Well still no qualifier done despite plenty of walking. Running my own walking group has also robbed me of the opportunity to reccy the walk IN stages with the LDWA.

In all honesty, preparing for Everest Base Camp has been my main focus. Like all of these aspirational journeys they transition from being a distant dream to an impending reality in the blinking of an eye leaving you with a sense of bewilderment that something so prominent on the calender (and in your mind) can kind of creep up on you.

I have given myself a week to up my preparedness, complete my kit list and  gradually detach myself from the concerns in my life to immerse myself in what should be a thrilling experience.

The Lakes has been served as my training ground across terrain that best simulates the rugged Himalayan landscape. Familiar, well trodden routes up Bowfell, Great Gable, Coniston and Grassmoor have helped build stamina and instil a sense of mountain fever. A burning desire to climb higher in the same way I want to walk further and complete the Hadrian Hundred.

The altitude of course, cannot be simulated and no one really knows  how they will react to the thin air but a week away, I'm satisfied how things have gone in the build up.

I also lead a group walk for mams and babies plus another for people with mental health issues and the past few weeks have served to remind me of the importance of walking in bringing people together, and in reducing social isolation. The people on my POM (Peace of Mind) walks have helped inspire me to do EBC and also reflect on my good fortune at being able to do it.

But the Hadrian Hundred remains the goal for 2019. Whilst I'd like to get back to the mountains (perhaps Mount Aconcagua depending on finances and an understanding other half) I continue to put the miles in my legs through a relatively mild autumn. I'm averaging over ten miles a day along tracks and trails now laden with leaves.

The qualifiers for the Hadrian Hundred are getting ever fewer in number as we break for the winter. The pressure is on to be fit and available for the remaining events but I will be at one of them and I have no doubts I'll qualify. I just hope we have some good fortune and neither life nor the weather foils my best laid plans.

I'm still looking for a walking companion for the Hadrian Hundred so if anyone is wanting to do it but finds themselves in the same situation then please get in touch. I don't bite and can listen as well as talk!