19-Jan-2012 09:43:06 AM [(GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi]

Here goes, my first post and I have no idea if anyone will read it but it's more for my sanity than anything else!

This is my first Racing the Planet event, as a new challenge after three consecutive HK Oxfam Trailwalkers, and I am both excited and terrified about what is to come. Thankfully I have the benefit of some super supportive and experienced friends and colleagues who have been here before.

I am doing this event for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, a charity close to my whole family's heart as my cousin's daughter Emma Kingston bravely battles this crippling disease every day of her life. My lungs have the luxury of being able to attempt 250km across the desert in 7 days, and, while her inspirational zest for life may fool you otherwise, hers do not.

After a 2-month break full of house moving, food, drink and travelling since the Trailwalker, I can escape my training regimen no longer. One-hour gym sessions are well and good, but will not exactly cut it for this! The break has probably not been a bad thing due to a slightly niggly left knee since then. The upcoming Chinese New Year long weekend provides a great opportunity to get out there and see how it goes.

Opinion seems to vary as to what stage I need to start adding the backpack to the training. I know I can do long distances but the weight worries me, so I intend to get that sorted in the next week or so. Some people have kindly provided me their kit lists... wow there is SO much to think about!!

For now, priority #1 is to get out there again and start clocking up some kms... more anon!  xoxo