Outdoor Inspiration on Sunday night.

BBC 4 had my attention on Sunday night first with Griff Rees Jones' programme 'Mountain'. This week in was in the Cairngorms and also climbed Ben Nevis by the hardest route. Such inspiration, I just find myself wanting to take the East End Girls out there. I wish I hadn't missed the week before when he was in the Lakes - my favourite walking spot in the UK.

However, my fix of the Lakes came after with a relatively new series on walking Wainwright's favourite walks. This time it was Julia Bradbury tramping in the sunshine, if only the Lakes always looked like that. Actually they look wonderful in any weather. She was climbing to the summit of both Crinkle Crags and Bowfell and using a great ridge walk to get from one to the other. That's gone down on my must do list now.

You all know where I will be on Sunday evening then........

New Investment

A place very close to my heart is Epping Forest. Covering something like 6,000 acres and being 18 km long, it is one of the reasons I decided to live where I do. I love the close proximity to the forest and the fact that my early morning walks allow me to skirt it while longer forages with friends and family have allowed me to explore it. I use the forest to relax, to exercise, to think and to enjoy nature while still living in a major city. and it was in Epping Forest that I did most of the East End Girls training for the Breakthrough Walk and where we often return to favourite spots.

I have just been catching up on emails and am delighted to hear that the Heritage Lottery Fund has just provided the City of London with a development grant of £233,250 to plan a project to build a new visitors centre alongside Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge, complete with a viewing platform over the forest. This is intended to ‘secure the future of the Forest’s rich resources and opens up its past for visitors to explore'.

I think that this is fantastic news and once these plans are approved a further £4.76 million will be released by the Heritage Lottery Fund. This money will also aid conservation efforts in the forest, particularly for saving historic pollarded trees that are at risk of collapse. The money will also help fund the reintroduction of cattle to the forest, which is seen as essential to maintain the biodiversity and mix of habitats in the forest. New walkways, toilets, guided tours and refreshment kiosks will also be provided.

The forest was designated as a royal forest in the 12th Centuryand during her reigh Queen Victoria gave the forest to the people of London to enjoy. Although it is busy and I love to see the groups of people using it to fly kites, have picnics, mountain bike, use the tea huts and walk, I am aware that many who live close by do not even know of the forest or what it consists of.

How great it would be if, as part of this programmes were developed to help people get to know the area and how to use it to suit them. I think I might have to look at this one further.

As with a lot of development, is there the risk that the forest may get spoilt? No, I don't think so, more and better facilities will be great and the forest is huge so there are areas where people will not venture so I think those havens of peace are still safe.

Here are some of the East End girls enjoying the forest.

Mentally still wet.

I may have dried out physically but definately not mentally - the scars and cold of last weekend's Isle of Wight experience is still with me and no doubt with Lindsey, Teresa and Lisa the other 3 EEG who were with me.

The East End Girls were meant to be doing the last part of the Capital Ring Walk tomorrow but after many people telling me that they couldn't come and doing checks on the forecast, I have postponed it until September. Interestingly there were sighs of relief all round.

Look out for the postings then and hopefully sunshine.

Drowned rats had nothing on us.

I and three fellow walkers have just returned from a long weekend walking round the coast of the Isle of Wight.

Now in June, on a weekend that is the longest one of the year you might assume that the weather would be good - wrong!! I have never been so wet in all my life.

Things started well and the journey was in glorious sunshine although a short walk along the front that evening did mean waterproof jackets. That was just drizzle though and I, in all my optimism awoke to shades of blue and grey in the sky and hopes of a sunny day. Unfortunately by the time we set off the rain was on again but only lasted for an hour and the rest of the day was great. We ate lunch outside in Cowes while we watched the place prepare for the following day’s 'Round the Island Race'.

Day two was beautiful and we walked in shorts and strappy tops, through woodland, along the coast, a bit of beach and into picturesque Yarmouth where we met up with Teresa. Clearly she thought we needed dampening down as we did have a shower then but again it was short and a little further along the coast we had lunch watching wind surfers and boarders as we ate, outside again, in the sunshine.

Day three, the rain never stopped and for miles there was nothing but long expanses of cliff top and walks around inlets – ‘chines’ in the Isle of Wight. On one, we all performed intricate ballet steps in the mud as we slid all over the place trying to negotiate the path. Finally at about 3.00 we stopped for lunch dripping water everywhere and soaked through. After a comforting lunch, no let up in the rain meant we were reluctant to continue so we called a taxi and moved on to our over night stay in Ventnor. So wet was it that once warm and dry, not one of us ventured out for a meal and I for one was in bed and asleep by 9.30.

