A Mountain to Climb

A gentle stroll up Moel Famau

Yesterday I paid a visit to North Wales once again. I had a fairly manic April (getting married is a serious business) which set my training back a fair bit. My now father-in-law (himself in training for an upcoming excursion along Hadrian’s Wall) suggested a short trip up Moel Famau combined with a 12 mile walk around nearby countryside.

The weather was reasonable, and the views fantastic, but at just 555m not the greatest challenge. Still, it was good to stretch my legs properly. For some reason I returned to find a blister on my little toe, which is strange as I thought I’d well and truly worn my new boots in.

You may have spotted some changes to this site. It’s almost complete now. Fundraising will start in earnest now. Donating is easy – just click one of the Just Giving ‘donate’ images to the left or right of this post and follow your nose.

What’s on my agenda this week? Well, aside from working frantically on countless websites and graphic design projects, I’ll be picking up my running and weight training. I’m off to see what will surely be an inspiring talk by cyclist Mark Beaumont on Thursday night so I’ll let you know how that goes. Hopefully I’ll get to shake hands with the great man.

Next month …

The big day approaches. The mountain approaches.

Training has been stepped up. April 2010 was a huge month in my life. April 10th was my wedding day and it was virtually perfect.

The dust has settled from then and my focus has now shifted to the highest mountain in Europe. I’m paying another visit to Snowdonia on Saturday and training in general has shifted up a gear. Regular runs have now been interspersed with a bit more weight training – keen to build up my overall strength.

I will shortly be announcing more details regarding the charity that I will be climbing for. I’ve also had a bit of fun creating the poster below. If there are any NG executives worried that I’ve breached some copyright laws then please do get in touch!

Post regularity should increase greatly in the coming weeks so please do bookmark this page and keep checking back for updates.

Cadair Idris Conquered!

A couple of days ago we (the same group as last time, plus my Dad) returned to Cadair Idris, Snowdonia, to have another crack at climbing her.

This time the weather was far more favourable. The snow that had hindered us in February was all but gone, and the cloud level was higher.

We began the climb via a different route this time, opting for a tougher initial climb followed by a slightly easier approach to the peak. I’ve found that even in the short space of time between this and the last attempt my body has become more accustomed to walking/climbing. I was far less out of breath and found the going much easier than previously. Looks like all of that running is starting to pay off.

The view from the summit was spectacular, with the clouds parting occasionally to reveal the stunning lake(s) below. We sheltered behind a manmade (but very old) structure for lunch. Thanks to Dave who shared his sausage roll with me. We began our descent soon after.

Another great day in the hills was had. I feel more confident than ever that I will be able to climb Mont Blanc. I’ve been speaking with a good friend (a friend who just happens to be a personal trainer) about a more intensive fitness regime. My only slight concern is that I need to build up the strength in the knees and ankles, which still feel a little fragile.

In the meantime, I’ve got a wedding to prepare for in two weeks. Running will continue, before another scheduled trip to Snowdonia on May 8th. Can’t wait.

I’ll be making some major changes to this site in the coming weeks regarding fundraising. Watch this space.

Sport Relief 10k

Training continues. Spring is in the air, the sun is shining, and I’m feeling good.

This weekend I will be running the Sport Relief 10k Run in Liverpool. It should be a good indicator as to how far my fitness has moved on in the past couple of months. Plenty of runs a bike rides have been ‘accomplished’. My runs haven’t quite reached the 10k (6 mile) level yet though, so Sunday promises to be quite a challenge.

The first of many!

*update* Just under 4 miles done! Felt pretty darn good too. Will see how the legs are tomorrow and head out again.

**update 2!** 10k Sport Relief run completed! 48m 44secs, which I’m fairly please with. Another, more competitive, 10k scheduled for late May (just before the climb) which should give me the chance to check my progress between now and then.