Again……It’s Easier Said Than Done!

You would have thought that after officially finishing last in June 2010, there would be reluctance for Commsworld employees to sign up for the event... how wrong I am.  When muted for this year it was the same nonchalant response from people... “Put me down for that”….”aye, and put me down as well”. It trips easily off the tongue.

It is however far easier said than done!  I am, of course talking about the Rob Roy Challenge 2011. Commsworld have once more put in a team for this year’s grueling event.  A sojourn of 16 miles on foot followed by 42 miles on a bike through, what is arguably some of the finest scenery in Scotland.  Starting at Drymen, the course is off-road forest tracks through Aberfoyle then on to Callander.  At that point we jump on the bikes and head up to Balquidder, and round to Lochearnhead before climbing the hellish zig zag up through Glen Ogle before the massive and enjoyable descent to Killin.  From there it is an endless slog up hill after hill on the South Loch Tay Road before reaching the final destination of Kenmore.

So who are the runners and riders this time around?  This is where it gets interesting.  Firstly there’s me, Mark Wright; a veteran of four previous Rob Roy challenges.  Training regime for the last 12 months has been fairly consistent - 5 spin classes per week and a couple of circuit training classes thrown in for good measure.  I had not intended entering this year however a late call off has pushed me into filling the void and once again I am really looking forward to it.

Next up is Paul Moore; remember him from Moore’s Law.  Paul has a couple of gold medals in the bag from previous years and last year, despite his portly tummy, completed the event in his stride.  There is stamina and mental strength inside the sailor from Coatbridge.  Paul will attain gold again this year I am sure.

Then there is Pat McGuinness, another Coatbridge lad that has changed his lifestyle recently.   Pat promised to train hard for the event this year however the good life has got in the way of that promise! That said, as veteran of last year’s event... I have every confidence that he will attain gold.

 
Next up is David McDonald.  A man that had faded away into a mountain after consuming copious amounts of Herbalife, only to see is good work dashed from the temptation of real food!!  David achieved a bronze medal last year and this year he is attempting silver and dare I say it, gold. The big chap has been in training with walking and cycling but the two bottles of wine on a Friday night might be his undoing?  The team will make sure David reaches his personal goal.

 
Then we have two new entrants, unfortunately they are not holding a seniors event so Statler and Waldorf will have to compete with the rest of the field.  First up is Martin Davidson, a man that has transformed his gargantuan frame thanks to the slimming powers of Diabetes.  Martin is taking this event seriously and has been training hard; there will be no problems attaining gold.

 
Last but not least is Iain “what about ye now” Serplus.  As a project manager Iain has already mapped out what is needed to be done.  The chap from Northern Ireland has a steely determination, and due to his rigorous training regime his steely colour of medal is destined to be gold.

 
Why are we doing this event?  There are some great charities being helped by the Martin Currie Charitable Foundation namely NSPCC, Alzheimers Scotland and Sightsavers.  Commsworld  hope to raise  a minimum of £1600. If you fancy sponsoring the team, please click on the following “Just Giving” link http://www.justgiving.com/commsworld2011

Thank You in advance........Mark Wright