Last night was climb number 5 and I must admit I had a bit of a tough day. I accept there will be days when I feel good and days when I just don't want to be on the stupid mountain... Last night I didn't want to be on the stupid mountain!

My legs were achy, I was a little tired and probably hadn't taken on enough water throughout the day or throughout the walk itself. But I got there, support from my cousin and good friend Mark Rear was a huge help. Sometimes I like to walk alone but sometimes I really need the support behind me or; in last nights case, in front of me!

The thing thats becoming obvious now is that this isnt just a question of a big walk every night or morning. It actually has to take over your whole life. For instance in the morning I try to eat a big breakfast so that I don't need any lunch until around 2pm. If I eat sooner than 2pm I'll be hungry before I set off up Skiddaw, If I eat before going up theres a good chance I'll get a stitch and the walk will take me much longer.

This means I don't get my tea until I'm home, the dogs are dried and fed, my gears sorted and left to dry, I've had a shower and applied my tiger balm so I don't stiffen to much, and I've actually made something to eat. This normally means I get to eat around 10.30 - 11pm have half an hour in front of the telly then get to bed for as much recovery time as I can manage before work the next day... Then it all starts again.

How much water to drink, what kind of foods to eat, what clothes to wear, what gear to carry, what muscle rubs to use, when to use muscle rubs the list of things to consider goes on and on.

While this takes over my whole life everbody elses life has to go on around me. Dads renovating the house and sometimes needs help, theres lots of big events coming up for the Watchtree Wheelers that need my attention and commitment, my girlfriend is setting up her own business and I want to be able to support and help her..... but from the moment I finish work until I've finished my dinner at 11pm it all has to play second fiddle. It almost feels kind of selfish, everybody keeps telling me its the exact oppisite and I know that it is. There just aren't enough hours in a day right now!