Well, Im Back - trek is done. I will be posting a diary of the 18 Days and photos, may take a short while, bear with me - Alan.

Days till Challenge - 3

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	137 hr mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	118 hr 30 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	95

Well - Im off to London today, this is the last time for a while that this page will be updated - I hope to update the Overseas Blog whilst away, Here Goes.............

Days till Challenge - 4

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	137 hr mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	118 hr 30 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	95

Teaching class in Strathdon tonight then heading to the airport in the morning, have already checked in online for my Heathrow Flight, one less thing to do tomorrow - the wonders of the Internet :>

Days till Challenge - 5

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	137 hr mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	118 hr 30 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	95

Sent some emails out yesterday saying I was off soon and came into work this morning to find a couple have added to my online sponsorship page at JustGiving - many thanks Guys :)

Accommodation booked for Wednesday 18th October - Los Marqueses Hotel

Out with kids tonight, this will be the last time I'll get to see them for a few weeks :(

Days till Challenge - 6

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	137 hr mins
Hours Trained	2 hr 30 mins	Total Hours Trained	118 hr 30 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	95

Worked late last night to get some things done before heading off at the end of the week, so left around 8pm - visited my Gran later at night, so all in all no time tonight for any walking or training - have classes tonight & Thursday and thats as much exercise as I'll get this week. Need to finalise the Nazca Tour before I leave too.

Classes in Alford tonight,

Got my Confirmation of reservation for a seat on the Andean Explorer, an Orient Express train that runs from Puno to Cuzco, will be travelling on that on 18th October - have opted for the 1st class option more for a comfort and security issue - the train has backpacker carriages at a fraction of the cost but you cannot prebook these and with being on such a tight schedule I wanted to ensure that I was on that days train.

First Class on the Andean Explorer

` The Andean Explorer is exquisitely decorated in the fine manner of the great Pullman trains of the 1920’s and boasts a full fleet of refurbished coaches including dining cars and an open-air observation bar car, which is unique in South America.

On the journey passengers are served a three course lunch in the dining car followed by coffee served in the observation-bar car.

The Andean Explorer runs between Cuzco and Lake Titicaca. This service, full of romance and style, unites two of Peru’s top tourist destinations`

Days till Challenge - 7

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	137 hr mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	116 hr mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	95

Into office this morning to confirmation and Itinery for the Lake Titicaca tour for the second week

15 OCT Cuzco
7.00am transfer to Travel by INCA EXPRESS tourist bus to Lake Titicaca . Buffet lunch in Sicuani and tours with English speaking guide to Andahuaylillas, Raqchi, La Raya & Pukara . Bus is fully equipped for tourism. Entrances to sites approx $4 not included. Overnight. Puno Hotel el Buho

16 OCT Titicaca .
07.30am Transfer from the hotel to the port and by motor visit the Uros Islands people who live on floating reed islands some only 20 metres in length. After a beautiful 3hr boat ride we reach Amantani island where you`ll enjoy the traditional customs of the island people. Food and authentic music prepared and performed by your designated family.

17 OCT Titicaca .
Short boat ride to the neighbouring Taquile island. After lunch , return trip to Puno. Arrival in the afternoon and transfer back to hotel approx 5 pm. Overnight. Puno Hotel el Buho

18 OCT
transport under own arrangements? - Looking to catch Train back to Cuzco

My plans are changing all the time, have just found that SAS Peru do a Nazca Lines tour - so looking into taking that from Cuzco on the Thursday after i return to Cuzco via train on the wednesday evening - this will get me back into Lima on the Saturday Afternoon for a flight home on the Sunday - Will keep you all informed.

Days till Challenge - 8

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	137 hr mins
Hours Trained	2 hr mins	Total Hours Trained	116 hr mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	95

Another long day in Alford - Coloured belt testing / tag testing - Graded myself to Red Tag, out for food after, then home for sleep - been a very busy week, and have got very few days left before heading off.

Days till Challenge - 9

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	137 hr mins
Hours Trained	1 hr 30 mins	Total Hours Trained	114 hr mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	95

Long busy day in Alford today, we have 7 testing for IL Dan, 1 for Ee Dan and 2 for Sam Dan - was on my feet assisting for the day and got involved in bits and pieces

Days till Challenge - 10

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	137 hr mins
Hours Trained	1 hr 30 mins	Total Hours Trained	112 hr 30 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	95

Class tonight in Kingswells, food at costco them home for sleep - tomorrow a long day - Dan Tests out in Alford.

Days till Challenge - 11

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	137 hr mins
Hours Trained	1 hr 30mins	Total Hours Trained	111 hr mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	95

Classes out in Strathdon tonight - great yet again :) - ended up back at my CI's with the Visiting Instructors for tea & pasta - didnt get in till 1am - going to be a sleepy day tomorrow :(

Days till Challenge - 12

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	137 hr mins
Hours Trained	1 hr mins	Total Hours Trained	109 hr 30 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	95

Swimming with kids tonight, then got home and repacked kit - took somethings out, and put others in - getting every closer to heading out!!

Booked the Lake Titicaca Tour with SAS Peru today, so thats half of the second week sorted.

Days till Challenge - 13

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	137 hr mins
Hours Trained	2 hr 30 mins	Total Hours Trained	108 hr 30 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	95

At classes again tonight, lots of sweat lost :)

Days till Challenge - 14

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	137 hr mins
Hours Trained	4 hr mins	Total Hours Trained	106 hr mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	95

Holiday Monday in Aberdeen, but with a Visiting Instructor here, that means theres day time classes - ouch - I still ache.

Days till Challenge - 15

Hours Walked	1 hr 30 mins	Total Hours Walked	137 hr mins
Hours Trained	3 hr 30 mins	Total Hours Trained	102 hr mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	95

Went walking in the morning, despite the rain then out to Alford for afternoon classes, recovery afterwards and home by 11pm - have to do it all again tomorrow :)

Days till Challenge - 16

Hours Walked	hr 30 mins	Total Hours Walked	135 hr 30 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	98 hr 30 mins
Alcohol Intake	2	Total Alcohol Intake	95

Early start to meet an instructor at the Airport, but a quiet chilled day afterwards, short walk in afternoon, then at Blue Moon in the evening

Days till Challenge - 17

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	135 hr mins
Hours Trained	4 hr mins	Total Hours Trained	98 hr 30 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	93

No work today, so had lunch with a friend at MUSA Art Cafe, then was at Ceilidh in Craigievar at night, danced my socks off for hours, then went back to friends - finally got in at 4.30am

Days till Challenge - 18

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	135 hr mins
Hours Trained	1 hr 30 mins	Total Hours Trained	94 hr 30 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	93

Class in Strathdon tonight, after finishing work at 4pm for the Holiday Weekend.

Days till Challenge - 19

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	135 hr mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	93 hr mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	93

SAS Travel Peru is the company that will be taking us to Machu Picchu, looking at taking their tour to Lake Titicaca also for the second week.
No walking and no swimming tonight.

Days till Challenge - 20

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	135 hr mins
Hours Trained	2 hr mins	Total Hours Trained	93 hr mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	93

Have classes tonight - least will get some exercise done - beginning to feel a bit of a slob of late!

Couple of hours in class, then out for coffee afterwards - getting ever closer to the off and have been reminded of some loose ends i need to tie up first before heading off!!!

Days till Challenge - 21

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	135 hr mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	91 hr mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	93

No walking, no training tonight - departure date getting ever closer!!!

Days till Challenge - 22

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	135 hr mins
Hours Trained	1 hr mins	Total Hours Trained	91 hr mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	93

Another quiet day except for a visit to beach lesuire centre - swimming with kids.

Days till Challenge - 23

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	135 hr mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	90 hr mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	93

No walking today - another quiet day.ended up down at the beach though kids played in playground.

Days till Challenge - 24

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	135 hr mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	90 hr mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	93

Well !! - could feel it coming, last night was sniffing, sneezing and feeling Blaaaa - know that everything recently has been all go and that right up to heading off it will be no different - so when i woke this morning with a sore throat knew that im going to have to slow down a little and take something for it - a bit of TLC on me wouldnt go amis.

Quiet evening at home with the kids & an early night.

Days till Challenge - 25

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	135 hr mins
Hours Trained	1 hr 30 mins	Total Hours Trained	90 hr mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	93

Strathdon Class tonight - so some training done, but no walking

Been looking at the week after the trek, not got a lot of time to get down to Puno / Lake Titicaca & Bolivia and still be back in Cuzco for the Early Morning Wednesday flight to Lima - so been thinking of just doing my own thing, missing the flight (that DA/ANT Have me booked on) and making my own way to Lima later on in the week. Means that I wouldn't get as much Choi done when in Lima, and that that I would lose some money on the hostel reservations already made (its not a lot) - however, this would give me greater freedom to spend some time in a place that I am unlikey to be back to again in a hurry - This is looking like the more attractive option and so I'm looking into buses that run from Cuzco to Lima via the Nazca Lines so I can do an overflight with one of the companies there.

Went in past The Lemon Tree at lunchtime - to collect tickets for Nerina Pallot in November. there was a lass singing - Amber - was good, stayed and had lunch there.