'It cannot possibly be as bad as yesterday' we figured over breakfast as grey and blue fought in the sky for dominance and even as the rain started just as we set off, we really did think it was only a short shower ahead. The terrain was more varied, no endless cliffs and walking through woodland sheltered us. At one point the sun looked as if it was about to shine but no longevity. The rain set in again, harder than ever and after deciding in Sandown to push on, we reconsidered after another 5 minutes of torrential downpour.

It was madness so we caught a bus back to base, dripped into a trendy coffee bar and then headed back to the hotel for a shower and lunch and decided to head back to the mainland.

Did we have fun? Yes, it was great and we met some very interesting people. Would we do it again? Ask me again when I have thoroughly dried out.

Grab each moment and enjoy it to the full.

Last year I dedicated my Breakthrough Breast Cancer Walk to many women but two were singled out, one was Roo whose wedding I attended in France a couple of weeks ago and the other was Bev.

Sadly, very suddenly and unexpectedly Bev died last night and I have just found out.

Everyone deals with cancer differently and for a long time, although I was in regular contact with her, I did not see Bev - it was what she wanted. However, her battle did not always run smoothly and when she had to have more treatment she invited me to visit. Her shoulder length auburn hair had fallen out and was now wispy, short and grey but she still looked the 'beautiful Bev' I had always named her. She told me that getting back to everything being perfect again might take longer than she hoped so she had decided to stop punishing herself and see people. We spent a wonderful 3-4 hours together laughing, reminiscing, eating pastries and enjoying each other company.

I did not see her again but I am so glad I had that time with her. Bev would be the first to say, enjoy each moment so for my dear friend, please do.

Where has the last month gone?

Well of course I know, but I cannot believe that so much time has elapsed since I last wrote. It seems no time at all that I was in Peru and I have been in France since then too.

First and foremost, yes, I did it, I walked the Inca Trail and so did the whole of the wonderful group I was with.  The group consisted of myself, Chris, Teresa and Gemma all of whom were East End Girls and then my friend Elaine and Helen who I met when networking.  Then in Peru we met a family group of 3 and Alan who was on his own. We all got on so well, what a great bunch of people.

It was a great experience and I have to keep looking at my photos as already the reality of it is fading as life just moves on.

Here is a photo of our group on the morning that we started the trek. We were on our way by coach to Km 82 and we got out to take photos at this wonderful spot.




Some of the peaks seen here were with us on the entire walk and that was very comforting. This photo was taken about 7.00a.m and it was still quite cold but as you can see very beautiful.
There is so much to tell you and share with you about the trip and the only way I am going to be able to do it is bit by bit so please bear with me.
Although the clear focus of the actual trip is fading, the one thing that I brough back with me, which I still have, is a great feeling of calm and relaxation. I have now maintained that through a week of working and a sometimes hectic half term week. I plan to keep it as it feels really good and I have not raised my voice once or got angry since. Quite amazing really. I am exploring the whole issue as I want to take the lessons and pass them on to others. I have to say that I feel great.
Just one last thing to share and that is that the word for the week is balance.
What am I talking about? Well, a number of years ago a friend and fellow coach bought me a pack of cards with different words on them. There are many ways to use them but I tend to pick a random card and then work with it in the way that seems relevant and beneficial to me. Today I picked 'balance' which felt a really good way of working on maintaining the balance that I currently have and am enjoying.
It is placed beside my computer and is reminding me of the need to have that balance all through my day. It's made me ensure that I take a lunch break, something I do not always do, and I also made sure I fitted a walk in today even though I could not do my first thing in the morning one.
If your word was also balance, how would it work for you? What could you do to ensure that you had balance in your life? What would balance be like for you? Have a go and see what you achieve.

A little bit of an adventure.

Well that is one way to describe the getting to our walk yesterday!!

Cajsa and I met up at S Woodford at 9.15 as planned and were busy chatting away when we were told to 'detrain' at Marble Arch station. Then began all the added instructions - we were told to get the 94 bus to Shepherd's Bush, then the rail replacement bus to North Acton and finally the tube for the last 2 or 3 stops. So easy????

What of course they didn't tell us was where to get the bus from, now that would have been useful. Still with 30 minutes before we were due to rendezvous, we were feeling quite confident and although we had to 'leg it' for the 94 bus when we emerged into day light, all went well.

