6 weeks......and it's ended, I've completed the Men's Health Challenge

So here I am, 6 weeks on from the start of the challenge and now making my way into London for the Men's Health Challenge after photo.......well that was yesterday so how did it go?

But before I tell you about yesterday, let me fill you in on what's been happening on the lead up to that day. First of all I like to congratulate all the Olney runners who took part and in London Marathon. I had the pleasure of cheering them on through the 26 mile course and can honestly say they are all an inspiration. So much so, next year I will be looking to compete, taking on the 26 miles dressed in a pantomime cow outfit......Della, if you're reading this, let me know when we need to start training and also that you're still keen on being the rear end.

So the lead up to the after photo......I was very anxious the last week, did I look different, had the six weeks worked, how would everyone else look.....questions, worry, questions and more worry. The answer to all this was to workout a little bit harder, a little bit longer and not give in to any passing treats. Too much mirror watching was also a habit I formed.....how vain am I??? so much so that I decided to have my back waxed. What an experience, how do you ladies put up with it.....am I brave, if you can call burying your head in a pillow whilst the strips are pulled off...did I scream, well not out loud. The finished result, a nice smooth back.....would I do it again, if the occassion was right then yes and finally would I wax anywhere else.......NO CHANCE!!!!!!!!!!!

The weekend before the after photo I received an email from the editor of Mens Health giving all the competitors (readers and writers) the opportunity to undergo a dehydration program which is used by body builders to enhance their muscle tone before a competition. Oh my god! what's this all about I thought, I can't do it I'm going out Saturday night for tapas at a rather nice restaurant in Mayfair called El Pirata (I can definitely recommend this place, good atmosphere, good food, good value and good service). But everyone else was going to do it......are they going to look like greek gods and I'll be left looking like the Michelin man.....now I'm getting more anxious, but hey it's not going to spoil my weekend.

So the day arrived and after playing a round of golf with my brother in the morning I set off for the Holborn Studios in London. I arrive at the studio complex and am directed to studio 11, I open the door and there is everyone, the other readers and the Mens Health team. What can I say, everyone made me feel relaxed, I was not the Michelin man surrounded by greek gods but just one of many ordinary guys that had taken the challenge and could have a laugh sharing their experiences. Now I'm not going to give out too much detail as to what happened as I don't want to steal the thunder of the magazine article which will be in the July issue of Mens Health, released at the beginning of June. The article will be supported by a feature on the Mens Health website where you will be able to read my submitted weekly diary entries on my progress and how I felt. The time spent at the studio was all very professional, makeup was applied, we joked and laughed and I was so glad I waxed my back.

So look out for me in the July issue, I will be conducting signings upon request.