free!!) along the river. It all started well, and then not long in, and we realised that there was in fact an organised run going on at the same time.....on our riverside route.....in the bloody opposite direction. Undeterred we powered on, weaving in and out of the Sunday-walkers, dogs, bikes, rowers (in lycra - slightly distracting) and marathon runners. Our route took us along a very pretty track, up to Chiswick Bridge where we then returned back in the direction of Putney (home James). It was a really good run (jog/fast jog) and I was reassured that I could in fact do the distance (+ 4 miles). Bath Half, not so scary after all! The virtuoso bit then followed. Shortly after the jelly-legs had gone, Vicks caught me off guard, with her interesting proposal of catching the end of Trim Trail (also free). With my sugar levels saying no, and my back tightening further at the very thought I naturally agreed. Trim stop next. Boys were impressed, and so were we. Having set the marker for myself, I now want to try and keep up the momentum over the coming final 4 weeks - with an overdose of stretching and ibuprofen I think it can be done!

London Marathon - where do I sign?!........

Sunday 1 March 2009

All you need is a compass?!


I can't quite believe that there are only 6 weeks to go before we fly to Nepal, its so exciting!!

With this in mind training needs to step up a notch. Running training on Monday, which was a good start......but sadly thats pretty much where it ended for the week. I had so many plans, for swimming, running and Trim of course on Thursday, followed by a Trektators walk on Sat. Things didn't all go according to plan however. I had my vaccinations on Tuesday - a fairly painless if not painfully expensive experience. I was pretty happy to leave the Travel Clinic, arms still in tact and only a small bruise. Over the coming days though I became ill with swollen throat and feeling just generally rubbish.....all as a result of the injections. It's so frustrating not feeling well enough to carry on with the training, as you can't help but feeling you are undoing all the hard work.

I may have had my own lurgy set-back this week, but this week has been a champagne popping week for The Everest Test overall. Individually for the group things are coming together, with visa's now all pretty much sorted (courtesy of Tooves and Vicks), injections complete, medical forms in, North Face kit ready to collect and the tickets sales for the Comedy Night/Send-off Party on the up!

Friday brought with it the icing on the cake. It is official that ITN now our Media Partner will be sending a Film Crew up the mountain with us in April. London Tonight (news channel) will feature an update every day of the trip, with live coverage from the mountains. We will then have a 20 minute special feature once we are back. This is an amazing feat for The Everest Test and our charities. Kirt, Creative Minds and all involved can feel truly proud of this ....well done guys!

Celebrations were on hold for now, as Saturday promised a 7am start for myself, Vicks.S, Vicks.N, Alex, Zooby, Helen, Isla and Agnes (friend). Walking in Surrey was order of the day, and the early start was to ensure we were back in London for the rugger!


Sitting on the bus, with my pack, kitted out with camel pack, cereal bars, bananas, compass, sanitiser spray, torch and essential layers I was feeling confident that this was going to be a successful day. Then came the crash-bang-wallop when in true Brooksie fashion I realised that I had left the map at home. I was reading through it the night before and left it next to my bed.....typical! A few panicked phone calls later, on the train and we secured a copy with Isla who had a print-out.....back in the game! That was until my map reading commenced.

I was not surprised to hear the exchange of jokey swipes at my map reading skills in the car park prior to the walk. This time it would be different though, I was certain.....afterall I'd done this walk before how difficult could it be!!

Turns out I had a last minute change of heart and decided on a more scenic route via 'Surrey's prettiest village' - Shere and a nature trail just outside Gomshall. It kept everyone on their toes, and anyway, sticking to the trail is too easy....always good to keep it interesting! All in all, an eventful walk with a few giggles, a bit more mileage to add to the boots and some record snack munching displayed by little Fud truly amazing!

With Bath Half only weeks away, and the lurgy slowly disappearing running needs to be my diet for this week. Before this trip, I would never have dreamt of signing up to a Bath Half, but now - bring it on!

Sunday 22 February 2009

Valentines Fundraiser

With 14th February approaching, excitement was building at Stourbridge Lawn Tennis and Squash Club. Not one member of the club had been able to avoid the wonder sales tactics used by my Mother. Six months earlier, I had approached her with a pitch to throw a charity party. With true Brooks enthusiasm my Mom went about ensuring this would be a good doo....and it was!


