All The Kings Men

First walk together

2008-06-04T13:58:00.003+01:00

April 17 Saturday morning 7.18 Bordon range's

Arrived late waiting for David, (I think he likes his bed too much!)Brad is already there after walking a mile and a half from his home. Yet another example of his dedication (go Brad).

After exiting the cars and meeting Brad, we notice Davids attire. It's about 12 degrees so he has on his jeans t-shirt, fleece and ski jacket , and of course his pair of 20 years old walking boots - which he has walked all around the world in them!

First lesson correct foot wear !! 3 miles in David is slowing down - yes you guessed it, his feet were hurting. So to some quick thinking: team captain mikey pikey (my nickname given to me by Brad's wonderful daughter Laura) I produced a pair of brand new Asics trail trainers which I've only worn once, from my ruck sac.

On finishing the first lap - 6.5 miles 16 min miles - David has to go home! Brad and myself continue around again. Half way round Brad confesses his feet are hurting and his trainers are too big!! We make it back still keeping up the pace at 15.30 minute miles. Well done lads.

Still along way to go.

GETTING INTO SHAPE

2008-05-26T17:32:00.006+01:00

As you can see from this before and after photo Brad has been putting in the hours sweating, working out, eating healthily - no beer just wine!! - to become this fine chiselled figure of a man who is so dedicated he even comes to play tennis straight from his high powered job and plays with borrowed cloths and his work shirt This goes totally against his nature , aka The BRAND MAN! it was a Versace shirt though.

He did win his match as the other team were laughing so much as his borrowed shorts were to tight and his shoes a size too big, but thats dedication - just what this team needs: Go Brad Go.

The Beginning

2008-05-26T15:20:00.013+01:00

The idea first came into being when we were on holiday, skiing in Chatel in January 2008, whilst staying at Philip Bergqvist's chalet - who is now the sworn enemy (being on another Trailwalker team...). His goal is to overtake us on the Trailwalker (and finish) whilst ours is the much loftier goal of raising £3000 - oh and beating Philip and his team into the ground....

The team consists of me - Mike Johnson, and fellow tennis companions (and drinkers) Brad Kneller - 'The Brand Man', Colin Jakeway - 'The Rave King [Queen]' and David Tomlinson 'First Down the Mountain Man'. I currently don't have a pseudonym - but I am pretty sure someone may feel the need to leave some suggestions on the blog...

So the discussions started over lunch - with wine - oh and morelli mushrooms and pasta - very nice. Carb loading of course. There was also the genape - not sure how to spell it, but there was a good kick to it and the skiing in the afternoon was alot more interesting...

As you can see from the pictures, the discussion continued and we took it very seriously. Our expected finish time was getting better and better as the night progressed...

Later in the week, after building our expectations to a point of no return, Philip dropped the bombshell that he is already in another team and so we're now a man short.

So here is our secret weapon..... ->>>

Colin Jakeway, local tennis coach and owner of large rave shoes, agrees to fill the last place on the understanding that he can bring his whistle with him and his glowsticks in case we get lost in the night sections. Of course we said yes.

And so the team is complete. As our training progresses we will fill everyone in with the details of our walks and pains. But for now - please do donate - we need to raise £3000 for the worthwhile charities of Oxfam and the Gurkha Welfare Trust. Click on the widget on the right to donate as much as you can.