Preparation so far. I've been busy trying to understand all the kit I need for the race, I have bought some key items over the last 3 weeks: sleeping bag from ebay rated to -40C, racing snowshoes from Canada, childrens sledge that I have added a towing system to and tested in the N Wales hills last weekend. The list goes on..

Training is going well with runs back and forth to work and towing my sledge alongside the river Ribble when I get the chance.

I have been in contact with several racers who have completed the race in the past or have entered this year. 2 years ago 66% of entrants dropped out as it was particularly cold, this may in large part have been down to selection of the wrong kit, I am focusing on getting the right kit and swapping ideas with other racers.

Today I did a 7+ hour training run in the lake district which included testing of my new 'micro-spikes' which are a type of light weight crampon (or spikes for the feet) as there was plenty of snow and in the main it was frozen hard. The spikes performed really well.

I'm heading to the Scottish Cairngorm mountains on Thursday for 2 days of training and kit/sled testing before heading to Edinburgh to watch the International rugby with my brothers.....