The day of preparation, with a little help from friends and family was a real success, and the club room transformed. The club manager and others looked on with a slightly nervous smile as we set about transforming the ambience....changing light bulbs to add colour and warmth.......pinning up fabric to soften the glare of flourescent tubes......placing candles throughout. All in a good cause, as the place looked great and everyone had a good time. The band Last Resort receieved a really warm reception, and by the end of the night succeeded in encouraging even the most shy of rackets people to the dance floor, good work!

The Himalayan Trust will be glad to hear that we raised over £700 on the night. I must again say a huge thank you to all the support from the club members and of course my Mom.

Sunday 15 February 2009

Beautiful Beacons




Another weekend, another training event! This time, with mother nature working against us, we were set for real adventure. Come rain, come snow nothing was going to stop the 14 ramblers getting to Wales.

After a rather slippy road trip, the girls arrived in Isla's Cherokee Jeep (equipped with mahogany dash and leather interior) to a delightful mug of coco. David's cricket pavilion was a softer, but colder nights sleep to that of FFFC's village hall. I don't think any of us were quite prepared for how cold it would be over night, with poor Helen looking positively blue in the morning!

The cow bell chimes rang at 7.30, at which point the production line of tea and sandwich making began. With each of us now in possession of some shiny new trek gear, we were all chomping at the bit.

A rather scenic road trip, including a stop off to collect Mr Hern brought us to our final destination of snowy wonderland. I think the girls probably became slightly weary towards my exclamations of joy in the car "wow look at the snow its amazing"......for that afternoon I transformed into an excitable kid, along with everyone else I think.

The precarious snow swept lanes brought us to a kind farmer, who let us take over his yard with our assortment of vehicles. After some negotiation with physically maneuvering the cars, we were set for the slopes.

Day 1 of our practice rambling was a really scenic and at times challenging walk up Pen Y Fan. It was like walking in the French Alps, with the blue sky and the white bright snow.....if only I'd brought my skis! After a steep ascent, the kids enjoyed rolling down the hill at the end of the day, with a few attempting to transform into human sledges. I have to own up to letting out girly yelps, on a few occasions, when losing my leg to the mountain, and suddenly finding myself thigh deep in the snow.

That night we had a good laugh at a Balti House, accompanied by some beers. I'm quite sure the owners, staff and other diners were happy to see us go, following an overdose of inappropriate chat. We then gatecrashed a 21st party (well, almost!). The beer jacket at this point was very much on, and luckily so, as we faced an even colder nights sleep, having lost all power earlier on.


Day 2 was planned to be a shorter, gentler ramble. In fact, we walked further, and for longer after coming across a couple of issues with our map's accuracy and a faulty compass....bloody things!! Spirits remained high for most of the day, which was helped by the beautiful scenery and truck load of snickers. The comedy banter spreading between the group also provided a welcome distraction at times. There was only one point when I felt slight concern, shortly after walking through a river. It was freezing cold, and Isla calmly mentioned that wet feet were the most common cause of hypothermia!! With soggy feet and a brave smile we soldiered on, making it back for 4.30.....only a couple of hours late.

All be it at the sacrifice of our Sunday Roast, the weekend was another great rehearsal for testing a bit of team resilience, while also providing a wake-up call to the cold that we should be prepared for up Everest.



Top tip: invest in a good sleeping bag (thanks Sugar!)

Friday 30 January 2009

FFFC

There appear to be a number of interpretations for this one - I like to think of it as being the Fun Fantasy Farm Challenge!

The adventure began with a road trip to Hereford in a delightful vintage peugeot (courtesy of the Fud's - thanks girls). Brooksie was immediately under pressure to perform miracles on the multi-tasking front. Not only did I have to perform 5* stand-up chat (car stereo had been nicked/i-pod's were out also - partly due to me putting mine in the washing machine the week prior!) I was also playing Tom Tom (AA print out would be sufficient surely!?!). A phonecall from the host Mr Hern had assured us that yes, we had in fact taken the scenic route..... and scenic it certainly was! So scenic in fact that driver (Alex) became slightly distracted on a couple of occasions. Winding round the lanes, I do remember seeing my life flash before me, at which point we reminded Alex that we were in fact approaching a t-junction and not a bend in the road......."Stop!!!!".

