Glute Four: Alan Jones

Lightbulb finally goes on above Al's head

Every team needs a captain, every team needs a coach, every team needs an inspirational leader to push them through the valley of death, up the ridge of discontent and into the checkpoint of collapsing in exhaustion.

Instead of that person, the Glutes will have to make do with Alan Jones, who's returning to Trailwalker after finishing in 2004 - it's been just enough time for the painful memories to fade.

Al's an internet geek who enjoys raising houses and a son, and when not at his computer can most often be found walking a dog or building his core strength at www.springpilates.com.au.

Bushwalking with his best mate Tony is Al's favourite pasttime, and although Tony can't make it this year due to dicky knees, Al views Trailwalker as just like a very long bushwalk... without the sleep, the relaxed pace, the bottle of red wine with dinner, or the sleep in. But he'll be there at the finish, leading from the rear, and picking on his team-mates, like all the great leaders of history.

As Al always says, "There's no "I" in "team", but I don't remember seeing a "U" in it either..."