Alive, But No Kicking Today Folks!

I did it! I completed the 12 mile challenge!

Graham and I finished it in 5 hours 22 minutes, and whilst I’m not sure about the fastest and the slowest times, I’m happy with that. I’m not that fit, I’m overweight, I have knee problems and yeah, ok, I spend too much time on World of Warcraft (and Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, but that’s a whole new post). But I did it! And no epic mount was involved 🙂 The walk was over moorland and trails in the Yorkshire Dales so it was steep in places, but it was enjoyable. And the weather was lovely. I even overcame certain hang ups when I had to find a convenient wall to duck behind…

I won’t lie. Yes, I may have over done things. I was fine until the last few miles, and maybe I should have admitted my limits, but I am a stubborn old boot sometimes and wanted to prove I could do this. As a result my knees are swollen, my right hip is painful and I have a blister the size of a 10p piece on my right foot just behind the ties (about a bit less than an inch for non Brit-Landers). I’m hoping a hot bath and an early night will help, as I have work tomorrow. Yeah, I only took one day off. Oops.

G, of course, being skinny and fitter has nary a twinge, but I won’t hate him too much for that.

But screw the pain! I have raised £55 for a good cause (so far), and have proven something to myself (that I’m either strong mentally or I’m batshit, I’m swinging towards the latter).

And I have a medal. Booyah.

What Was I Thinking!?

I’m the first person to admit that I am unfit. And yes, overweight, though I have been planning to change that. I’m a UK size 16/18, so not mahoosive but in a world where XL translates to a size 14 (if you are lucky) its huge. I will also admit I got that size because I was lazy. I was unemployed and dealing with personal stuff, and it was easier to stay at home and play Warcraft all day. Now I am employed in quite a physical job, and took up caving last summer, which has led to some weight loss, but I need to do more.

Since taking up caving I have been a supporter of the Cave Rescue Organisation in Clapham, North Yorkshire. If I get into difficulties then it’s these guys that will haul my ass out of that hole in the ground. And they don’t just pull people out of holes, they search for missing and injured walkers, runners and mountain bikers, even rescue trapped animals. They do a great job round here, and are funded by donations.

This morning lying in bed with G I saw on the CRO Facebook page they are running their annual CRO Challenge on the 12th May this year. And somehow I have been challenged by G to do the 12 mile version. I can walk it if I have to but ideally I’ll run at least part of it. He will do it with me, but this is Mr 30 Inch Waist so he won’t need as much preparation as me. So I have just over 4 months to get into a condition where I won’t die attempting this.

I’m not under any illusions it’s going to be easy. I know damn well I am going to have to work HARD to get into shape. And give up the cheesecake and the cup cakes…

And then comes the real hard part… An antisocial loner like me finding sponsors 😛

Oh, and did I mention it involves going up this?