Very sore feet and tired legs by the finish followed by a long drive but it was all worth it to take part is such a great event.

Ele says, “Despite being caught by a couple of the sweepers I am very proud that I completed this without dying. Some of the hills were relentless and equivalent to climbing Snowdon…. at speed.”

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I have said that it’s my last one.  I know a lot of people say that after completing a difficult event but I think I have been confusing the wish to feel like I could run forever with actually trying to run forever.”

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I was feeling brave one day and decided that I would go and climb Snowdon. I drove up the night before and had fish and chips in Betws-y-Coed (as you do) to help fuel my climb and booked myself into the cheapest hotel I had been able to find.

After a terrible night’s sleep, a wake up at about 5.00am and a cooked breakfast (again – important fuelling) I set out on the track to the summit about 8.30am. There were a few spots of rain in the air but at least it wasn’t quite as hot as it had been.  I wasn’t even sure which way to at first and had to look at the map.  I set off at a steady pace and just kept going. I did the Llanberis track as I thought this had the least risk of falling but it does get quite steep in places. The air cooled as I climbed higher allowing me to keep up the pace I had set from the start.

My heels were beginning to get blisters and I wasn’t sure whether to use Compeed blister plasters or Vaseline.  I opted for Vaseline which didn’t seem to be working at first but it was fine in the end as coming down hill there wasn’t so much pressure on them.  (That’s new boots for you).

The clouds make for an interesting view at the top (almost looks like the mountain is on fire) and I could even see the sea.  I’ve climbed Snowdon a few times and it’s only the second time that’s happened.

I was wondering if I had enough energy reserves for the decent so scoffed down a Snickers (£1.20!!) and headed off again once again.  There is a horrible bit which is really loose gravel and dust but I was impressed with my boots.  They gripped really well.

I did it in what people are telling me is a respectable time. I received a couple of blisters and will be walking like C3PO for the next few days but it was all worth it.

This is all training for the Trekfest I’m doing in September so watch out for my sponsorship link which will be coming your way.

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The day consisted of a round of golf, evening meal, presentations and a charity auction. The celebrity aspect was various friends and colleagues of Lawrie McMenemy mainly consisting of ex Southampton FC footballers.

Our golf foursome was hosted by Luke Taylor of Liberty Leasing and joined by Dave Peach, a member of the Southampton 1976 FA Cup winning team, who played for a few other clubs, in all four divisions, in his varied career. The rain held off, the course was in great condition (if not a bit hilly) and the round was enjoyable even if our scoring was only average.

There were a dozen or so celebrities in attendance, included Kevin Keegan, Matt le Tissier, ex-goalkeeper Paul Jones, Chris Nicholl (an ex Aston Villa League Cup winning captain no less!) and some bloke off Big Brother!?!

Thanks again to Liberty Leasing for hosting this chance to meet up, enjoy good company and importantly support the charity.

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This kind of race was a first for me. Strangely the nerves beforehand weren’t too bad. Possibly because I had little idea of what was ahead despite the safety briefing detailing what to do on the water slide and having to get down in the mud just for the warm up.

The obstacles increased in craziness, the last being particularly terrifying. Partly because the wood was slippy and it was high but also because there was a casualty lying on the floor below being attended to by medics.

Needless to say there was a copious amount of mud (I looked like Morph at one point) and lots of freezing water. Fortunately, the swans were pretty relaxed about sharing their lake while we did the swim.

The water slide was a blast. I nearly laid an egg when I saw that everyone was running up and throwing themselves down it head first!! Not quite sure how I found the courage to do it.

I’m very proud of myself for completing all but one of the obstacles. I will just have to get some monkey bar practice ready for the next one.

Bring it on!!

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Things went well up to half way but then fell apart, despite a high five from Arch Bishop of York Dr John Sentamu.

I finally came in at about five and half hours having walked from about mile 19. It became too painful to run. The home straight was emotional, everyone cheering me on to run but all I could do was just get over the finish line walking.

Just need another event to look forward to now.

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