Today, I listened to my wife.

It doesn't happen very often but today I actually paid attention and did as she said.

Although partly because I had already ignored her this morning which led to us getting to the rendezvous point for our training walk a little late.

Fran is more experienced in the mountains than I am; I've probably done more of the glory walks and stupid stuff. However, in time served on the hills, Fran has been dragged up the mountains of North Wales by her Dad since she was a kid.

This experience of hers shone through today.

As we drove over the Llanberis Pass, she told me that I shouldn't be extending the walk to the summit of Snowdon and in reality it might be wise to only head to the half way house.

I took note and headed off with the quicker group, while Fran joined the pack at the back.  Our plan was to pick them up on the way back down, as we had all decided that it wasn't a good day to try and summit.  

On the lower paths the rain was still horizontal and bitingly cold, the wind was around 40mph; that's strong enough to blow you over.  It took some battling against.

As we were only planning on reaching the half way point, we set out at a good pace and hit our marker at a little over an hour.  When I mentioned a pint and a hot chocolate, two of the group yomped their way down in less than 40 minutes.

Sitting in Pete's Eats Cafe to enjoy the treats I was really proud of how positive the group were being about being out in such crap weather.

The people I work with continue to inspire me daily with their achievements.

M completed today with limited sleep, landing from China on Friday and flying out to the States in the morning.  I don't think he even mentioned it to any of the group.

Kathryn and Michelle, resisted the amazing hot chocolates and opted for a peppermint tea as they are both eating 100% clean at the moment.

Al weighs 10 stones more than me and kept pushing.

Yesterday, Lady C and Ian made it to the summit!  The weather was harsh but they knew that this was their last chance to do it before emigrating and went for it.

Today, a client completed the Paris marathon with knees and hamstrings that weren't playing nicely over the past few weeks.

Another couple of members of team Achieve have completed the 40 mile Coventry Way today.

I'm sure tomorrow, there will be a fresh bunch of 'do you think I can do this ... ?' emails; to which my general reply is 'Yes! You'll be alright'

Seeing, hearing and reading about the struggles members of team Achieve have overcome to reach their goals, inspires me every single day.

Darren 'inspired' Checkley

P.S.  I really struggled to listen to Fran today, not because I like to ignore her but because I hate not completing things I have set in my head.  I'm really proud of myself for listening and not pushing ahead, I still feel a little disappointed that we didn't summit but I know we will go on to do much more together as a result of how well the group worked together today.