Look I'm famous . . .

So the PR gravy train rolls on and on, with a further mention in the Cricketer magazine . .

"Twenty 20 may reach new heights in April, when a world record attempt is made to play on Mount Everest. David Kirtley, captain of Cardiff CC, (is part of) the expedition which aims to raise £250 000 for charity by playing a 20-over game at 5,165m. A PCA expedition featuring Graham Napier, played last year at 5,400m, but official recognition of the record was not forthcoming"

This is a momentous ocassion. It is the first time in living memory that I have featured in this months Cricketer, and my brother James hasn't. Step aside big man the Everest train is in town.

Training is well under way now, the legs hurt like hell, but all in the name of fitness. Having completed, the Gyro 10km, the Nike 10km and the Cardiff Half Marathon, all in cricket pads, the Grim Challenge looms ever closer.

The description of the Grim Challenge mentions. . . "This land is used to test Army vehicles so expect it to be interesting! You will reach a long hill shortly after the start before descending again eventually reaching a water filled ravine. You will run on over puddle-strewn paths before having to crawl under camouflage netting. You'll eventually reach some man-made mounds before arriving at and running through some rather large puddles. Expect to get very wet! You'll run on to the fast vehicle driving circuit where it is rocky underfoot. This brings you to some more large areas of water and the finish area"

So it sounds grim, which is perfect preparation for the expedition in April.

One more thing, when i recently finished the Cardiff Half Marathon, I was asked if I would do one again. I replied "yes, I'm doing the Bath half marathon in march" The lady replied "Ooh, you'll enjoy that one - its quite hilly"

Brilliant.

Genuinely, what the hell am i doing?

I'm not referring to climbing Everest to play cricket, I mean this blog thing - seriously I have no idea. It's not that i am completetly IT illiterate, I can switch them on, send and receive emails, do internet research (!), and even facebook - so why is this so difficult? Or is it just me?

And, added to all of this, I am actually not that funny either, so dont expect a lively read!

So, what to write? Aside from reporting on all that is Everest, there are so many things going on with the expedition, from training, fitness and social events, cricket nets, but more importantly, getting partnerships and sponsorship for the expedition. The aim is to raise upwards of £250 000 for Sport Relief and the Himalayan trust - to do this we need some serious imput from some corporate heavyweights. Qatar have been fantastic and donated the flights for all 46 of us. This alone is worth about £30k. On top of this, there are so many other prospects bubbling away, we just need the commitment. Closing the deal is essential.

So when I think of something decent to write I'll be back. I'm off to the gym, and then after that who knows, the to-do list is getting longer and longer.

what the hell am i doing?

?