What followed was a perfectly engineered weekend, packed full of muddy fitness entertainment. The air of competition was strong, particularly in my team Del....ta! In order to balance out the scores, and prevent a walk-over win by us, organisers understandably decided to fix a couple of the events. For example, in the cheap labour task they ensured that key instructions failed to reach us, which in turn lead to our defeat. Similarly, again after lunch, it was decided the other teams egos would not be able to withstand a pummeling from a team with 2 girls in, and so it was decided that our team should don oily shoes, so as to ensure we would fall on our arse at each attempt! This worked like a dream, and we were able to give the other teams a chance to restore their points.

The 5 (more like 10) mile run/jog/stagger was actually much more satisfying than I had expected. Armed with a bottle of isotonic liquid I was off, head down all the way. The pace possibly could be compared to that of a light stagger, but a great pb all the same. Well deserved R&R ensued with a pub meal and quiz - the perfect end to a truly unique day of training.

A huge thanks again must go to Kinsey for his military planning and efforts, and of course to Trisha and Tony for feeding the small army that descended into their home that weekend.

As the Everest Test gets closer, and the training commitments grow I continue to be pleasantly surprised by how well we all work together as a unit. 67 days to go!

Thursday 22 January 2009

Excitement builds.....

First meeting of '09 and there is a nervous buzz in the air. With the team growing closer, and the natural onset of competitive banter/bad jokes filling the room I am more excited than ever.

It was great to hear from our new additions: Alex (PR), Conrad (Film Crewett), Isla (Medic), Ian (Medic) and David (New Tenzing/North Face Dude). Assuming we all survive the Fantasy Farm Challenge (http://kjhern.blogspot.com/), the next biggy is our Press Launch on Tuesday. On speaking with Alex, I am intrigued to find out exactly what the Trektators will be doing.....

"So Lucy, Trektators, Everest, exciting!? excited? Ready for the Press Launch?" "Um yes and yes! Press Launch sounds great. What will be doing exactly?.........."I see Trektators, I see coming on at half time for tea break......cucumber sandwiches!!" "Right?!? Naturally???!"

Can't wait!

Tuesday 13 January 2009

Training continues.....




(Malvern - Over Christmas)

With Christmas/New Year/too much drinking and eating behind me, I hit my first week back in London with a bang.....gym twice, run on Wed, Trim Trail Sat and a mini trek in Surrey on Sunday. Second week back in London......can't walk!!

Looking forward to the meeting on Saturday, and expecting to be given a New Year preverbial kick up the arse from Everest HQ! With just under 3 months to go, it is important that we now bring everything together. Note to self, must write award winning sales pitch to friends near and far for our up coming PARTY (18th March) and send template to Trektators so they can do the same.....Octber was great, but this needs to be oscar winning fundraising!!

Friday 9 January 2009

Exactly 3 months till lift off!

How time flys when you're having fun!

Twas a snowy day in April last year when we first heard news of this exciting advenuture. I remember the introductory chat from Kirt (Leader) and Wes (Leader-too). With eagerness and some trepidation we all listened, while the boys told us of this plan to climb up Everest and play cricket.........exciting, mad, brilliant!

Almost a year on, and we are at the 3 month countdown. The fitness has been pushed up to Max, with regular group and individual training sessions well underway. Fundraising similarly continues to be at the forefront of our minds....raising people's hard earned cash for our hard working charities: Himalayan Trust and Lord's Taverners.

I headed up a Fundraising party in October to help start proceedings. My team of Trektators (Trekkers/Spectators) worked their socks off to ensure that our launch party would be one to remember. We raised £3000!

At the time, I also managed to convince my Mother that she would love to assist me in raising further dosh....with the help of her Tennis Club. I will be heading back up to Worcestershire to help raise more money at a Valentines Party. This will help add some momentum in raising my individual target of £1500 which we each have to raise. This trip is definitely all about the charity and thats what makes it more special!

This was just an intro for now, but I hope to keep the blog updated with training progress, practice treks, Farm Fantasy Challenges (all in the name of training) and of course fundraising!

Here goes!......