A few pics from the weekend in Wales. Boyo.


This is Jason. He is the one doing the yoga (se previous post). Don't ask about the hat. It would take too long to explain. Really. He is quite happy at making it out of the car park.

The back of James Ashton (Daily Mail). We did this wading through icy water quite a lot! I think I was standing just to the right of James, cursing like a naavy with my trousers rolled up to my knees.

The gang on top of a quite a large hill. From left to right: Mark, Jason, Me (sitting), James, Lydia, the other Mark and Jason (sitting). Mark on the left is the expedition leader. He is actually as bonkers as this picture makes out.

Marching up the mountain with a fake injured colleague.

From left to right: Mark, Jamie, Jason and me!

Just back from a training weekend with the trek gang in darkest Wales (the Brecon Beacons).
The purpose was mainly to get to know the group a bit better but also to try out some of the kit we will be using on the ice.
We can now all put up the tents (see here) as well as light one of the special stoves that will heat the water we will need to hydrate the food packs and to make tea etc.
The weather wasn't bad for January. On the Saturday we did a bunch of bonding exercises before trying our hand at a spot of light canyoning. This involved sliding down various waterfalls on a very cold and fast running mountain river. We had no wetsuits, so you can imagine what it was like to sit under a waterfall while tonnes of icy water cascade onto your head. Actually, unless you have done it, you can't imagine what it is like. The phrase "takes the breath away" is much used, but sitting under a frigid torrent, I actually found it very hard to draw breath.
But the funny think was that after getting out of the river, and screaming every curse imaginable, my body actually started to get warm again. Out waterproof walking gear acted a bit like a wetsuit in that the water trapped between the skin and the nylon did heat up quite quickly. That is not to say that I will be willing to repeat the experience any time in the near future. Actually, I would rather dance the foxtrot with a polar bear that do that again.
Anyhow, we all now know what it is like to fix camp while cold and wet and tired.
Yesterday we went for a 10 mile hike on the Beacons, which in comparison with the Saturday, was straightforward and a good guage of fitness. On that note, I discovered that one of my team mates has been taking his training very seriously: He has taken up smoking again. And that's it. Another compadre is still lighting up at every opportunity but has stepped up his yoga classes. I guess that means he will still be able to hold a One-Legged King Pigeon position while he freezes to death.

I also went skiing two weeks ago, which did wonders to toughen up the thighs. However the gallons of red wine in the chalet may have offset any benefits. Hello to Sarah and Katherine, who did their best to kill me by taking me down Mont Vallon in a whiteout.

The celeb-tastic trek launch party is happening very soon. Email/message me at andymw@gmail.com if you want to come along.

No posts for ages and then two come along at once!!
I have to step up the fundraising effort and would like to draw your attention to this link that will send you through to my Justigving page.
The Mitchemp Trust is a wonderful cause and anything you can give would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks in advance.

Yes, its official, I am rubbish at updating my blog.
Christmas has been and gone and left everyone - me included - with that extra bit of flab around the middle. This is fine as its compulsory to overeat at Christmas and I gather that second helping of Christmas pudding is good for the immune system.
Anyway, the nice people at the posh Mayfair gym (see previous post) have given me my own training programme. Everyday I have to be either at the gym, pounding the streets of SW London in my trainers, or doing circuit training in my sitting room. That latter is referred to as "Home" in the training schedule.

Here ae my instructions for this week:
Monday: Day off – remember good foods
Tuesday: Gym session
Wednesday: 35 minute jog at >6 mph
Thursday: 1.25 hour walk at 5 mph & Home
Friday: Day off – remember good foods
Saturday: 45 minute jog at >6 mph

Included in instructions for my "Home" workout is the following: "Upright rows with rubber band, 15 reps x 3"
I have absolutely no idea what this means and it really doesn't sound like something one should attempt by oneself! Anyone who knows what this lycra clad fool is on about can get in touch - anonymously.
Other than working out like the Duracell Bunny, I have given up every vice. This includes no more alcohol under after the trek and no more of any other vice that my mother doesn't know about either!
Frankly, I am in danger of going ever-so-slightly crackers! But, I did go for a 35 minute run with my flatmate lat night. The flatmate may look slightly like a younger version of Ken Clarke MP, but is actually quite fit and does silly things like marathons on a fairly regular basis.
To picture the pair of us just imagine the old 118 118 adverts, but then add about 150lbs.
So the forceful eviction of all vices from my life is having a positive effect, although I did dream about red wine last night...