At 6:30 a.m., we walked down to the start to drop our bags in the drop off zone and then stood on the edge of Lake Taupo. The supporters were gathered on the high banks, looking down onto the beach.

The thought of an ‘empty nest’ filled me with alarm, having dedicated years to raising my three kids. Caitlin was maturing and becoming increasingly independent.

There was a buzz in the air as we slowly hiked up Pen y Fan, the tallest peak in the Brecon Beacons. It was steep and we were exhausted. It was cold and windy, and I felt alive.