The end of training is near... 7 days to go!

I can't believe that this time next week I'll be on a plane with a bunch of people I don't know, all sharing the challenge of beating Kilimanjaro.

I did not go out and play on Friday night... instead, down the very empty gym undertaking the last big work out before I go.  I will still head to the gym two or three times, but will be only doing half the effort as I wind it down and give me an extra rest day before the real hard work begins.

I really don't know if I have done enough.  Its been great getting back into the gym after so long out, and the fact I improved so quickly in the beginning proves I was very much out of shape.  Now I feel better in myself.  Its a very different fitness level so I've not been able to compare, but the arms and legs feel solid, and I'm not out of breath when I do my running and walking around town.

Today I'm packing up my kit, and making a final list of the things I still need... If I get really motivated, I may even go out and buy the last few bits I need.  If not, it'll be a last minute dash mid week.

Tomorrow I'm taking a day out in the country to spend time with one of my good friends and help celebrate his daughters first birthday.  Will have to sample the home made delights (the fresh fried egg sandwiches are amazing!).  Then I have the final few days at work... not sure if my concentration levels will be there, so I hope they don't want anything important to be completed.

I've been asked by several people if I'm ready for this... and the honest answer is I don't know.

I've never done anything like this before... so I've been comparing it to losing my virginity... so many concerns about my kit, and if I'm fit enough, and what will happen should I want to go slower and what will happen if I'm too quick.  Concerns about my load, and have I got enough, or do I need more!? Concerns about the team, will they try to kill me, will they be scared and run away, what if their kit is bigger/better/faster than mine, lol.

The fact is, I'm as ready as I'm ever going to be, and its going to be a big learning curve.  And if I'm not as fit as I need to be, its going to be hard and painful.

One thing is for sure though, if the fitness doesn't get me there... my shear stubbornness will take over.  And of course, the support from my sexy friends!

Thanks a million!