Winding down...

This time next week it will be all over; my legs will be sore and I will be able to reflect on what will surely be one of the most remarkable days of my life but the 2012 Appeal will have been launched. Thank you to everyone who has sponsored me and if you haven't there is still a week to go to give me a last minute boost.

At the weekend my wife, Gina and I hiked up and around Snowdon and despite the poor weather it was a great way of winding down in preparation for the marathon. Behind me in the photograph is a rock face known as LLiwedd; the scene of many early rock climbing exploits of Britain's early pioneers who, dressed in woollen breeches and nailed leather boots carrying hemp ropes tied around their waists, climbed its convoluted and vast ramparts. The famous George Mallory climbed here in preparation for his exploratory expeditions to Everest in the 1920's and 30's- indeed some of the routes are named after him. I myself have struggled up a few routes on LLiwedd and each time it was a memorable epic with the wonderful reward of summiting on the high ridge that skirts around Snowdon. This time we made do with the hiking paths.

As an aside I was struck at the considerable numbers of people who as part of their 3 Peaks Challenge were hiking up Snowdon as their final peak. They looked tired and proud after already scaling Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike and in the pouring rain Snowdon was not going to be an easy finish. However some groups looked quite vulnerable with wholly inadequate footwear and weather proof clothing and in the poor visibility were apparently left to find their own way. If charities are going to encourage people, un accustomed to mountain environments, to raise money by undertaking such a challenge then at the very least they should make sure they are properly advised and looked after.

I fly out to the Alps on Wednesday and although I am a little nervous I can't wait to get to the start line and begin. You will see from the profile that the run is rather lumpy and finishes high. The way back down is via cable car- it is a good incentive not to reach the finish line too late otherwise there will be no option to walk all the way back down to the valley. I will try and send a blog from Chamonix to let you know how I get on and in the interim please keep those pledges and good wishes coming in.