Days till Challenge - 26

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	135 hr mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	88 hr 30 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	93

Quiet evening with kids - no walking, no training

Days till Challenge - 27

Hours Walked	hr 30 mins	Total Hours Walked	135 hr mins
Hours Trained	2 hr 30 mins	Total Hours Trained	88 hr 30 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	93

Bought an Oyster Card today online, going to be in London a few times over the next few months and this will save having to worry about getting tickets for the tube

At class tonight - managed more than i thought I would, ended up back at CI's house and went out walking later when their dogs needed out. - Late night again though, as fellow trek participant Lee had sent me a DVD of the Inca Trail that had been on TV - so ended up watching some of that.

Days till Challenge - 28

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	134 hr 30 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	86 hr mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	93

Quiet night tonight, as I dont have any more time to walk seriously between now and heading off - decided to get some of the packing done of kit thats coming with me.

Days till Challenge - 29

Hours Walked	6 hr mins	Total Hours Walked	134 hr 30 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	86 hr mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	93

After a few hours sleep in Scott Lodge in Glen Doll, was up and away headed up past Moulzie and the Strone to get to Bachnagairn, on way met up with McKryton who showed me the route over to Jocks Road to do a circuit back into Glen Doll - This wasnt on my ageing OS44 - so drew in on and took GPS Co-ordinates for the paths junction to help - which it did, as the last half mile there was no track and ended up going straight over the heather.

Came down Jocks Road and stopped off for a bit at the Shelter on the path, before heading back down into Glen Doll - Hadnt planned on being out that long and had not taken sufficient food - kept going on Dextros Tablets - Will be packing more of them in future too - lifesavers :)

---

ON JOCKS ROAD

Days till Challenge - 30

Hours Walked	6 hr mins	Total Hours Walked	128 hr 30 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	86 hr mins
Alcohol Intake	10	Total Alcohol Intake	93

More walking today, although nothing too far away, kept it urban and semi flat - BBQ at Night with fellow participants and was up till the wee hours.

Days till Challenge - 31

Hours Walked	2 hr mins	Total Hours Walked	122 hr 30 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	86 hr mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	83

Headed off to Glen Doll tonight for a Geocaching Weekend - will be doing lots of walking over next few days. - Went out via Braemar, and down Glen Shee and through Kirriemuir to Glen Clova & Glen Doll - Stopped off at various points along the way with headtorch on and found some before getting some sleep.

Days till Challenge - 32

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	120 hr 30 mins
Hours Trained	1 hr mins	Total Hours Trained	86 hr mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	83

Out to class in Strathdon tonight, teaching mainly.

Days till Challenge - 33

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	120 hr 30 mins
Hours Trained	1 hr mins	Total Hours Trained	85 hr mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	83

Swimming with kids in Alford

Days till Challenge - 34

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	120 hr 30 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	84 hr mins
Alcohol Intake	2	Total Alcohol Intake	83

Not at class tonight, family meal to attend instead - my hours logged for walking / training has taken a bit of a dive recently and not all due to the injury. Time is ticking away and it seems as if I have come to a standstill, I'm not worried that I'm not prepared for the trip, was ready some time ago - it just seems that I'm not keeping up with the level i was at a while ago. or maybe its just me being paranoid.

Days till Challenge - 35

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	120 hr 30 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	84 hr mins
Alcohol Intake	1	Total Alcohol Intake	81

Was supposed to be starting my rock climbing course today, thats had to be cancelled though - will arrange to do it on my return from South America.

Getting every closer till we go, still need to do a trial pack of kit - make sure im not over packing. - Managed this tonight - and was quite impressed, didnt have everything packed, but was around the 18kg mark for main pack and day pack together :)

Days till Challenge - 36

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	120 hr 30 mins
Hours Trained	2 hr mins	Total Hours Trained	84 hr mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	80

Out to class today - did as much as I could, not overdoing the leg techniques though, still managed a couple of hours.

Days till Challenge - 37

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	120 hr 30 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	82 hr mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	80

Was at a fellow CI's Birthday BBQ this afternoon - was asked how long till i go? - its just under 5 weeks !! - still have a few small things to arrange, but not long now.

Days till Challenge - 38

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	120 hr 30 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	82 hr mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	80

Quiet night with the kids - not overdoing things with leg.

Days till Challenge - 39

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	120 hr 30 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	82 hr mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	80

Out to Doctors this morning - now on a 2 month course of heafty anti-inflamatories / pain killers - No running - allowed walking :) trek still a go.

Ordered US $ online through British Airways Travelex - can pick them up from Aberdeen Airport on my day of choice & I get BA Miles as part of the purchase :)

Went out to class in Strathdon tonight, ended up teaching a fair bit of it which was good - managed all but kicks - keeping that till leg is better.

Days till Challenge - 40

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	120 hr 30 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	82 hr mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	80

Quiet evening with the kids tonight - no swimming, no walking, no training - leg still hurting.

Called BUPA tonight, advised me to see GP - heading there in the morning.

Days till Challenge - 41

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	120 hr 30 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	82 hr mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	80

Was out to class tonight, again not training - Still hurting and need to ease up.

Days till Challenge - 42

Hours Walked	1 hr mins	Total Hours Walked	120 hr 30 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	82 hr mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	80

Short Walk round Stonehaven after work before heading home

Days till Challenge - 43

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	119 hr 30 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	82 hr mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	80

Quieter day today - still in the park in Strathdon - didnt stay late and was home early evening, headed out to office for some catch up and spoke to friend in Ireland who recently did Peru for a bit.

Days till Challenge - 44

Hours Walked	5 hr mins	Total Hours Walked	119 hr 30 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	82 hr mins
Alcohol Intake	16	Total Alcohol Intake	80

Day of the Lonach Gathering 2006 (will post a selection of photos later) - up at 6.30 am!! (3 hrs sleep) and off to the park for 7.30 for the start of the march of the Highlanders - day was superb and weather was great up to the rain right near the end. - Lots of walking today, around Strathdon and the park.

Days till Challenge - 45

Hours Walked	hr 30 mins	Total Hours Walked	114 hr 30 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	82 hr mins
Alcohol Intake	5	Total Alcohol Intake	64

Finish work tonight and get things together - was out in Strathdon by mid evening for drinks - late one though 3.30am!!

Days till Challenge - 46

Hours Walked	hr 40 mins	Total Hours Walked	114 hr mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	82 hr mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	59

Headed out to Strathdon tonight to drop tent and stuff for this weekends Lonach Gathering, but did short walk on outskirts of Kintore before heading out - Late night - 12;30am Yawn!

Days till Challenge - 47

Hours Walked	hr 40 mins	Total Hours Walked	113 hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	hr 50 mins	Total Hours Trained	82 hr mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	59

Swimming in Alford with Kids after work - still taking it easy, moving in water a lot easier than without - lol

After taking them home ended up out for a short walk before heading home - went in past "Prop of Ythsie" on outskirts of Pitmedden / Tarves.

The Prop of Ythsie is at the highest point of the Haddo Estate. It is a square tower built in 1861 as a memorial to the 4th Earl of Aberdeen, George Hamilton Gordon, who was Prime Minister during the Crimean War. He had been a popular landlord and the 'prop' was built as a tribute from his tenants.

Days till Challenge - 48

Hours Walked	hr 30 mins	Total Hours Walked	112 hr 40 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	81 hr 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	59

Bed in London Booked for Night of Friday October 6th - YHA Thameside

Did little walk over Tullos Hill at lunchtime

Out to class tonight - didnt do much in they way of training - held focus mitts and stuff but didnt do anything to agrivate leg.

Days till Challenge - 49

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	112 hr 10 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	81 hr 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	59

Walking is going to have to take a rest just now - bad enough getting about - was planning on being at RGU gym tonight but the weekends escapades had put paid to that - instead I went to Spindles Health Club just round from the flat and spent a couple of hours in the steam room, sauna & pool

Days till Challenge - 50

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	112 hr 10 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	81 hr 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	59

Didnt manage class - sustained severe muscle injury in upper rear thigh last night - need to take it easy for a while to repair

Days till Challenge - 51

Hours Walked	hr 30 mins	Total Hours Walked	112 hr 10 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	81 hr 10 mins
Alcohol Intake	6	Total Alcohol Intake	59

School Clothes Shopping - walking little round town, then House Warming party at night

Days till Challenge - 52

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	111 hr 40 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	81 hr 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	53

Quiet Evening with Kids

Days till Challenge - 53

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	111 hr 40 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	81 hr 10 mins
Alcohol Intake	2	Total Alcohol Intake	53

No class again tonight - its still too quiet in Strathdon with kids still on school holidays and also the Lonach Gathering being prepared for, so ended up with a last minute txt asking if I fancied seeing the new Pirates of the Caribbean Movie - so did that straight after work, then we all headed off to The Blue Moon for food - ended up getting home from work at 11:15pm!! - no walking then - lol

Days till Challenge - 54

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	111 hr 40 mins
Hours Trained	1 hr 20 mins	Total Hours Trained	81 hr 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	51

Swimming with kids in Alford, no walking tonight

Days till Challenge - 55

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	111 hr 40 mins
Hours Trained	2 hr mins	Total Hours Trained	79 hr 50 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	51

Out to class tonight, so got some training in - up to CI's after for pasta, but didnt get home till near midnight. Needing to catch up on sleep again now

Days till Challenge - 56

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	111 hr 40 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	77 hr 50 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	51

After past while, decided to do nothing tonight - got home from work, ate and slept

Days till Challenge - 57

Hours Walked	1 hr mins	Total Hours Walked	111 hr 40 mins
Hours Trained	2 hr mins	Total Hours Trained	77 hr 50 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	51

Bus got back into Aberdeen at noon - Union Street was closed for an International Street Fair, so walked up and across and up George Street, up past Kittybrewster before catching a bus to Bucksburn. In showered, changed and out to class

Couple of hours at class then we ended up at the bistro for food and back to my instructors house for tea - got home just after 11pm - need to sleep now

Days till Challenge - 58

Hours Walked	9 hr mins	Total Hours Walked	110 hr 40 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	75 hr 50 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	51

Arrived in London Victoria Greenline Coach Station at 6.30am - what else to do but walk!!!

headed off up past Buckingham Palace and into Green Park, through there and towards Hyde Park, past The Serpentine, The Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain and into Kensington Gardens. Came out Victoria Gate and along up to Marble Arch. Down Oxford Street, Oxford Circus, Regent Street, Picadilly Circus. Down past the Armed Police standing near Horse Guards Parade and into Parliment Square. Past Big Ben and Houses of Parliment Across Westminster Bridge and London Eye and back across the bridge. Down Mill Bank towards the M15 building at Vauxhall then back up towards Victoria. up Grovsner Place and down Knightsbridge, past Harrods and down into the Hoop & Toy - got there just before noon.

