I’m back.

And I’ve just sent off my late entry for Tough Guy 2005. That’s “Tough Guy” this time and not Nettle Warrior. What’s the difference? Well, Tough Guy is only one lap of the course. Which should make it easier.

If only it weren’t taking place during the hypothermia-inducing weather of January.

Yes, that’s right. To prove that I’m not just a fair weather masochist, I will be braving the electric fences, barbed wire, flaming pits and communal showers in the winter event. There is a real risk of hypothermia - the colleague of a friend who did it last year had to stop half way around because of it - and preparation is key this time around.

The added challenge is that, since the end of July, I have gained about 3/4 of a stone and am considerably heavier than I was back then. Couple that with some injuries sustained from rugby and I’m in anything but peak condition.

Still, at least the fat will keep me warm!