Dan, Gavin and I have now finished our first week of training for the "Nuts Challenge" and have officially 47 days before we take part in the muddy, arduous military assault course to raise £500 for Guide Dogs for the Blind - JCI Reading's Charity of the Year

Unfortunately my training had to be postponed this week as I came down with a horrible bout of the flu...perfect timing, eh?! However, Dan and Gavin have been doing the sponsors proud with lots of training. There has been 20km bike rides, 10km runs most days as well as weight training, trips to the gym and protein shakes. My training officially starts tomorrow with a run after work to see how far I can actually run without stopping for a breather J I'll let you know how I get on next week!

I spoke with Sonia, the Nuts Challenge organiser, this week as well as JCI Manchester's Caroline McCarron, who completed the Tough Mudder last year, to gain some hints and tips for training. Caroline's advice was to start training as early as possible and build up your training slowly but surely. Sonia explained that lots of running and cardio will get me through the toughest parts of the course as well as building up my arm muscles to overcome obstacles such as the cargo nets and rope swings! Eek! Nevertheless, the best piece of advice was from Caroline who added "Simply enjoy it!" That's what it's all about - doing a challenge as part of a team which will raise money for a great charity and enjoying every minute of it from training to finish.

Please help us raise money for Guide Dogs and sponsor us as we train and participate in one of the toughest military assault courses! www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/JCIReading4GuideDogs

We appreciate your support, Lynda, Danand Gavin