Sat in on the China Trek orientation and then met up with some of the fellow Peru Trekkers.

The Inca Trail Orientation was very informative and took a lot of notes - will get them typed up soon (I Hope)

Afterwards everyone had to go there seperate ways - except me - i now had 7 hours to kill before being back on a bus - ended up walking back up with Steve to Marble Arch where he got a Tube and I just carried on walking - lol

Days till Challenge - 59

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	101 hr 40 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	75 hr 50 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	51

No walking tonight - Will be on bus to London at 7pm for the meet up with the rest of the group.

Home after work - quick change, grab bag and into town for bus - by morning I'll be in London.

Days till Challenge - 60

Hours Walked	4 hr mins	Total Hours Walked	101 hr 40 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	75 hr 50 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	51

After spending the day at British Red Cross updating my First Aid Certification i went home ate then Headed out to Aboyne to walk the Fungle Road - went up to the top of Carnferg (525 Mtrs)Had been raining most of the way, then at the top it was very windy - had to kit up with hat and gloves then came back in the dark to the car (11.30pm) - finally got back home at 12:45am

Days till Challenge - 61

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	97 hr 40 mins
Hours Trained	1 hr 30 mins	Total Hours Trained	75 hr 50 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	51

Swimming with kids, then home to sort out things for London

Days till Challenge - 62

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	97 hr 40 mins
Hours Trained	2 hr mins	Total Hours Trained	74 hr 20 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	51

At class tonight, first one in a while with it being summer holidays, got a bit boistrious and I ended up getting a bloody nose, own fault I was just as bad, got cleaned up and back on with the class, was good to get back into training - need to shift some weight, seem to have somehow gained 7kgs since last year!!

Days till Challenge - 63

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	97 hr 40 mins
Hours Trained	1 hr mins	Total Hours Trained	72 hr 20 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	51

Have an Induction at the fitness centre of RGU Sport tonight

That went well- they use the Fitlinxx System to log your workout - stayed back for an hour after the setup to use the equipment, then met a friend before home for sleep.

Days till Challenge - 64

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	97 hr 40 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	71 hr 20 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	51

Collected kids for the day, but again didnt get out walking

Days till Challenge - 65

Hours Walked	1 hr mins	Total Hours Walked	97 hr 40 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	71 hr 20 mins
Alcohol Intake	Too Much (Again)	Total Alcohol Intake	39

Was in town today with the kids for "Tartan Day" not much walking - then at night was out for a collegues surprise 30th birthday party

Days till Challenge - 66

Hours Walked	hr 40 mins	Total Hours Walked	96 hr 40 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	71 hr 20 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	39

Quick 40 mins walking at lunchtime - that was all

Days till Challenge - 67

Hours Walked	3 hr 30 mins	Total Hours Walked	96 hr mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	71 hr 20 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	39

At the nurse this morning to get some of the immunisations needed for the trek - all of a sudden its seems so close!!

Dash out to Strathdon tonight, again no one showed up for class - headed towards Clashindarroch Forest to walk round the Ski Trails and up to the summit of Mount of Haddoch was out till it got dark (10.30pm) then headed towards Donside Forest Walks near Bennachie to do some torchlight walking - heard that last day of trek in Peru you leave so early that its still dark - so getting used to walking in pitch black with only a head torch. was 11.30 by the time I got back to the car and midnight before I was home to get showered and slept.

Days till Challenge - 68

Hours Walked	hr 30 mins	Total Hours Walked	92 hr 30 mins
Hours Trained	1 hr 30 mins	Total Hours Trained	71 hr 20 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	39

Swimming tonight, then before going home, walked round the blue trail at Rotten O`Gairn near Kingswells.

Days till Challenge - 69

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	92 hr mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	69 hr 50 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	39

Went to Local Hospital tonight to give blood - not been in a while - was due to give last in March but things have been kinda busy lately - lol

anyways, was planning on walking afterwards however didnt reckon on it knocking me for six this time - felt faint just after the needle was taken out so ended up with my feet in the air for 20 minutes with a nurse checking on me and feeding me water - then when i finally got home and changed I fell asleep on the sofa till 9pm - went and lay down on my bed and fell asleep till 1am then slept through alarm this morning and didnt wake up till 7.30 (late for work)

So, no walking tonight

Days till Challenge - 70

Hours Walked	hr 30mins	Total Hours Walked	92 hr mins
Hours Trained	hr 40 mins	Total Hours Trained	69 hr 50 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	39

Didn't get chance to do any walking over weekend - will have to make up for it this week. Playing squash tonight (6.20) will see what I'm like after that.

Spoke to the nurse today, so I have an appointment on Thursday Morning to get most of my jabs.

Squash was good - not as rusty as I thought I may be :)

Days till Challenge - 71

Hours Walked	hr 30mins	Total Hours Walked	91 hr 30 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	69 hr 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	39

At beach today

Days till Challenge - 72

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	91 hr mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	69 hr 10 mins
Alcohol Intake	1	Total Alcohol Intake	39

No walking today

Days till Challenge - 73

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	91 hr mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	69 hr 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	38

Was on MSN with a fellow MA Instructor this morning - so have a squash game pencilled in for Monday night- not played in o so long a time - will see how that fairs - lol

Also, this morning I booked onto a 4 week Rock Climbing Course which starts in September :) will let you know how that goes too.

Days till Challenge - 74

Hours Walked	3 hr 30 mins	Total Hours Walked	91 hr mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	69 hr 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	38

Little walking at lunchtime round city centre - not much - picked up tickets for the movie Cars which opens tomorrow - will take kids to see it.

Went out to be the Duty Instructor at Lonach's personal training session tonight, but after waiting 25 mins no one showed up - never mind, this is hill country so went a walking, firstly up past Lost Gallery into the Ladder Hills, then before heading home climbed up through the trees to get to the summit of Ben Newe - was warm but wet and need a change of clothes before the hour drive home. Got in after 11pm - knackered.

Days till Challenge - 75

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	87 hr 30 mins
Hours Trained	1 hr mins	Total Hours Trained	69 hr 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	38

Swimming with kids this evening, was going to head out after to walk up Ben Newe on the outskirts of Glenkindie but something came up and had to change plans at last minute, never mind - will do one tomorrow night after the personal training session in Strathdon.

Days till Challenge - 76

Hours Walked	hr 35 mins	Total Hours Walked	87 hr 30 mins
Hours Trained	1 hr mins	Total Hours Trained	68 hr 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	38

Out to class (Personal Training Session) after work tonight so got some work done on patterns and speed drills

On Way home went in past Breemie Stone Circle for some quiet time.

Days till Challenge - 77

Hours Walked	3 hr mins	Total Hours Walked	86 hr 55 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	67 hr 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	38

Home, Changed & Out - by 7pm I was 30 miles south west- just on the outskirts of Banchory at the car park off the B974 at the start of the Glen Dye path to Clachnaben.Walked up to the 589 mtr summit in about and hour and a half, was hot and sweaty on way up and seemed to have a mass following of flys. At the top was windy and needed to kit up, took some photos and headed back down again - took the route through the forest on the way back down, not the one that skirted the trees on the way up. Saw a young roe deer in the trees

Days till Challenge - 78

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	83 hr 55 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	67 hr 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	38

No walking today - kids wanted out to play - 30 degrees in Aberdeen!!

Days till Challenge - 79

Hours Walked	1 hr mins	Total Hours Walked	83 hr 55 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	67 hr 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	38

Very little walking, took kids to Aberdeen Maritime Museum and then along beach to watch the restoration of sand project which is seeing 70,000 cubic meters of sand being pumped onto the beach having been taken from Montrose

Days till Challenge - 80

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	82 hr 55 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	67 hr 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	38

I know its July, I know I have still to do the whole South America Trip, but an email from easyjet this morning got me looking into where to go for New Year. Originally I was looking at Rome, then changed to Marrakesh, now - back to looking into Rome again as it looks like the flight times and things wont work too well for Marrakesh.

