well, the first training walk didnt happen today, as planned, poor old Jimbob, has a nasty dose of food poisoning and Luke is working.

Still, the time wasn't entirely wasted, im spending today contacting potential corporate sponsors, so that we can make this happen. Its as simple as this, if we CANT get a sponsor, or sponsors, to help us with our expenses, then this event simply ISNT going to happen.

The entry for the walk, alone is 50 euro's, then on top of that there is travelling costs, kit, logistics, training etc....

I've emailed and phoned some big companies, and a lot of prominent local companies, so fingers crossed they get back to me in a positive way, and we can start moving forward on the difficult bits.

Im also looking at other potential events and dates, that are more local, as a contingency, should we not be able to secure a sponsor, or the sponsor we do secure is lower budget than i had hoped for.

I think all in, were probably looking at costs of £10000 to make sure it happens, which when you break it down, and bearing mind we need at least 11 people to compete as a team at Nijmegen, works out at less than £1000 per person, and that has to cover kit, travel, logistics etc.

Its easily do-able, and probably for a lot less than that, but the old maxim of "fail to prepare, prepare to fail" is ringing round in my head, so i want to make sure this is organised properly and nothing is left to chance, after all, if we mess up, its not us who suffers, its the charities, and THEY are the reason this is happening.

Hopefully, the next blog, should bring some developments, and hopefully, they will be positive, FINGERS CROSSED!

One Love

Tam

well, now that everything seems to be falling into place regarding the organisation, the REAL issue can be addressed.

FTNESS! something i have battled with before, and no doubt will continue to do so, as i try to adapt my body to try and handle the rigours that lay ahead.

At 35, and about a stone and a half overweight, my physical peak is well behind me, i creak when i get out of bed right now! so i am under no illusions as to how hard this is going to be on my body, both the preparations, and the march itself.

I have a feeling this is going to be as much a mental challenge, as a physical one as well, with that in mind, we have enlisted the help of Broadland Rugby Football Club to help us with our fitness (a link to their website can be found on the THANKS page) and hopefully, a good couple of hours workout each week, will go a long, long way to preparing us for this.

I must just take this opportunity to thank Simon Ruddick, and all the staff at BRFC for their help and support on this, as it is very appreciated.

Our first training walk, also goes ahead this saturday, nothing major at this stage, just a bimble to Burgh Castle and back, which covers roughly about 10 miles, but is should be a nice light walk at this stage, there is no need to push ourselves to hard just yet, in all honesty, that probably wont start until the new year.

One Love

Tam