As a writer on an adventure sports magazine, I'd always refuse to do the adventurous stuff myself. I preferred to observe others and 1 their experiences to readers. Thus, when I was challenged to 2 a mountain in aid of charity — and to write about it afterwards—I was 3.
Then it was 4 that I had a brilliant coach called Keith, who gave me knowledge about everything from building muscle groups to how to5tiredness. It quickly became obvious that the techniques of climbing were more 6than I had imagined. Aware of the challenge, I forced myself to 7 a detailed action plan Keith made, working out 8 at the gym. My self-belief 9 alongside my muscle power, and I became confident about finishing the climb.
All too soon I was on a plane to my destination. That day, when I looked up at the mountain, I thought of 10it. But then I remembered all the11I'd made and how upset Keith would be if I gave up — not to mention the sense of 12I'd experience myself. With a deep breath fear13courage, I headed into the sunshine to meet the rest of the group.
And as I am sitting here now, tapping on my laptop, I'm amazed at all the details I can recall: the burning 14and the tiredness. Could I have been better prepared? Possibly. Would I be back for another go? Thankfully not. The feeling of being excited when standing on top of the world is definitely a 15experience but one I will cherish forever.