Quiet Night with kids - no walking.

Days till Challenge - 81

Hours Walked	1 hr mins	Total Hours Walked	82 hr 55 mins
Hours Trained	1 hr mins	Total Hours Trained	67 hr 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	38

No class tonight as hall being used, so went into town after work - picked up spare boot laces and a thermarest repair kit - lets hope i dont need either when i'm away, but better to have than not.

Got home and should have changed from shoes to boots and went out walking, but didnt. Not long later was in kitchen when i heard the pipes - Thursday - pipes - bucksburn - It was my old band Bucksburn Pipe Band practicing a few hundred yards from the flat at the Muggiemoss Club, so went down to watch and catch up with some old friends.

Got home and did an hour on the bike.

Days till Challenge - 82

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	81 hr 55 mins
Hours Trained	1 hr mins	Total Hours Trained	66 hr 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	38

Left Altens in fog and drizzle to go pick up kids - Alford was hot and sunny !!! - Went swimming and later headed home (via Tescos - picked up Vitamin B & Odourless Garlic Tablets - these are supposed to be good mosqito repellants but will still use the Deet as well.

Not Walking tonight, called BUPA though about info for Inoculations - will now need to see GP / Practice Nurse.

Days till Challenge - 83

Hours Walked	1 hr 40 mins	Total Hours Walked	81 hr 55 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	65 hr 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	38

Lot of talk on the ANT email group about immunisations - so have called Doctors who have asked me to collect forms from them first - then while I was at it thought lets go whole hog - have a dental check up arranged for August to make sure everything is fine before i go, and have also contacted optician with a view to getting disposable lenses for the trip - be more convenient than my normal lense/solution set up.

Out walking at night, didnt do the Martial Art Personal Training Session in Alford - needed more to get out on hills with limited time left to do so - ended up back at Craiglich in Tarland for and hour and a bit

Days till Challenge - 84

Hours Walked	hr mins	Total Hours Walked	80 hr 15 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	65 hr 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	38

Spoke with O2 today, I have a triband cellphone which will work in South America - checked out the coverage maps and in Peru two companies provide service - TIM & Nextel. TIM seems to offer wider coverage with signal in both Lima & Cuzco, Nextel shows Lima Only. Entel provide service in Bolivia, but not in the area I will be in.- Postcards only folks :)

Quiet night tonight, no walking - no training - catch up on some R&R - Away to walk a hill tomorrow night though.

Days till Challenge - 85

Hours Walked	5 hr mins	Total Hours Walked	80 hr 15 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	65 hr 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	38

After a night getting eaten alive by midges, its time to get breakfast, a coffee, strike camp and head off again, this time walking towards Glen Doll before branching up left onto the Footpath back over Capel Mounth to Glen Muick.

Through the forest was easy enough about 45 minutes and stopped off at the waterfall to get some fresh cold water - drank some straight from the falls and chance to soak face and hair in it too. then it was upwards to the hill

Have had previous experience of this particular walk and its not as easy as it looks, but the kids were marvelous and although we stopped numerous times on the way up, we were at the top by the time another hour had past. From here the trail has no surprises and just goes slightly up and down until you get back in view of Loch Muick where it tapers down the hill back to the car park. We were back at the ranger station by 3pm - We covered 14 Miles

Days till Challenge - 86

Hours Walked	6 hr 30 mins	Total Hours Walked	75 hr 15 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	65 hr 10 mins
Alcohol Intake	2	Total Alcohol Intake	38

Blue Sky, Sun is out - packs are ready - Its time for Kids and I to head out.

Ventured to Loch Muick with the plan of heading over hills to Glen Doll in Angus for a nights wild camp before heading back over the Capel Mounth the next day to return to the car.

Started off well enough, but quite early on Daughter was "advising" of her tiredness and not wanting to carry pack, so by the time we got to the top of the first hill it was decision time wether to turn back or go on and camp - she wanted to camp and was "persuaded" by her brother to keep on going

at times i took her pack (which only had her sleeping bag and some powdered food in it) on top of my, already 20kg load.

Stopped at the farmers bothy at the junction to the Lochnagar route and they rested for a bit before we headed off along the footpath that is being reconstructed enroute to Bachnagairn, we continued down the hill on that side towards the bridge going over the falls and walked down the valley for a way before coming to the bridge just up from the intended camp spot.

Got there around 7.30pm and put up tent, gathered firewood and cooked on the stones at the rivers edge before hitting the bags for some sleep - midges gallore though, and foolishly i had left the repellant in the boot of the car from last weekends walking!!

Days till Challenge - 87

Hours Walked	1 hr 45 mins	Total Hours Walked	68 hr 45 mins
Hours Trained	hr mins	Total Hours Trained	65 hr 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	36

Booked Hostel in Lima today- 4 nights for £ 23.00 !! - So from 18th - 22nd October I'll be HERE

Went for short walk tonight round Tollohill Wood near Banchory Devenick after having taken the kids to play down near the beach. Met a couple out for a walk and was talking to them of the Peru Trek - gave them a card for this site.

Days till Challenge - 88

Hours Walked	2 hr min	Total Hours Walked	67 hr mins
Hours Trained	1 hr mins	Total Hours Trained	65 hr 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	36

Was Duty Black Belt for the Personal Training Session at Strathdon Tonight, 1 Adult and 3 Children Showed, so got an hour of training myself, then headed off onto a hill - walked up Lord Arthurs Hill on outskirts of Alford - a 518mtr high hill, walk must be near 5/6 Km. and was getting cold and semi dark by time I got back to the car.

11.15 pm by time I got home, knackered - seriously need to catch up on sleep - was late for work this morning after sleeping in :(

Days till Challenge - 89

Hours Walked	hr 40 min	Total Hours Walked	65hr mins
Hours Trained	1 hrs 30 mins	Total Hours Trained	64hrs 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	36

Managed a short walk on Aberdeen's Coastal Path at lunchtime, then back to work - afterwards went swimming with kids in Alford.

They're asking about camping this weekend which is a good sign that they are still up for some walking.

Cards Arrived today with my contact details on and this web address - will use them for a bit of awareness of the trip / charity.

Days till Challenge - 90

Hours Walked	hr min	Total Hours Walked	64hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	62hrs 40 mins
Alcohol Intake	1	Total Alcohol Intake	36

Out to class tonight, my Instructor not well so there was another CI taking the Kids Class, I took the Adults in the Senior Class and then Took the Adult Class, so didnt do much training - not that i was up for it anyway - Knackered again!

The email group is coming on, starting to find out little things from each of us going on the trek, should make it easier than just being thrust upon each other at the airport before going.

Tried the Peruvian Beer - Cusqunena - (ASDA) - Not too bad.

Days till Challenge - 91

Hours Walked	3 hr min	Total Hours Walked	64hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	62hrs 40 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	35

Holiday Monday in Aberdeen - But I still had to work, got email from ANT today with email addresses of some of the others heading off to Peru in October, we can all now keep in touch with each other before heading off.

Headed off straight from work with the boots and paramo gear and went a walking down Angus way - was at Cairn o' Mount, Fettercairn, Edzell - all in all a good 3 hours walking

Liked the one through the Blue Door on outskirts of Edzell that takes you up the River North Esk.

Cairn o'Mount was a little Foggy!!! & everywhere was soaking wet.

Days till Challenge - 92

Hours Walked	4 hr min	Total Hours Walked	61hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	62hrs 40 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	35

Out late morning, walking round Banchory again, out to Portarch, then to Kincardine O'Neil (Dess Waterfall) then back round to Fetternear Estate at Bernhervie and Then Kemnay and Home for food.

Kids were knackered when I dropped them back in Alford at night - lol

Days till Challenge - 93

Hours Walked	2 hr min	Total Hours Walked	57hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	62hrs 40 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	35

Happy Birthday "A"

Took kids out walking this morning - went up Scolty Hill on the outskirts of Banchory, took the white path to the top and up to General Burnett's Monument.

Had a BBQ in Blackdog in the afternoon / evening - TY J&L :)

Days till Challenge - 94

Hours Walked	hr min	Total Hours Walked	55hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	62hrs 40 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	35

Quiet night, kids dropped at flat late on and after food and catch up was time for sleep.

Days till Challenge - 95

Hours Walked	2 hr min	Total Hours Walked	55hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	62hrs 40 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	35

No class tonight, so worked on a bit then home changed and out walking. Walked around Loriston Country Park before heading south to Newtonhill and along the Nave Nortrail Path to Cran Hill

Days till Challenge - 96

Hours Walked	1 hr min	Total Hours Walked	53hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	1 hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	62hrs 40 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	35

Out to the village after work and took kids swimming - what a heat!! 29 degrees - not been like that in Altens today. got home later and ate, then out for walk round Bucksburn - not too far.

Days till Challenge - 97

Hours Walked	hr min	Total Hours Walked	52hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	2 hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	61hrs 40 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	35

at class tonight, got some training in - but no walking today.

Days till Challenge - 98

Hours Walked	1 hr 30 min	Total Hours Walked	52hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	59hrs 40 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	35

Monday :(

Got home after work, got some food and headed out around 8pm - ended up walking the red route round Castle Fraser. Then went to Burnhervie -walked over the Bridge and along the road and back.

