Grazing The Planet, June 2009

What's your sporting background, if any?

I've always been a keen racket player, tennis, squash, badminton, I enjoy hiking, but running is out of the question for me!

How did you hear about the 4 Deserts and the Gobi March?

My friend Mikkel Larsen for whom I feel nothing but love and respect made an arse of himself at last year's event. There is no such thing as bad publicity.

What made you want to take part in a 4 Deserts event and why did you choose the Gobi March as the first one?

Mainly because a number of merciless friends get a kick out of poking fun at my midlife crisis; I can assure you hardship is not my thing! I was originally looking at the Namibia event, but was told Gobi would be more suitable for my, for lack of a better word, athletic condition. Besides, I have teed myself up by asking for donations from friends and colleagues, and I pay double if I don't complete, so that adds to the determination. Incidentally if anybody is short of ideas, half goes to Room to Read and half to Kiva (microlending).

How have you approached your training for the event? How does it differ from the training you've done for other events/sports you've participated in?

It's really just about getting mileage in the legs as far as I'm concerned. I have as I said no intention of running...

What are your hopes for the Gobi March?

Completing is my only ambition. My other hope is that, on the Silk Road, I chance upon a travelling foie gras merchant, or failing that, perhaps a fish and chips stall. I must confess my biggest dread is the thought of that gawdawful food you have to eat there. I could also guarantee brisk business if a bartender could look me up at 5:30 daily with a few Extra Dry Martinis.

Are you planning at this stage to run further 4 Deserts events?

To be honest I doubt it. Getting one under my belt should shut up the mid-life crisis voice I should think; unless of course a Fat Cat Endurance Race event came along - something involving bringing one's own butler...