Background - 260 miles and 36,500 feet!

The opportunity to spend a few days(!) in wonderful scenery with great company, albeit prorviding it only consisted of one person, was more than I could resist. There was the issue of whether my golf would suffer with such a prolonged absence (almost 3 weeks) from the course, but having just annihilated the opposition (2 & 1) in the second round of the Seniors Better Ball, I decided to take the risk and fulfill one of my two lifelong ambitions - Walk the Pennine Way".(The other I cannot mention in mixed company).

This was not a task to be undertaken lightly. After all I had so many things going for me. My level of fitness was at the peak of condition. My mental state was unsurpassable, I had been told that I looked a picture of exemplory healt,, there are so few people who would be as well prepared as me. But this was not enough!

Although I am well known for my modesty I still needed someone to get the best out of me. Suddenly I realised what was missing! I needed my own personal trainer. What would be on the Job spec?

Whst were the requirements? More importantly what would be on the person Spec?

My mind was in turmoil, I was thrown by this challenge, How could anyone measure up to my requirements.

The need was someone who had climbed one of the worlds great peaks, Someone with proven stamina. Someone who had faced the challenge not just once but more than once. Someone who I could rely on to pull me through when "the going got tough".

Suddenly it hit me!

Alex Jordan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He had climbed Mount Kenya. He had cycled from Lands End to John O'Groats. He had then cycled from the midlands to Lands End. He would support me to .................

Unbelievably he was also my nephew - coincidences like this must never be put to one side, my luck was in and he was available for at least the first week - and guess what, He agreed!

So my team was complete. I had already aquired a driver to provide my travelling accommodation and food, again by coincidence she happened to be my wife.

So now we are all gathered together just outside Edale in the Peak District preparing for The Off. Al (my trainer), Annie (chauffeur, cook and wife), Horace (???) and me. The time is 21.25 on 2nd May 2011, in under 12 hours we will be on the starting line, so little time left, must sign off now as we need to get to the pub

So until tomorrow.