Days till Challenge - 99

Hours Walked	1 hr min	Total Hours Walked	50hr 50 mins
Hours Trained	2 hrs 30 mins	Total Hours Trained	59hrs 40 mins
Alcohol Intake	1	Total Alcohol Intake	35

Short walks this morning as it was Torrential Thunder & Lightening - Went round Kinta Woods in Bridge of Don and Tyrebagger Forest then headed out to Alford for Class - Quiet night at home, fell asleep in chair then couldnt sleep later on :(

Days till Challenge - 100

Hours Walked	9 hr min	Total Hours Walked	49hr 50 mins
Hours Trained	hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	57hrs 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	34

100 Days to go, had to get out today.

Decided to get out and about carrying a bit of weight - made up a weekend pack including tent, sleeping bag, mat - food clothes - everything I would need for roughing it till sunday night - all in all pack was 20Kg - had also got myself a set of walking poles to try

First stop - Kirkhill Forest - did the White Path to Tappie Tower and back - that was couple of hours.

Next - out to Insch for the short walk, but steep(ish) climb to the Dunnideer Hill Fort - had lunch at the top - was bit windy, when i got back to car, I noticed that a couple of things that i had strapped to the top were no longer there, so had to walk back up to see if i could find them - found my map & fleece - but didnt notice till much later that i had also lost a head torch.

Tap O' Noth called next, left car at 3pm for the walk up. Met in with a couple just back from China and spoke for a while, then further up met in with a fellow MA Instructor and his family that had just come down from the top. Made headway for the top (563 m.a.s.l) - Theres an OS Trig Point at the top - again, very windy but you could see for miles.

Got back to the car at 5.30pm and then headed for Alford via Lumsden - walked round the SSW Sculpture Garden

In Alford got some food, the it was time to get to Pitfichie Forest - Walked from the Car Park, round past the Whitehill Stone Circle the followed the Red Track up over Green Hill (399 m.a.s.l) before heading back round the circuit to the car - that was 3 hours and by this time (10pm) I was ready for home, shower and bed.

Days till Challenge - 101

Hours Walked	hr min	Total Hours Walked	40hr 50 mins
Hours Trained	hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	57hrs 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	34

No training tonight - was supposed to be a group of us at cinema to see Jet Li's Fearless, but that was cancelled at last minute - instead another instructor came round to the flat and we watched a few DVD's - ended up not getting to my bed til 3.30am

Days till Challenge - 102

Hours Walked	hr min	Total Hours Walked	40hr 50 mins
Hours Trained	hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	57hrs 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	34

No class tonight, so no training - went to CI's for tea. Will get out walking on Saturday :)

Days till Challenge - 103

Hours Walked	2 hr min	Total Hours Walked	40hr 50 mins
Hours Trained	hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	57hrs 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	34

Managed a couple of hours walking today - firstly up Brimmond Hill, then after went to collect kids for evening and did a walk round Murray Park in Alford.

Days till Challenge - 104

Hours Walked	hr min	Total Hours Walked	38hr 50 mins
Hours Trained	hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	57hrs 10 mins
Alcohol Intake	1	Total Alcohol Intake	34

Got an email today from ANT Events team - the orientation event has been arranged - its Sat 12th August (A day I have free - was going to attend World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow - but don't have to) - thing is though - the event is in Knightsbridge, London!!

Have looked into various methods of getting down - Drive / Fly / Train - best one time wise, arrival location and cost seems to be Megabus

UPDATE - Bus Booked! - Leave Aberdeen 19:15 on Friday Arrive London 06:15 Saturday. The slide show / meet up is 14:00 - 16:00 then back on bus from London at 23:45 to head north - arrive back in Aberdeen at 11:45 on the Sunday - LOL Bit of a trip for 2 hours, but hey - Lifes an Adventure :)

Spoke to Jamie today - she's looking to make it to the London Event too

Not at class tonight - have other plans.

Days till Challenge - 105

Hours Walked	1 hr min	Total Hours Walked	38hr 50 mins
Hours Trained	hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	57hrs 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	33

Quiet Night tonight, been busy at work today and not overdoing the knees - still managed an hour on the sand round by Donmouth in the Bridge of Don.

Days till Challenge - 106

Hours Walked	hr min	Total Hours Walked	37hr 50 mins
Hours Trained	3 hrs 30 mins	Total Hours Trained	57hrs 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	33

Went down to Beach this morning to cheer on "A & C" as they did the Tesco's Race for Life Event - then out to class for the afternoon, knees feeling lots better - still training with them strapped up, but giving it loads in class :>

Friend and fellow Instructor gave me a 65ltr Karrimor Pack this evening - going to see if it will be big enough for all my gear in October.

Instructor told me the reason for my iffy neck - one shoulder is lower than the other! caused by one muscle being shorter than the other - can be helped by doing some stretching exercises - so on with them.

Days till Challenge - 107

Hours Walked	hr 30 min	Total Hours Walked	37hr 50 mins
Hours Trained	hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	53hrs 40 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	33

Kinda Quiet today too - went to cinema with kids and friends - so walked length of Union Street and back - not a lot, but say 30 mins

Days till Challenge - 108

Hours Walked	hr min	Total Hours Walked	37hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	53hrs 40 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	33

Quiet night tonight with kids and friends - no walking, no training.

Days till Challenge - 109

Hours Walked	hr min	Total Hours Walked	37hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	1 hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	53hrs 40 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	33

Out to class in Strathdon tonight - taking it light and my instructor concerned that I do my usual and go for it - but I know myself to take it easy this time, must be the universe trying to tell me something.

Got email today from Breemie Festival - an update on the event, and letting me know that the site is open anytime anyone would like to revisit the stone circle and the labyrinth - can see me going again sometime :)

Days till Challenge - 110

Hours Walked	hr min	Total Hours Walked	37hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	hrs 30 mins	Total Hours Trained	52hrs 40 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	33

Going today without knee support - and so far alls well - still taking it easy though.

Got an unexpected phonecall this afternoon from a nice lady at ANT Events Team, turns out she will be coming with us all to Peru :>

There may well be a meet up of us all in August - details still to be released.

Went swimming with kids tonight, took it easy and knees feeling better, moving better than they have all week - didnt overdo it though (as I have a habit of doing) - then home for food and rest :>

Days till Challenge - 111

Hours Walked	hr min	Total Hours Walked	37hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	52hrs 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	33

Went out to class, but didn't train - not worth agrivating knee. Did a stretch, then held a shield for one of our AI's training for his Black Belt Test in September, ended up back at my Instructors house for coffee. All in all a quiet kind of night.

Days till Challenge - 112

Hours Walked	hr min	Total Hours Walked	37hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	52hrs 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	33

Boy is my knee still playing up!! - went out at lunchtime today to get a beefy support for it, also picked up the Nicky Cairney EP - "Beneath the Hills & Fairytales"

Quiet Evening spent recovering - Ice packs were out again, also an early night - catch up on some sleep - always seem to be going 100 MPH, so think (especially after some talks at Breemie) that I need to start concentrating on me and keeping myself well.

Days till Challenge - 113

Hours Walked	4 hr min	Total Hours Walked	37hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	52hrs 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	33

Early Start Today - Heading to Edinburgh for The Great Scottish Walk - 12 Mile circuit of Edinburgh. - It Rained !!

Started of well enough, with a walk round Hollyrood Park and Arthurs Seat then headed off through Princes Street Gardens and then down fruitmarket, and up to Leith Walk - down towards Ocean Terminal and then returning back to Meadowbank Stadium - all in all 4 hours - then into edinburgh for food and head home - right knee giving me severe problems though - own stupid fault, know I have issues with it, but didnt strap it up before walking - paying the price now - got home and started the ice packs :(

Days till Challenge - 114

Hours Walked	5 hr min	Total Hours Walked	33hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	52hrs 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	33

Breemie Festival

Got there just before 11am, and didnt know what to expect - knew I had to be there and had a feeling that I would meet a friend there that I had not met for a long time - right enough on my first walk round I see her sitting in on a talk in a kurt.

We met later on for coffee and talked a lot, lots of things where discussed - life, plans, healing - all sorts of things and it was very enlightening - she encouraged me to sit in on some of the talks and try the healing tent - so I went to the kurt that she was in previously and sat in on a talk by a Tibetan Buddhist, then later tried Shiatsu Massage and Reflexology. Was a very interesting day and it brought some answers, and many more questions.

In the evening, there was entertainment on stage and really enjoyed the performance by Nicky Cairney - there is an EP out just now, so will go pick one up. didnt stay late (10.15) so missed the late evening happenings - all being well, I will return next year.

Days till Challenge - 115

Hours Walked	hr 30 min	Total Hours Walked	28hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	52hrs 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	33

Walked over Tullos Hill at lunchtime - got a phonecall from a friend, who mentioned the Breemie Festival - so in the spirit of all things having meaning and not being just co-incidences - I have bought my ticket and will be there tomorrow - At a BBQ tonight as well - so all in all a very busy weekend - when do i never ? ?

BBQ tonight consisted of food being cooked outside and eaten inside - was raining ! ! - Didnt stay too late as out for rest of the weekend.