My phone started making noises, except this was not my usual phone so frustration and exasperation followed as I tried to find a way to access my texts and to find a way to make a call. You would think it would be easy but no....

Poor Cajsa had to help out and we finally made contact with Teresa who was also experiencing a similar fate. She had been about to give up but the promise of friendly faces waiting for her in Starbucks in Shepherd's Bush had a motivating affect and only two and a half hours late we arrived at Greenford Tube Station.

Of course, the walk itself was sheer pleasure. More lovely new areas to explore, hills to climb and tea shops to experience. I would like to give the Dolls House in Harrow on the Hill a special mention for their wonderful welcome and great food.

There was plenty of talk about our Peru trip as Christine, Teresa and I compared packing lists etc and congratulated ourselves on our readiness. It wasn't until we were returning home with another miniscule transport hiccup that I remembered that my cagoul was in France!! Thanks to the lovely Kathy Morley who came to my rescue and dropped in her cagoul for my use. I owe you one.

Well only today and tomorrow and then I am off. I feel much less stressed now and I think that was due to a day in the fresh air yesterday. Work is up to date as is the blogging and I only now have to repack and pick up a prescription. Peru, here I come.

Roll on the flight!

I look forward to this stage when I am out there and only have to think of myself and the task in hand. Doesn't it look peaceful?

My mind is anything but peaceful as I write. As fast as I complete one list, there is another to be written of the tasks that still need completed and the things that need bought.

I hate shopping on a Saturday, yet there I was this morning trying to find a parking place so I could buy the last few things for the trip. I more or less succeeded, just a few packs of nuts and seeds now and that's that.

It's the financial side of things that is causing me the worst trauma as my new debit/check card has got lost in the post so no access to my back account. What a time for this to happen. Inventiveness is being called into play and it will all be fine but I could do without the hassle. I am sure there is a lesson there for me.

What progress!

One of the things I wanted from this weekend was productivity and boy have I got it. I am feeling very calm and prepared now as I move into the last week before I go to Peru.

I had the trial run with the kitbag today and got everything in, it was really that easy and that is with my big jacket which I have not decided whether I am taking or not. There is extra room too. I emailed my packing list to the girls, some of whom are feeling rather lost about knowing what to take and Teresa (always on the ball) has added that hers is similar. Smile on face.

Really there are only last minute things to do now and some shopping for suntan cream and wetwipes.

Catch up time.

Oh dear, 10 days since I have blogged and the biggest lapse since I started back into this in January. It’s not that I haven't thought about it, it's just been so difficult to find the time.

So what I have I been up to?

Well last week I was training in the depths of the Essex countryside. The venue was superb and the drive up there so stunning that I wanted to stop the car, pull on my walking boots and set off along the numerous footpaths. My fellow trainer may not have been too happy should I have chosen that path so I stuck to the original plan instead and looked at the countryside from the training room and my bedroom too, although I didn't spend much time there.

Last Saturday, I walked with the East End girls on the 5th section of the Capital Ring Walk and again it was really interesting. This is a walk that will definitely be walked again.

I was full of excitement when I met up wit the girls as my kitbag for Peru had arrived that morning and suddenly it all seemed even closer. That feeling has stayed with me all week and today I took a conscious break to write lists of all I still need to do. I am going to have a trial run on packing the kitbag this weekend and see how I get on. Keep your fingers crossed.

In the process of rediness...

I am pleased to see that my fellow Inca Trail walkers are in the same state of readiness as I am . I think it has got to do with the fact that we are all busy people so our trip, although close in many ways, is still quite far away and much has to be done before we get there.

I was out walking again this morning which made me feel great and then spent the afternoon planning the East End girls Isle of Wight Walk - yes, life continues after the Inca Trail and just think how well prepared some of us will be.

I have just spoken to Sandy who with her partner runs Wight-Walks and they sound great. Just a few forms to fill in now and that too is in the bag.

Time to get back to the book and find out more about the best places in Cusco for real hot chocolate!!!

Yes, more walking this morning but today my thoughts have been turning to all the things I need to take with me. Not necessarilly the clothese but the bits and pieces and also the things I have to do before I go.

Among the bits and pieces are things like spare batteries for the camera and the voice recorder, an adaptor to charge my ipod and what music I may need to add to it. I need to buy some Berroca to wake me up after all the early starts and there are my legs to get waxed, my eyelashes dyed and the pedometer to add to the pile.

Lists, yes, I can see a growing pile of lists.

