We've officially got 7 days and counting until race day! We can't believe how quickly the last two months have gone by, but we can't wait to finally be participating in the Nut Challenge race after all our hard work and training.

 At time of writing, we have raised £530.58 which we are all delighted with and which will get us ever closer to naming our very own guide dog puppy.

 Dan, Gavin and I have been continuing with our training as well as starting to think about the race day itself...more specifically the cold weather!

 Gavin is already used to running and cycling in all weathers so he is well prepared, however Dan and I had to purchase some thermal sportswear from a well-known sports retailer yesterday. We are now ready for the race and even have padded, fingerless cycling gloves (to overcome the climbing obstacles) and cycling socks to keep the heat in....who knew you could buy cycling socks!

 We also have our Guide Dogs t-shirts ready for the race thanks to the Guide Dogs Events Team. The photo above is of our team meeting in sunny Weymouth last weekend.

 The other piece of good news is that my article on our Guide Dogs fundraising challenge will soon be published in World Dog magazine. World Dog magazine is edited and produced by JCI Dublin member, Thaynan Mariano Costa who JCI Reading have worked closely  with over the past 6 months, in order to raise awareness of Guide Dogs for the Blind in the UK as well as JCI Reading's fundraising for the cause.

 A big thank you to all who have donated and sponsored us for Guide Dogs, a fantastic charity which provides mobility and freedom to blind and partially sighted people as well as campaigns for the rights of people with visual impairment. In addition, few people realise that Guide Dogs also educate the public about eye care and funds eye disease research. I think Guide Dogs' visions sums up the charity and its work perfectly:

"We will not rest until blind and partially sighted people can enjoy the same freedom of movement as everyone else."

 All in all, it has been an exciting few weeks for Dan, Gavin and I which has included lots of training and preparation for the challenge next Saturday.

 Remember you can donate via our fundraising page at www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/JCIReading4GuideDogs

 Wish us well everyone!

 Lynda, Dan and Gavin