I received another newsletter about Tough Guy today and along with it, my race number and Death Warrant (the disclaimer which I sign to say that if I die before I complete the course, I won’t be eligible for either a medal or a nice refreshing cup of tea) and some last minute info about the race. Considerate beings that they are, they’ve added lots of advice about dealing with hot weather.

The long range forecast over at Metcheck seems to think that it’s going to be quite a cool day for the event, maxing out at about 20 degrees. Quite a change from this coming sunday which is going to be 30 degrees (and - fortunately - has put me off any idea I had about doing the Milton Keynes Half Marathon). 20 degrees is quite balmy and perfect racing weather so I’m pleased about that.

This years event theme is called Celtic Tigers and the logo is a nod towards (read, copy of) the 2000AD character Sláine. I’m tempted to sort out some sort of kilt and perhaps some woad (or blue body paint at any rate.)

They’re also pushing the “extreme bootlacing” challenge too although I’m not going to bother. However, one little snippet I did notice was a reference to a “Special Tree Top Monkey Climb”. This is intriguing. Despite my dislike of heights, I’ve got a thing about climbing trees. The other day, after a certain World Cup Quarter Final penalty shoot out, I went to a friends new house and saw that they had a very climable tree. It was even more enticing considering I was, how shall I say, shit-faced! So, drunk as a rare, tree-dwelling skunk, I decided to climb it, much to the amusement (and concern) of the onlookers. It was fantastic - just like being a kid again (only more alcohol soaked than I ever remember being). So I might have a crack at this new event, depending on how knackered I feel at the time.

I also note, with a little trepidation but even more excitement, that they’ve (allegedly) doubled the height of the Berlin Wall (a large stack of hay bails with ropes to ascend up the side) from 20 to 40 feet high. This is something I haven’t mentioned to the wife because the first year I took part, she saw someone fall from this obstacle and land with their arm and elbow in a position that nature didn’t intend it to ever be in. I’m not sure she’s going to be amused.

More updates soon.

(Still no takers for a videographer or photographer for the day. It’s not too late to volunteer! E-mail me at dragon (a) this domain or leave a comment below.)