We've been getting prepared for our walk in Scotland over the past few weeks.

Making sure we've got the right kit, testing out our rucksacks, getting the dogs fitter - that's the one most people question.

Our dogs are in really good shape, we walk them a minimum of 3 miles per day and they often get more than that.  However, in Scotland we will be walking an average of 12 miles per day with a couple over 15 and a 19 mile day.  

Consecutively over rough ground, we needed to get their paws ready for it.

They will also be eating a different diet, they normally eat a 'clean' for dogs diet of predominantly raw meat and a few biscuits.  

Logistically that's not going to be possible, so we've had to tweak their diet while we are still at home.  They've had the odd bacon sandwich, croissant, other pastries and random things that might be our only option.

On Friday, we did a trial run with heavy rucksacks etc in the Cotswolds.  I planned on a sandwich for breakfast, a snack and cup of tea after 5 miles and then something like a pie for lunch at the end of the 10 miles.

However, I forgot my wallet and as much as PayPal claim it's the new money, the Cotswolds haven't realised that.  Fran had packed a banana and a nakd bar as a snack but me and the dogs went without, me by choice (Fran gets moody when she's hungry, so it was better to let her have the food).

There may be a couple of days where breakfast isn't available so it was good practice, although unintentional.

I was talking to somebody about preparing the dogs for the trip and why we were putting so much effort in to it at the weekend.  The more we prepare them, the easy and more enjoyable the trip will be.  

I was trying to factor in all eventualities.  I had missed the fact that we were leaving the car and getting the train back to it though.

Hence, this afternoon I've taken the dogs on their first journey by train.  A massive trip from the Ricoh to Coventry City Centre, a whole 7 or 8 minutes of journey time.

They took it in their stride and all went well until the conductor came out of his room and startled Pop, to which she let him know she was there.

All of these little things will hopefully make for a smoother trip.

It's the same when our members first try our diet plan, we give them all of the tools and help we can to make the transition smoother.  That way they are less likely to struggle and slip up.

The same with starting a new exercise plan, you need to prepare to fit it in to your life. It's why our sessions are only 45 minutes.  You can be there and back in an hour, which reduces the excuses you can give yourself for not going.

If you are ready to get started and would like a little more support, that's what we specialise in.

We start next Monday - www.achievebootcamp.co.uk/selected

Darren 'Thomas' Checkley