Only one month to go.

Yes, that's right one month today and I fly off to Peru, in fact at this time one month on I shall be in Lima and the following morning we shall fly up to Cusco. I still cannot believe that it is happening and there is so much to fit in inbetween that I feel it will not really hit me until I am at the airport - or perhaps when I stay at Elaine's house the night before.

I did a fair amount of walking today. I woke early and was in real need of a brisk walk so went out for 50 minutes or so. Being Easter Monday, it was really quiet but it was such a beautiful morning and I really enjoyed not having to share it with too many others. I included the hills and once again was pleased at how easy I found them - I do remember the times when even these would have taken it out of me.

Later on in the day we completed two more county tops for our Pointless Odyssey Trip and those hills seemed really easy - see http://www.pointlessodyssey.blogspot.com

I think my problem on the Inca Trail will be slowing down. I am used to walking at a fast pace but the way to tackle the altitude is slowly, slowly. I will have to ask the girls to remind me of this.

The walk that started it all.

It was on an Easter Sunday just like this that first got me into walking. I must have been in my early teens and as a family, we had gone to the Giants Causeway for the day -
http://www.giantscausewayofficialguide.com/ . The weather was stunning and having wandered down to the Cuaseway itself and clambered all over it we decided to follow the path we could see following alongside the sea.

The walk followed the low level all the way to Shepherd’s steps returning along the cliff path. At the time it seemed a very long walk so I was somewhat surprised to find that it is only 2 miles. Perhaps the narrowness of the path and its rough nature are what slowed us down.

What I do remember vividly though was the spectacular scenery, the colours and the weather. It was great to get the different perspectives on the walk and the Causeway and the memories have never left me. It was so energising and I recall us all being in buoyant mood when we finished. I really must do it again and take Ellie when we are next in Northern Ireland.

If you fancy trying the walk out for yourself click on the following link
http://www.giantscausewayofficialguide.com/local01.htm

Although an all weather walker, I truly love it when it is clear and bright for then the surroundings do look their best and from any vantage point, you can see far and near. The Causeway experience sewed some seeds in me that are now coming to fruition but also the love of the scenery, the wonderful natural surroundings and the freedom that inspires me to walk more and more.

Another thing off the list...

Immunisations achieved and no yellow fever needed.

I was out for the day and ended up with friends at the Science Museum. Realised how close this was to Trailfinders Travel Clinic so I popped down and hey presto, success.

No side effects and now I am off to cook dinner for Cathy.

True integration

I had a good day Inca Trail training today and much of it was totally unplanned.

The first bit was my early morning walk with a client and then I rushed home to pick up my daughter, get changed and head off into Central London to spend the day with friends.

Walking from Bank tube station to Monument tube station included a number of flights of stairs due to stationary escalators and then we spent hours walking around the Tower of London. Up onto the walls, up and down stairs in the White Tower, round and round climbing narrow stairs in other towers and so it went on.

The backs of my legs know they have been exercised - how I love it when training is this easy and also so effective.

`Help time is running out....

For my immunisations it is.

As you know I forgot to go on Wednesday and so today at 2.00a.m. on the dot, as requested, I called the doctors. I can attend the travel clinic on April 23rd - well that's not going to do me much good as it's only about ten days before I go.

Seems like the only option is to go to Trailfinders Travel clinic which is, I think, in Knightsbridge. Some web research needed but when?

Out walking first thing, then home to pick Ellie up, have shower and out again. Tomorrow evening I guess.

It will all work out.

Oh no!

Would you believe that I forgot to go for my immunisations on Wednesday? This is so not like me and tomorrow I am going to have to grovel to the receptionist at the doctor's. I mean, I am the person who always lets them know if I cannot make it so I feel really bad.

Wednesday was a busy day but I had mentioned it to Alan in the morning and said that I would be back in time to take Ellie swimming. Then Thursday was full of things to do as well so I completely forgot until Friday and then it was too late to do anything.

Think of me tomorrow morning and hope that they will take pity and be able to fit me in asap.

Head for the hills

I find myself wanting to head for the hills. It must be the stage in my Inca Trail training. Perhaps I feel that my stamina on the flat is fine, which actually it is, so the next step is to add more inclines.

I think it also has to do with reading about the trek in my newest book, some of the descriptions in the book make your calves hurt by just reading them. As my philosophy is to set out on these treks fully prepared so you get maximum pleasure from them should not be ignored.

