The Grim challenge is a cross country course and a half featuring plenty of water, plenty of mud and a few hills. Surprisingly for December, it was a sunny day and the organisers were actually bemoaning the fact that the course was actually pretty dry.

Bruce, Dave, Leigh and Tracey arrived at the course at 9am, so were able to savour the pre-race tension, the excitement and in Bruce's case a lack of sleep after an evening on the sauce. I got slightly delayed due to Candice requiring a toilet stop, Magic FM and an explanation into why the British enjoy reading the Sunday papers. We finally arrived, had a quick pep talk and then we were off.

For all his talk, Bruce did well - in fact it was a very successful day all round. No chill blains, no seriously wet people, just a happy bunch at the end of a long year. The course was an interesting mix of dry and wet - you start off dry and then get wet, you dry off a little and get wet again. The 8 mile race was a good test of stamina - especially with the Christmas party season upon us, as the course meandered around an old army vehicle training circuit, so even though it was quite flat in parts, you always seemed to be running uphill.

Whilst a number of people bolted off, Candice and I took a more leisurely pace, though when she decided to slide down a steep slope on her behind rather than running it, I did start to question whether I had chosen the right running mate. We did get through it all - wet and smiling to the end and when the silverware was around our neck, it was actually a time for reflection on what we have completed and what we will do next.

A lot has gone on in since Tough Guy in January though to the Grim challenge, but it has all been good. From the wilds of Windsor to the screaming hot sun and picturesque (?) backshot of Seaford, this year has been one of change not only for your correspondent but also for SAUK triathlon.

Whilst I have been there, got the t-shirt and completed a triathlon, others have done amazing things - whether it is simply getting out of bed on a wet Thursday morning at 5.30, making a new PB on a 10k, or competing for your own (or even adopted) country at the world championships, things have really happened this year - and it is all down to you. The "you" could be a member of the committee, someone who has helped with the training - or just come along and supported. It all helps and we all thank you.

Right, enough sentimental claptrap. Have a very Happy Christmas and all the best for 2006 (that is in lieu of receiving a Christmas card, apologies)

And what may you ask of your plucky correspondent in 2006? A half Ironman to prepare for, a chance to get back on the bike and burn out some of those shandy drinkers from London Dyn!mo (sorry for the bad language) and a sub 30 minute 1500 metre swim.

Peace.