CYCLING JOHN O'GROATS TO LAND'S END

Twelve years ago, I cycled 1036 miles in 8 days at just under 17 miles an hour. I cycled up every hill with comparative ease because I trained and I trained. Fifteen months of preparation.

I cycled 17 mile circuits which included two hills and I never took more than one hour per circuit. Gym work was a part of my training and during this, I set my all-time best (at the age of 50) 4413 calories in one train. You try doing that. I am in Gym 1610 which is good for competitive people like me because there is usually a gym challenge once a year, usually for a charity.

My all-time high achievement was coming 2nd out of over 1000 people worldwide. This is based on the number of moves. Challenges are up to 4 weeks. Many of you will know that I nearly died because of my overly large heart, basically. I was scared of going to the gym for quite some time. The last challenge I entered, given my medical condition, I was nearer last than first.

Over the last year in particular, I have started to work again. Not the man I was, but better than most men. I was asked to join the challenge which started last Monday because the instructors know I always give 100%. I had no expectation, I was pleased to enter to help my gym and I always train that little bit harder. To my amazement, I ended week one in 6th place, averaging nearly 1200 moves a train.

I am proud of myself and it just shows what can be done. I am not much good for anything after but even at 63, nobody trains harder than me.

• Day 1 John O Groats - Inverness

• Day 2 Inverness - Crianlarich

• Day 3 Crianlarich - Dumbarton, Ayr - Gretna

• Day 4 Gretna - Harrogate

• Day 5 Chesterfield - Burton-UponTrent, Warwick - Newbury

• Day 6 Newbury – PortsmouthSalisbury

• Day 7 Salisbury – Bridgwater – Exeter

• Day 8 Exeter - Land’s End