Itinerary & First Stage Fundraising

19 June - Another killer training session today. 30 minute cycle to the gym, an hour and a half workout and then a 30 minute ride home against the wind with so much lactic acid in my thighs thatI thought I would either 1. seize up, 2. pass-out from pain or BOTH! But I made it home and now, a few hours later, I feel somewhat human again.

The abs have definitely firmed up though with the french diet and exercise regime, but I do have to admit that the red wine is THE best bit of it all! And apparently it has anti-oxidants, helps lower cholesterol and is an all round health benefit! What a bonus.

Now, I need some ideas for fun ways to fundraise over the next couple of months - the more enjoyable the better... and I need some volunteers to take on some small-scale fundraising activies at work or with friends. It need not be anything big, it could be collection box or a Guess the something or other... whatever takes your fancy!

Another question I keep being asked is what the weather will be like out in China at the time I do it, so here is a link to some information !!!link link link!!!. So, it would appear that I could be infor some good weather, but some chilly nights! As long as the visibility is good and the weather is fair, I'm not too worried. I want to be able to make the most of the experience.

As for the potential pal that said they might come along, they have gone quiet on it (you know who you are if you are reading), so I guess it will be me and my new 60 best friends for the duration! You can see some of the other people I will be trekking with if you click here !!!link link link!!!.

11 June - Another 2 hour stint training yesterday which included a 30 minute cycle to the gym, a full hour work-out including the cross-trainer, abs and back and then a 30 minute cycle home. I then vigourously mowed the grass front and back and power-hosed down the mess that is my patio area (thanks to Zeke and his friends). So a fairly good all round workout yesterday.

I've had lots of people ask about the trip and what it encompasses, how far we are walking etc so here is a link to the itinerary http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Microsites/china_hike/Day_by_day_itinerary.aspx. The more I look at it, the more excited I get. At this rate I will be exhausted just from excitement before I go - although knowing me that alone will keep me going.

I've now got press releases ready to go out to the local press and the village newsletter - I'm hoping that there may be some kind people out there who will help me get to do this.

Next I need to get a guide book on China so I can have a look at all the things I want to cram into the one full-day I get sight-seeing before I fly back. If anyone has been out to the Bejing area and has any recommendations please let me know. It has been recommended that I go and see the Terracotta Warriors but I'm not sure how feasible that is going to be in one day???

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