Days till Challenge - 116

Hours Walked	hr min	Total Hours Walked	27hr 50 mins
Hours Trained	hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	52hrs 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	33

Back to work today - not 100% (Least the vomiting has stopped) - will take it easy over next few days - not doing class tonight, nor running - keep myself for Sunday, heading to Edinburgh for "The Great Scottish Walk"

Days till Challenge - 117

Hours Walked	hr min	Total Hours Walked	27hr 50 mins
Hours Trained	hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	52hrs 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	33

Early hours wasnt too great - up being sick and alsorts - finally settled down by 3.40am - called office, no way I could have gone in.

Days till Challenge - 118

Hours Walked	hr min	Total Hours Walked	27hr 50 mins
Hours Trained	3hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	52hrs 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	33

Last night was a waste of time - know now not to do that again! - would rather be doing something on my own than sitting in doing nothing (on my own)

Anyways, class tonight, and possibly running afterwards - will let you know :)

Did class and although wasnt really up for running afterwards did 3K.

wasnt feeling too hot after and had a coffee then home to a hot water bottle and an ice pack - little did i know what would happen in the next few hours.

Days till Challenge - 119

Hours Walked	hr min	Total Hours Walked	27hr 50 mins
Hours Trained	hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	49hrs 10 mins
Alcohol Intake	4	Total Alcohol Intake	33

No walking today - succumed to Pizza & Beer - nothing else achieved.

Days till Challenge - 120

Hours Walked	hr min	Total Hours Walked	27hr 50 mins
Hours Trained	3 hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	49hrs 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	29

Son better today, so went out to Alford for class - decision was taken after short while to take the class out to Haughton Park - so remainder of the classes were done in the glorious sunshine (Factor 20 slapped on - still red in the face though) - Today though it is daughters turn to turn ill, and evening was spent with her being sick - have to watch her in morning now as she wont be allowed into school, so home via office to collect work that i can do from home when there in their bed.

Days till Challenge - 121

Hours Walked	hr min	Total Hours Walked	27hr 50 mins
Hours Trained	hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	46hrs 10 mins
Alcohol Intake	2	Total Alcohol Intake	29

Had planned on training today, but son woke up being sick so day was spent at home as he slept most of the day.

Days till Challenge - 122

Hours Walked	hr min	Total Hours Walked	27hr 50 mins
Hours Trained	hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	46hrs 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	27

TFIF :>

Nothing today - had to work late to play catch up after Kwik fit took and hour to sort out 3 new tyres for me (front two were 2mm) then collected kids from their mum before visiting a friend in town for a while with them.

Days till Challenge - 123

Hours Walked	hr min	Total Hours Walked	27hr 50 mins
Hours Trained	2 hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	46hrs 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	27

Decent 8 Hrs sleep - whoo hoo - throat still sore - taking strepsils today - Have class in Strathdon tonight, followed by a run - will see how things go.

Looking at my ABZ - LHR flight today for October, will book it soon to get a decent price.

UPDATE - Booked flight, will update flightplan.

Class Tonight went fine, hot & sweaty as usual - then out for 5K run with "A" & "C" - struggled with parts of it tonight, so ended up going for coffee afterwards, except 100yards along the road notice i had a flat - rear nearside tyre had a puncture - great - on a small country road with a bend!! - walked back with hazzard triangle and then set about emptying boot to get spare - anyone that knows me knows how much is in my boot - last night there was three suitcases - 3 gym/swim bags - 2 backpacks - jerry can of fuel and various other things, all of which had to be cleared to get to the spare - fun.

anyway, spare fitted (a space saver - max speed 50mph!!) and then onwards for coffee. left an hour later for journey home, on way there had fuel light come on, washer light come on and a deer bound out in front of me missing car by inches - What next ? ? Well, when I got to the flat I set about gathering up items for taking upstairs with me - only to discover I didnt have my keys!! Realised that I had left them beside my desk at work!, so then I had to drive across town to get them - was midnight by the time I got back - so another late night - par for the course.

Days till Challenge - 124

Hours Walked	hr min	Total Hours Walked	27hr 50 mins
Hours Trained	hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	44hrs 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	27

Throat worse today, and nightmare to drag myself out of bed. But did and at work - slept a little in car at lunchtime.

Quiet Evening with kids, then sleep - needed to catch up on some. cant have me being run down and not able to train - whole point of this is to have me fit for going away in October, not so completely knackered that I cant go!!

Days till Challenge - 123

Hours Walked	hr min	Total Hours Walked	27hr 50 mins
Hours Trained	3 hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	44hrs 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	27

Today is 06/06/06 - !!!!!!

Uneventful day, then out to classes in Alford at night - put through paces again with the Black Belt Class and then ran with "A" afterwards - only did 3K as was done from the class. Coffee, then home and sleep.

Still have this niggling sore throat and sneezing all the time - prob. just run down and need to ease up a little - should really take my own advice - will try to - promise.

Days till Challenge - 124

Hours Walked	hr min	Total Hours Walked	27hr 50 mins
Hours Trained	1 hrs 30 mins	Total Hours Trained	41hrs 10 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	27

Up at 6.30am - had to collect mail from Dyce so into office by 7.30 - little tired today, was going to have an easy night, but we have a visiting 4th Degree Instructor up from Wales and visiting a class in Newtonhill tonight so heading off to that after work - glutton for punishment :)

Well, survived the day - did the class in Newtonhill - then got some food with a fellow instructor - headed home and straight to bed - was done!!

Days till Challenge - 125

Hours Walked	hr min	Total Hours Walked	27hr 50 mins
Hours Trained	3 hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	39hrs 40 mins
Alcohol Intake	1	Total Alcohol Intake	27

11hrs sleep!! - cant remember last time i did that - was great

Today's a grading day - was out in alford for just before noon and did floor command for all the floors before it was my turn to grade - went for it (as usual) and was knackered at the end, but hey - im now the proud owner of a purple tag for my belt - did the food, coffee etc afterwards and was 00:45 before i got into my bed - another late one!

Days till Challenge - 126

Hours Walked	1 hr min	Total Hours Walked	27hr 50 mins
Hours Trained	hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	36hrs 40 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	26

Early start today after getting to bed at 1am!! - Today is the Emerdale Event - there with Granite Security as part of the team looking after the VIP Area for Cast & Crew. Long day, on your feet all the time, but good fun too - did this last year and they're a real nice bunch that remembered us from that - what was good was got to do the 700ft Zip Slide - in fact I got to go twice :> first time was just before Lorraine Chase so I could get her back through the throng of people in the park without delay.

BBQ in Alford afterwards then home at 11pm - SLEEP!!!!!

Revised Flight Plan arrived today as well.

Days till Challenge - 127

Hours Walked	hr min	Total Hours Walked	26hr 50 mins
Hours Trained	1 hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	36hrs 40 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	26

Easy day today, then home for tea with a friend, later on showered, dressed and headed off the the Station Hotel in Ellon for "Jamies" fundraising ceilidh for The Anthony Nolan Trust - had a real good time, didnt know anyone when i arrived, but "J" introduced me to friends of hers and explained that I was also off to Peru on the same trek as her, was up dancing the later half of the night, but had to leave just after midnight -was up early next day.

Days till Challenge - 128

Hours Walked	hr min	Total Hours Walked	26hr 50 mins
Hours Trained	1 hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	35hrs 40 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	26

Taking it easy today - "listening" to my body - feeling awful - tired, aching, sore, upset stomach - have a busy few days ahead of me and need to be fit for that, so not running tonight and will also go easy in class too - feel a nice long stretch coming on.

Well took my time with stretch, but rest of the class wasn't as easygoing as I had planned, but still didnt run afterwards - so least didnt totally knacker myself - ended up out for coffee after though and not in bed till midnight - oh well.

Days till Challenge - 129

Hours Walked	1 hr min	Total Hours Walked	26hr 50 mins
Hours Trained	1 hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	34hrs 40 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	26

Swimming in Alford tonight with the kids - then out walking again, this time the Pittenderrek Walk on the outskirts of Tarland - Found Doune Hill Geocache

On way up got a phone call from a woman in Aberdeen who is also doing the trek for ANT in October - we chatted about training and fundraising and stuff - happens she is holding a fundraising ceilidh this Friday as she is still short on the money side of the trek - so as i have nothing else planned this Friday, have said to consider herself sold another ticket :)

Days till Challenge - 130

Hours Walked	1 hr 30 min	Total Hours Walked	25hr 50 mins
Hours Trained	3 hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	33hrs 40 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	26

Classes tonight in Alford, then 5K run with "A" - even though it was 9.45pm - went did a couple of miles walking in Pitfichie Forest before going home.

Can't believe the time is ticking down so quickly, will need to get the rest of my kit and stuff arranged soon - would hate to leave everything till last minute.

Days till Challenge - 131

Hours Walked	2 hr	Total Hours Walked	24hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	30hrs 40 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	26

Got home, changed and out to The Maiden Stone - on way back went in past Tyrebagger Forest and walked up Elrick Hill and then back round the sculpture trail.

