Training and fundraising to start this week

This week we are all due to get together to start fundraising with our Children's Activity days and a meeting with Gaynor. It's all very real now and I started the week as I mean to go on with a swim in the North sea, just as the sun was coming up.

This was my view as I walked back from the beach and the rays warmed my slightly battered back (a large wave had caught me unawares as I was coming out of the sea and being distracted by my barking hounds).













I can't wait to get us all together for the first time, despite there being a disappointing number of bookings for the activity day. Maybe Half Term isn't the best time to plan these things. Andy has done sterling work getting it all ready, even training me in the dark art of the Dance Mat - hardly dancing, more like a physical computer game: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nqGT69I2Wg So I really hope we fill up in the last few days before our first one on Thursday. A local radio station has offered to promote it today, so fingers crossed.

Laura's a celebrity!

A date in the diary

CHILDREN'S ACTIVITY DAY

12 - 16 YEAR OLDS

THURSDAY OCTOBER 28TH

St Felix School - Reydon - Suffolk

12.30 - 4PM

POWER KITING/ZIG ZAG DANCE MATS

(Weather permitting)

To book call Andy on 07841 435543

More 'giving' probems

The frustrations of not having the Virgin giving site working properly has been really getting to me. I really hope no-one has been put off supporting us...

Dear Claire,


I am sorry to hear that you have experienced problems when accessing the site and understand the frustration that this has caused.


There has been a requirement to undertake maintenance on the site recently which all our Charities were notified of.


In addition, we unfortunately experienced an issue from our card service provider on Friday that impacted donations for an approx 2 hour period. Full service was restored as soon as possible. There is no underlying issue with the site.


I would like to assure you that Virgin Money Giving take comments made by all our site users very seriously in order that we can continue to provide an excellent service and the recent period is not a reflection of our normal service standards.


Once again, please accept my apologies.


Kind regards




Neil Johnson
Head of Customer Services
The Virgin Money Giving Team

Motivation

I'm in dire need of some motivation, my op has set me back on the running from, and whilst I'm back at the classes with Mark and regularly practicing my yoga, it's the running that really gets the stamina going. To help me get back into the swing of things I am going to employ 2 techniques:

1. buy new trainers (the old ones are dying and if I get new ones I'll feel guilty if I don't use them
2. get a mentor

Trainer wise I'm looking for something that can withstand the winter weather and so far these are the winners, but it'll depend on what I can afford.

Columbia – Ravenous Womens Trail Running Shoe

• A gusseted tongue to keep out unwanted debris
• 3D Techlite heel system provides conforming fit as well as stabilizing the foot over the midsole for protection on technical terrain
• Contour Comfort 1D single-density EVA footbed
• AgION® anti-odour treatment
• Dual density Techlite moulded midsole
• Soft lateral foot strike zone to provide greater cushioning in the heel
• Lower profile geometry provides stability
• Non-marking Omni-Grip® dual rubber compound that provides traction on wet surfaces as well as loose and soft surfaces

And I have also found myself a mentor, I don't think I'll get away with anything where Milo is concerned

Get a grip

I must, get a grip that is. There I was feeling all pathetic and wondering if could do it and then I read about Wim Hof, who featured in a C4 programme called Ice Man:

In sub zero temperatures 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle, Dutch Daredevil Wim Hof attempts to run a full 26-mile marathon clad only in shorts and a pair of sandals.

Hof currently holds nine world records for exposure to extreme cold, but this awe inspiring act of endurance surpasses all his previous adventures. Exposing the body to temperatures of -25C for more than four hours is an extraordinary challenge, one which experts fear is beyond the capabilities of human beings.

This film follows Wim's preparations in Amsterdam, which include taking midnight dips in freezing canals and meditating in a meat freezer.

I suppose that's my weekend viewing sorted then.

Ice holes

Having watched 71 degrees North this evening I am beginning to have serious doubts about the whole sleeping in ice holes concept. Cosy? Yes, and practical too, but the idea of putting claustrophobic thoughts out of my head has been annihilated by the contestants and judges taking part, who said things like "ice tomb", "buried alive" and "danger of collapse". What am I thinking?! I don't fear the cold, the physical challenge of covering 60K a day, staying on a sled at speed or even my team mates' snoring, but I am terrified of confined spaces. I don't even use the tube for crying out loud. Lifts are a challenge for me.

I really hope the Mark and Steve, our ice hole diggers are good with "all things spadey", which was what Diarmuid Gavin was described as (and then swiftly got voted off). And I also hope that Miloš remembers to pack the spades. Maybe we could build and igloo or even copy some of the Ice Hotel's ideas? Laura and Steve seemed to like the design last time.

I could live in this forever, I don't think I could live in an ice hole for one night.

I don't suppose having cold feet at this stage is allowed...?