The Challenge: Jungle (BBC2): AS he attempted to combine a full-time job and the training schedule of a full-time athlete, office worker Mark Daniels made a confession to camera: "Think very strongly before you put an application in for a TV programme that requires you to do a massive sporting event because it will take over and consume your life."

A moment's pause, then he added: "He says after not having thought about it himself."

The Challenge is a cut above the usual reality TV show because it actually has a purpose. Goals are set, schedules drawn up and a mission undertaken - unlike the aimless meandering that happens in far too many real life shows.

Daniels had six weeks to prepare, both physically and mentally, for an adventure race comprising four days and 200 miles of running, biking, climbing and kayaking in the oppressive heat and humidity of Borneo.

It was obvious this was going to be an uphill struggle for an ordinary member of the public - literally on the first day, when Outdoor Quest adventure race competitors had to run up and then down South East Asia's highest mountain.

Tests showed that Daniels was well conditioned and fitter than the average person in the street. All the same, his coaches agreed he didn't realise what he'd let himself in for.

He had expert coaching and a psychologist to get his mind in the right frame but the 6.30am runs - "I'm not a morning person" - and heavy training schedule took their toll. His life was reduced to sleeping, eating and training. All agreed that even getting him to the starting line in Borneo for the four-day event would be quite a challenge.

An added pressure was being part of a four-person team and the danger of Daniels feeling he was letting them down as they competed against 26 of adventure racing's top teams.

The scenery in Borneo was spectacular, but only viewers could appreciate it. Daniels and his fellow competitors were otherwise engaged in four event-packed days. To give you an idea of the scale of the challenge, let me tell you that the third day comprised deep water swim, skate, sea kayak, cycle, abseil, sea kayak again and run. I feel exhausted just writing it down.

As well as the physical and mental stress, there was the ever-present fear of injury from muscle strain, falling off your cycle, altitude sickness and heat stroke. Not to mention prickly plants and viral infection.

The programme conveyed all too well the pain and stress of the race, as well as Daniels' determination to win, despite a crisis when he was on the point of collapse. Or as the expert-on-the-spot put it: "He's looking like death".

At this point, Daniels could have been excused for thinking that he would have been better applying for a place in the Big Brother house rather than on a reality show like The Challenge that really does test people to the limit.

Published: 07/10/2004