Days till Challenge - 132

Hours Walked	3 hr	Total Hours Walked	23hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	30hrs 40 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	26

Packed a lunch and headed south - spent a few hours walking in and around Inverbervie :)

Days till Challenge - 133

Hours Walked	2 hr	Total Hours Walked	20hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	30hrs 40 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	26

Kids with me this weekend, although Son went off with his Mum for an hour to Clatt - Meant Daughter & I could go for a walk - Went up Suie Hill between Alford & Clatt for this Geocache - bit of a laugh as she didnt like walking through the heather for the final bit and i ended up putting my rucksack on her back and then carrying her on my back :)

Went and picked up son an hour later and we headed of to Pitcaple for another, before heading home - least got some walking done :)

Days till Challenge - 134

Hours Walked	hr	Total Hours Walked	18hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	30hrs 40 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	26

Quiet Day Today - Was Needed :>

Days till Challenge - 135

Hours Walked	hr	Total Hours Walked	18hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	2 hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	30hrs 40 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	26

Knackered today - going to have to slow down a bit I think. Ended up snoozing in car for 45mins at lunchtime!

After work headed out to Strathdon for class, and after that went running with "A" & "C" - 5K - went quite well after the initial 5/10 mins. Headed home after a quick coffee and was in bed earlier than usual (11pm)

Days till Challenge - 136

Hours Walked	1 hr	Total Hours Walked	18hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	1 hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	28hrs 40 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	26

Still suffering with the neck :(

Took kids swimming after work and went easy, once they were back home for bed I headed off to do another hill/ Geocache - this time it was at Craiglinch near Tarland. This was a real good walk( 5.2K), loved the views as the sun was setting and could see for miles, also found a "Trigpoint" at the summit!!

home around 10.40pm and time for food, and bed.

Days till Challenge - 137

Hours Walked	hr	Total Hours Walked	17hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	1 hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	27hrs 40 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	26

My Medi Tags came in the mail today - Went and got "dog tags" made with my name, DOB, Blood Group & fact I'm allergic to penicillin stamped on them - will wear them when im out scooting around South America

Suffering from a sore neck just now - so took it easy in class, stood out some of it - then run after was shortened to around 3K too - home, food & bed - not in the best of states just now :-(

Days till Challenge - 138

Hours Walked	2 hr	Total Hours Walked	17hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	26hrs 40 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	26

Received receipt from Discover Adventure for the admin fee for changing my return flights, so they have advised that as soon as they are arranged they will let me know what they are.

Headed out walking / Geocaching at 8pm and made my way to Bennachie, did 3 different cache sites in the area and was walking most of the 2 hours i was out - the last cache was done in dusk with me needing to use a head torch at the end and it raining and slippy on the return leg down the hill to the car.

Days till Challenge - 139

Hours Walked	hr	Total Hours Walked	15hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	3 hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	26hrs 40 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	26

Late Start to day and had to clean up party mess from last night - a couple of Paracetemols, some lucozade and headed out to Alford for class - did the senior & adult classes before getting changed and out running 5k after class with "A"

Days till Challenge - 140

Hours Walked	1 hr	Total Hours Walked	15hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	hrs 40 mins	Total Hours Trained	23hrs 40 mins
Alcohol Intake	TOO MUCH!!!	Total Alcohol Intake	11

Day started off fine enough, had some running about to do to get shopping in for the 'Gallery Night' tonight, then into town to pick up some things - back to get changed into Running Kit and ran 5K along beach with "A" seeing as didnt manage Thursday or Friday.

Gallery Night was superb, albiet a little late (4.45am finish) and too much was drunk!!

Days till Challenge - 141

Hours Walked	hr	Total Hours Walked	14hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	1 hrs 0 mins	Total Hours Trained	23hrs 0 mins
Alcohol Intake	1	Total Alcohol Intake	11

Few hours sleep, and at the office :)

Finished work and went home to bed for an hour, then it was time to get myself & friend "A" down to Aberdeen Watersports at Waterloo Quay for a 'Discover Scuba' session - this consisted of a brief video to watch and some question and answers before we had to make our way to the pool at RGU Garthdee. Once at the pool we got kitted up with snorkle gear and had a 5 / 10 min play about with that before getting on the SCUBA gear and getting show what every thing was and how it operated.

The session lasted an hour and a half in the pool and had a blast swimming all around the pool and into the deep end.

Home for some food and some sleep - needed it :-)

Days till Challenge - 142

Hours Walked	hr	Total Hours Walked	14hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	1 hrs 0 mins	Total Hours Trained	23hrs 0 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	10

Well, todays going to be a long one - working till 5, then out to Strathdon for class - thankfully I'm not running tonight - then back to Aberdeen for shower and changed before heading to cinema for a midnight screening!! - Unfortunately I still have to work Friday, and thats a busy day too, as have promised to run with "A" after work 5K along the beach before heading off to Aberdeen Watersports for a Discover SCUBA Session

Did class in Strathdon, then ended up having a meal in the hotel next to the hall with a fellow instructor before heading into town. Quick Shower, Changed and back out again to the cinema - Film was so so and got to my bed at 2.45am - may need to hit the lucozade on friday!

Days till Challenge - 143

Hours Walked	hr	Total Hours Walked	14hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	hrs 0 mins	Total Hours Trained	22hrs 0 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	10

Happy Birthday TJ :-)

Looking at Travel Insurance today - something that will cover me for both the Trek & the additional week that I will be spending in Peru / Bolivia

Well - Insurance is organised, have used a company I have used in the past - Insure & Go have opted for their Backpacker Gold Cover for 31 days - Spoke also to MADEC with regards to my Martial Arts Insurance whilst in Peru.

Spoke to my friend "P" in London today to see about staying with him and his girlfriend the night before flying out of Heathrow, would mean I would be in London for the day and get to a class on the Friday night too.

Making a list of everything else that I need to get / arrange before going - I know I still have 143 days, but the sooner I have things arranged, the less likely I'll be rushing around at the last minute :)

On way out to pick up the kids tonight, called into the local radio for their movie quiz and ended up winning tickets to go see Da Vinci Code at a special screening at midnight tomorrow!!! - wheres the coffee - lol

Days till Challenge - 144

Hours Walked	hr	Total Hours Walked	14hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	2 hrs 0 mins	Total Hours Trained	22hrs 0 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	10

Got the flight details in the mail yesterday - so looks like leaving London Heathrow on Sat 7th October and flying BA to New York, then onwards with LAN Peru to Lima and once landed in Peru taking another flight a few hours later to Cuzco

Sent emails to all major sponsors today about the existance of this site - without them, none of this would be happening.

Have a class tonight, but only going to make it out to train in adult class - not teach in junior/senior classes.

Well, made it out for the adult class, then went out for a run after - it was wet & cold so didnt do the full circuit, but what i did must of been near 3k. Home for food and an earlier night.(11.30)

Days till Challenge - 145

Hours Walked	hr	Total Hours Walked	14hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	hrs 0 mins	Total Hours Trained	20hrs 0 mins
Alcohol Intake	1	Total Alcohol Intake	10

Happy Birthday Big Sis :)

No running or classes today - was out at night with work related friends & crawled into bed at 2am for 4 hours sleep!!

Days till Challenge - 146

Hours Walked	hr	Total Hours Walked	14hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	3 hrs 30 mins	Total Hours Trained	20hrs 0 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	9

After getting up after 11am - got kids sorted and headed out to class - did them - worked up a sweat and then headed home with kids for an "earlier" night.

Days till Challenge - 147

Hours Walked	hr	Total Hours Walked	14hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	16hrs 30 mins
Alcohol Intake	2	Total Alcohol Intake	9

Had a martial arts demo in Strathdon to participate in today- instructor needed someone to throw about a bit and i fell (quite literally) into that catagory - LOL

Met friends in Pizza Hut afterwards as I had their kids for a sleepover with my two (part of eldests pre-birthday request) - so evening was spent entertaining - did movies, games & PS2 - had to pull rank and play daddy though and insist they go to bed - after all, it was getting light (5am)

So, guess what - no walking today, and training wasnt worth detailing.

Days till Challenge - 148

Hours Walked	hr	Total Hours Walked	14hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	16hrs 30 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	7

Dull, overcast & raining today - perfect weather for throwing on a pack and walking for miles in the country - however, I have to work - then picking up kids after for the weekend - walking will need to wait for another day

Spoke with ANT today, there are 16 Booked on the October Trek at the moment, mostly from England, but someone from Bathgate and another from Aberdeen!!

Been given the number of the ANT co-ordinator that was there last year to speak to to get info from, and also advised that flight times have been issued - should receive them soon.

Days till Challenge - 149

Hours Walked	0 hr	Total Hours Walked	14hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	1 hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	16hrs 30 mins
Alcohol Intake		Total Alcohol Intake	7

Nice day again, have classes in Strathdon tonight, and should be running after too. Trainings not going too bad, but should really take the time to get some hill walking in - think it will be July before I shall manage that. - Wearing my hiking boots/socks to work all day today.

Did class tonight, mostly teaching than training & no running afterwards - meant i got home a decent time (first in a while) and fed / watered.

Days till Challenge - 150

Hours Walked	0 hr	Total Hours Walked	14hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	2 hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	15hrs 30 mins
Alcohol Intake	1	Total Alcohol Intake	7

Real sunny here today, had a lot of running about to do at lunchtime, so didn't get out for walk.

Out with kids to park at night, so running about and kicking about a ball for a couple of hours.

Had another beer last night - shocking I know - was round at friends making arrangements for the weekend, have 4 kids sleeping over in the flat Saturday night!!, In late again - was 11.30 before i got to eat.

