With the clock ticking down our house looks like an outdoor gear warehouse exploded. I’m currently stalking the postman for dry bags, bars and a pair of gloves that I’m told are arriving “soon”. Our final mission is to hunt down some gaiters – because further North on the Pennine Way “bog dodging” is a mandatory extreme sport (so I’m told). Aside from that? We are somehow ready.

Simultaneously, I’m already sweating over January’s Spine Sprint kit list. It is so notoriously brutal that the mandatory kit list is one of the most extensive you will find in any ultra. I’s not unusual to be carrying between 7-10kg of weight depending on your gear and how much water you personally need.

The good news is that I already own a fair amount of the gear, including a super lightweight sleeping bag, that actually passes kit check. I still need to get shoe spikes, waterproof mittens and clear goggles, but that’s a problem for future me after we survive our hiking trek.

Yesterday, I joined four other equally bonkers women scout the first part of the Pennine Way. While I’m walking it next week, I desperately wanted to meet the gang and trade our Spine Race anxieties. After months of virtual chatter in our Spine Race Women’s WhatsApp group, we finally met in the flesh at Edale Station’s Penny Pot Cafe at 8.30 AM. Clare, Clare, Emily and Nikki travelled from far and wide, while I cheekily took a short local train ride to get there.

After a round of coffees, teas and toilet visit, we went outside to find the cool breeze had abated and been replaced by a warm sun. We all stripped off our additional layers and stuffed them in our rucksacks before setting off up the road to the official start of the Pennine Way near the Nags Head.

We spent the miles eagerly exchanging running war stories, gear reviews, and – most importantly – confessing the exact parts of the Spine Race currently keeping us awake at night.

I stayed with the group for the first five miles, going up Jacobs Ladder, across Kinder Plateau, past the trig and over to Kinder Downfall where I about turned and came back. They continued on a further five miles to complete their twenty mile out and back reccy. A tendon in my leg has been complaining lately and with the ‘Big Hike’ just a week away, I had to play it safe. My main goal was to meet the ‘girls’ and have a good natter anyway. Thankfully, after a week of boring isometric exercises, swimming laps and zero running, the leg was feeling flawless yesterday.

Kinder as absolutely buzzing this weekend, packed with hikers, photo-hunters and families towing a mix of ecstatic and less enthusiastic kids. On my return leg the universe decided to play a game of ‘small world.’ I practically tripped over some old friends Chris and I haven’t seen for a while. As outdoor lovers – they were out enjoying a 20km loop in the sunshine. Then, just as I started to descend Jacob’s Ladder, a voice from above shouted my name. I looked up to see two figures high up on a rock, one of them standing and waving at me. They turned out to be a couple I know from my local running group.

The mission or the rest of the week is simple: keep my body injury free. I’m joining my running club but swapping out the usual run for the walking group section, keeping up the rehab exercises, and sticking to short local strolls. It’s all about keeping my legs happy, healthy and primed for the Way. The countdown is officially on – and the excitement is really kicking in!