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!

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!

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!!

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!......