Cake Sale!

Today, in the Clear UK offices we had a cake sale to make some more money for the great charity that is Me Too & Co. and it's going strong!

Lots of people did a fantastic job and YUMMY cakes, pies and cupcakes were made - even people who aren't taking part in the challenge did their bit and brought in some treats to sell.

The YUMMY items we sold today

Here's a little round up of what was made and munched (prepare to be jealous!)

Anastasia made two gorgeous pies - pumpkin and pecan - there were probably the biggest hit. Emilie from Rare - our design team also made a lovely pumpkin pie - I think it's converted a lot of people to the pie way of life, any doubts people had before on pumpkin being used in a dessert have been silenced!

Marky Mark did the best out of the men and actually made peanut butter and banana cupcakes... big hand there!

Vicky made cupcakes with vanilla and chocolate frosting

Hattie made Marshmallow cupcakes and a chocolate cake (well, technically her mum made the cake)

Morgane went continental and made a 'Molleux au chocolat' that even had the 3 Peaks logo on top - now that's effort!

Aine was amazing and brought in these absolutely delightful and beautiful mini cupcakes which stole the show in terms of artistic flare!

Now what we all really want to know is how much did we raise!?

Well.... it's a staggering £147.10

It's been a really successful event and everyone has been so generous, we are all so grateful - a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who spent time during their weekend making sure we had something to sell today.  It is hugely appreciated and we can't wait until the next event...

Until next time...

North Downs Way - 11 miles

In order to make sure I'm not dragging behind the fit (as in fitness, not as in "fit"...!) Clear team I decided to do something about it.

It seems that my weekly 5km at my local parkrun (www.parkrun.com - look for your local one, seriously good fun!) isn't enough (especially considering the time it takes me to get around the course)... so I've been looking for ways to get myself out there walking. 
I mean proper walking, up hills, not just to the local shop for the paper.

A few days ago I came across a website called meetup.com. I signed up, found a walking group called "outdooraholics" and signed up for one of their walks - today. Yikes.

Starting at Guildford we walked along the River Wey canal, past the boat houses and rowing boats and then onto the Bluebell Woods where we joined the North Downs Way ridge. At the top of the hill we stopped for lunch at St Martha’s church then made our way back to Guildford. All in all 11 miles and glorious sunshine all the way through. Brilliant trip, lovely company and great weather! Perfect.

 

Can you see the South Downs there in the background?

It made me hungry for the three peaks challenge. Bring on some mountains!

On another note - I had to admit that it's time to put my current hiking boots at rest. I've blisters all over my toes (!) so a new pair of walking boots is coming my way.

xxx Alex

Clearly 3 Peaks: Trying to get fit...

Clearly 3 Peaks: Trying to get fit...: "So having been to spinning class before work yesterday, I thought I would take it easy and do pilates. For once I was there early, but 15 mi..."

Trying to get fit...

So having been to spinning class before work yesterday, I thought I would take it easy and do pilates. For once I was there early, but 15 minutes later with still no teacher to begin I realised I would have no choice but to do "self" motivated exercise...the worst kind!

My only choice was to run...I decided 5km would be my target, after about 250m I was already bored, but somehow I pressed on, with no music but the thoughts in my head somehow I managed to do 5km in 31m33s...not so bad for someone who's not feeling that fit.

I fear it's my mind I will be battling with for these 3 peaks!

Bring it on!

Starting Training

As the 3 Peaks challenge is only 9 weeks away it is time to get moving! Every Tuesday we have fitness training at work - a perfect opportunity to prepare our bodies and minds for what lies ahead! However, everyone seemed to be busy last night so in the end it was only myself and Garnetto who went to meet Wayne (our trainer) for an hour's session. I was slightly concerned at the thought of training with the most competitive person at Clear (Garnett) and someone who exercises for a living because as Simon says I'm the typical "got all the gear but no idea".

We headed down to the river and did our stretches, very important - I'd also like to add that at this point it was still light and made it so much nicer than training in the dark, role on spring - and then set off at a pace along the river. After about half a mile we stopped by some benches to do step ups and push ups (killer on the pec muscles!). After a pause to stretch off our arms off we ran again, about 3/4 of a mile this time, Wayne and Simon were discussing the rugby while I ran in silence, anything to conserve energy! Another bench stop with tricep dips and lateral arm raises - whatever they are!? We then ran all the way back to where we started from, this felt like a long way! Once back to the start Simon left the session to get home so I was left with Wayne. You would think this would be great to have a one-on-one training session but there is no chance of cheating when you are the only person there! Bicep curls, crunches and leg raises followed to round up the session.

It's now Wednesday lunchtime and I'm struggling to lift my arms above my head, and have a sinking suspicion that it will feel even worse tomorrow... No Pain No Gain! Hopefully a few more of these sessions and we will all be feeling more confident about our challenge.

Until next time...

Hattie

p.s. photos from our actual training sessions will be appearing in the coming weeks!

So what's going on here then?

Over the weekend of the 21st & 22nd May, 7 of us will be climbing the 3 biggest peaks in the British Isles - Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike & Snowdon. Why?

Great question - logical reason slightly escaping me right now. Something about getting fit? Being in the great outdoors? Well yes - probably. But there is a muc more important reason why - the fabulous charity Me Too & Co

Based in Richmond, they do wonderful work with families in the local area with children additional needs & their families

So get your wallets out and do the honourable thing - sponsor us much of your hard earned cash as you possibly can (and maybe then a little bit more...) and we promise to send you a picture from the top of Scafell Pike. In the dark. It'll be worth it I am sure...

See - I told you it would be worthwhile...