Days till Challenge - 151

Hours Walked	0 hr	Total Hours Walked	14hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	3 hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	13hrs 30 mins
Alcohol Intake	0	Total Alcohol Intake	6

Class tonight, teaching the juniors/seniors then training in the adult class - another hot one. Had a slight neck ache after which Instructor helped with before going away out running 5K with "A"

Days till Challenge - 152

Hours Walked	1 hr	Total Hours Walked	14hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	10hrs 30 mins
Alcohol Intake	0	Total Alcohol Intake	6

Start of a new week!!

Got changed at Doonies Farm at lunchtime to walk up to Geocache at Barons Cairn again - had some Travel Bugs to drop off from my hunts in Lincolnshire. Ended up doing it twice, as half way back to the car I noticed my Digital Camera [Olympus u-mini S] with 1GB memory was no longer in my pocket!!!

Backtracked all the way and found it (whoo hoo) 10ft from the cairn on the grass - v/lucky :)

Wasn't out in the evening at all, as had Artist friend round to help hang the two paintings that he did (6' x 4') for the flat, and then had heaps to catch up on before I spent some time on the phone to a very nice Irish Woman who has just returned from Peru and gave lots of useful advice to me. - Many Thanks Ruth :-)

Days till Challenge - 153

Hours Walked	2 hr	Total Hours Walked	13hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	10hrs 30 mins
Alcohol Intake	0	Total Alcohol Intake	6

Did a few Geocaches in Lincoln area with Friend "R" - what a blast - got soaked, muddied, thorn pricks and nettle stings, then had almost 500 miles to drive home - lol

Days till Challenge - 154

Hours Walked	3 hr	Total Hours Walked	11hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	10hrs 30 mins
Alcohol Intake	2	Total Alcohol Intake	6

Will be at the NEC in Birmingham today for SENI

Walked round the NEC for the best part of three and a half hours!!

Photo is of Newark Castle, Taken last night.

Days till Challenge - 155

Hours Walked	0hr	Total Hours Walked	8hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	0 hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	10hrs 30 mins
Alcohol Intake	4	Total Alcohol Intake	4

Late night last night, didnt get in till near 12pm, then still had to pack for the weekend - heading off straight from work this afternoon.

Got in car at 4pm and didnt get out of it till 12.20 am - stopped at couple of times for coffee - and to get photos in Gateshead of "Angel of the North" - took wrong way at Leeds and ended up on M1 instead of A1 - had to go cross country further down when I got to J29.

Late night and a few Beers when I got there.

Days till Challenge - 156

Hours Walked	hr	Total Hours Walked	8hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	2 hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	10hrs 30 mins
Alcohol Intake	0	Total Alcohol Intake	0

Kemnay Village website replied, gave me the same website that Mark gave me yesterday for info about the stones.

Class in Strathdon tonight, then out running afterwards - 5K ish. Think I need to replace my shoes, as was a hard slog tonight on my calf muscles :-(

Was at my instructors house after that to collect a bottle of wine for friend that i'm away to see for the weekend. V/unlikely to be walking, running or training for the next few days.

Days till Challenge - 157

Hours Walked	1 hr	Total Hours Walked	8hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	1 hrs mins	Total Hours Trained	8 hrs 30 mins
Alcohol Intake	0	Total Alcohol Intake	0

Well, got an email from my Quad Biking Daredevil Friend Mark today that gave me a link to what the stone thing is in Kemnay [LINK] - Many Thanks for that :-)

Now that I know what its called, google have come up with the following too [LINK 1] [LINK 2] [LINK 3]

Spoke to a friend that did the trek last year about the area, what to see, to do and so on - Lake Titicaca was mentioned as a place to see if time allowed.

Have now looked at it and there is a train that runs from Cusco to Puno in Bolivia to get there. $17 one way - whoo hoo - its a 10hrs journey though.

Swimming with the kids tonight, went to the Pool in Inverurie as there was mechanical problems at the Alford one, went home via the Inveurie Geocache (this time with the updated co-ordinates) and success :) was around sun set when i arrived and got some photos of the stone circle

Days till Challenge - 158

Hours Walked	0hr	Total Hours Walked	7hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	2 hrs 30 mins	Total Hours Trained	7hrs 30 mins
Alcohol Intake	0	Total Alcohol Intake	0

Have emailed Kemnay Village Website this morning to see if they can tell me what the stone structure is. Will let you know.

Class tonight was busy, taught in the senior class and trainined in the Adult class, that was a full on cardio class and we were all hot / sweating & in need of water :-) was what was needed, enjoy these classes, and told my instructor this.

Even after that kind of class, I ended up out running 5K with my friend thats entered the "Race for Life" - it was cold, windy & raining - what where we playing at??? anyhow, the weather made us all the more determined to run as much of it as possible, wasnt the kind of evening to hang about.

Went home via the chip shop in Kemnay for a fish supper - had to replenish salt levels somehow :) Man in shop thought the stone structure was just a cairn / viewing point - nothing in particular, he's venturing off with an Aid Convoy soon to the Ukraine - Pil Sung Sir!!

Home and into a hot Radox Muscle Soak Bath - least the calf muscles weren't as aching as last Thursday. Will need to get more suitable running shoes.

Days till Challenge - 159

Hours Walked	1hr	Total Hours Walked	7hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	0	Total Hours Trained	5hrs
Alcohol Intake	0	Total Alcohol Intake	0

Quiet day today with the kids, then later on (11pm) I went to see if I could find the Geocache in Inverurie again (couldnt) was bit weird walking round forest in pitch black with a head torch on. Got into bed after midnight when I got home.

Days till Challenge - 160

Hours Walked	1hr 30 mins	Total Hours Walked	6hr 20 mins
Hours Trained	2	Total Hours Trained	5hrs
Alcohol Intake	0	Total Alcohol Intake	0

More walking, a geocache in Inverurie, about 5k walk, then took kids for picnic lunch then to class.

After class we stopped off in kemnay to see what the big stone structure on the hill was all about, had seen it many times before but never taken the time to go see what it was. Still dont know what it's for, but was a 1.5k walk from car to the top of it and back - its a lot bigger close up and can see for miles from the top and down into the quarry.

Days till Challenge - 161

Hours Walked	3	Total Hours Walked	4hr 50 mins
Hours Trained	0	Total Hours Trained	3hrs
Alcohol Intake	0	Total Alcohol Intake	0

Got some walking in today, did some geocaches with the kids - Bridge of Don & Ythan Estuary. About 5k in total, wore my boots and hiking socks all day, and went to Student Torcher Parade at night with the kids.

Days till Challenge - 162

Hours Walked	0	Total Hours Walked	1hr 50 mins
Hours Trained	0	Total Hours Trained	3hrs
Alcohol Intake	0	Total Alcohol Intake	0

Another late night last night - Midnight, right calf aching a little after running last night - not ran in such a long time, and should really get back into it.

Been a busy day at work and not had chance to get out at lunchtime - picking kids up for the weekend after work too - so unlikely to get in any walking - may go on the bike in the living room once they are asleep.

Not had a chance to do anything :-(

Days till Challenge - 163

Hours Walked	50 mins	Total Hours Walked	1hr 50 mins
Hours Trained	2hrs 00 mins	Total Hours Trained	3hrs
Alcohol Intake	0	Total Alcohol Intake	0

Didn't get up and run this morning - was a late night.

Have a class tonight in Strathdon, (100 mile round trip)

Went out at lunchtime to do a Geocache - was 2.5K walk / run. Slightly muddy after it - LOL

Did class tonight then ran 3.6K afterwards.

Days till Challenge - 164

Hours Walked	1hr	Total Hours Walked	1hr
Hours Trained	1hr	Total Hours Trained	1hr
Alcohol Intake	0	Total Alcohol Intake	0

Today is the day I decided to chart my progress online, bought the domain through my friends at Namehog (www.namehog.net) and here I am.

Having established there are only 164 days to go till I venture forth to Peru, and having the bulk of my sponsorship sorted out with great help from my employers Veitchi, I am now looking at the paperwork involved in extending my trip for the extra week to include some time in Cusco and also in Lima.

not had the chance to get out at lunchtime today to walk - will have to make more of an effort in the coming months.

Well, thats the website built. Away out with the kids tonight and will go walking later on when i get home. Have a class tomorrow night, and hope to run for a bit after class - will let you know if that happens.

Went Swimming with kids after work - an hour of retreiving weighted rings from bottom of the pool - was good fun, got them home, them off to mine - got in around 9pm and got kitted up for going out walking - managed an hour and did 4.5KM

Saw a hedgehog crossing the road whilst out and got me thinking of all the strange / bizzare / wonderful things that I have seen or done in the past year, or away to do.

Then it got me thinking on why I am doing this, why am i putting in all this time and effort to head to Peru ? - will get back to you on that one :)

Events Prior to Website Blog

April 06 - Legoland Windsor
Took the kids there for a few days, whilst there was in park for 11 hours Sunday & 6 Hours Monday - walking almost all the time - also did 3 Hrs of Classes in Wembley on the Monday & 3 Hrs on the Tuesday Before Driving home.

Dec 05 - Barcelona
Spent 6 Days on my own in the City, walked most places to see the sights and spent hours and hours walking through the various streets and alleys, climbed up the towers in Sagrada Familia and back down other side.

Sep 05 - Weekend at Skydive St Andrews - Solo Static Line (RAPS)
Training Course and Skydive from a static line (3500ft) this was done to raise money towards my target, was also real good fun - see PR Section.