Recently I was saying that hills were getting easier and now I need to get steeper and steeper and put some of Mike's tips into play. There are a number of local hills to try it out on so be prepared to see my in Buckhurst Hill more often and it's time too to get back into Pointless Odyssey and head north.

It's a good feeling.

The East End Girls - or at least some of them.

I am aware that in my blog, I talk a fair amount about the East End Girls so here is a recent photo of some of them in all their glory.

This photo was taken on our third section of the the Capital Ring and you can see the glorious weather I mentioned in my 11/3/07 entry.

Never did I realise that when I signed up, over a year ago to do the Breakthrough Walk that this group of women would change my life so much. We range in age from 18 to mid 50 ies and include, coaches, teachers, students, PA's, swimming instructors etc. Everyone gets on really well, everyone looks out for everyone else, we get together for meals and drinks and on all walks we have fun.

The group covers on average 10-12 miles when we walk and we always aim to find nice venues for lunch and coffee. If you are up to that level of walking then please come and join us. Email me heather@walkerscoach.com. If you would like to work up to this, and some of our members had hardly walked at all when they joined originally, then also email me as I am setting up some other groups too which will start with a couple of miles.

Just think how much fun you too can have.

Capital Ring

Just had another fabulous day on the Capital Ring with the East End Girls - I love those women.

Nic and Zara made this one and I hadn't seen either of them since the Aviva Walk last September. Both are fine and Nic is also doing the Inca Trail but as part of a month long trip to South America, it sounds brilliant. She goes in September so we shall be able to feed back our experiences. As my new guide book indicates the best places in Cusco to eat for Vegetarian, Mexican etc. including the best places for hot chocolate, there will definately be info worth passing on. I want to know the best places to go for Pisco Sours!! If anyone reading this knows, please get in touch, all advice gratefully received.

Again we had fantastic weather, I believe Geraldine will have the strap marks to prove it - thankyou Universe, you never fail to deliver. It was blue skies and sunshine all round and just a lovely little breeze making sure we didn't overheat.

We did overshoot though!! Every walk so far we have managed to get so caught up in discussion and laughter - surprise, surprise, that we miss a Capital Ring sign. Today was no different, so we had to retrace our steps back down the hill and head off in another direction. Poor Kathy was distraught as she asumes all downs mean another up and she hates them. I didn't think this was going to happen though, as at this stage we were heading for the Thames at Richmond and it is definitely in the valley. However, walking to the top of the hill, even if we weren't meant to, gave us a stunning view over London. We could see everything from the Wembley Arch to the left, right over to the Gerkin and Canary Wharf. Now if we hadn't gone to far.......

Teresa and I were discussing our ability to get lost later and she came out with this great comment - 'We don't get lost we just overshoot' - how apt is that?

Apart from Cathy's comment first thing this morning that I had lost weight - tell me more of that, and I have. I was finding the hills much easier and although I am just about to jump into a hot bath, I am feeling really good.

Inca Trail Training

There's not been a lot of information recently on our training for the Inca Trail. Apologies for that. As we are all spread out through London and beyond and all very busy it is not always easy to keep a regular account of things.

I think it is true to say that for most of us, hills of the steepness that the Inca Trail will produce are missing from the training regime. I had hoped to arrange a weekend or at least a day down to the Seven Sisters but the time to do that is still eluding me. I am also hoping that continuing on the Pointless Odyssey Trail will introduce some steeper hills in the next month or so. It is hoped that before May I will have been up Scafell Pike and Kinder Scout. I do know that my stamina on hills is improving though as I am able to get up local ones a great deal easier and quicker.

Practice is what it is all about, starting slowly and on a small hill and building up. I know what I am capable of when fit so I am not worried. Teresa has been working out at the gym doing a lot of treadmill walking using the incline mechanism and both she and Christine have been regularly on the 'Capital Ring' Walks with me. Last week threw in quite a lot of steep streets and even yesterday I found myself tramping up steep muddy fields. The mud I was gathering on my walking boots was adding weight so that must have been good for me. We three are also doing the Big Fun Walk through a hilly north London at the end of March.

Elaine is continuing her cycling and substituting walking in some cases, she is a fit lass anyhow so will be fine. Gemma is training for the Marathon, some hills there and a lot of stamina needed so all this will serve her well.It is Helen down in Cardiff who is getting her quota of hills in and living on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park is a great help.

We are all taking action to build on the levels we are currently at aiming for our goal and what is important is not measuring ourselves against others but against ourselves. As well as this it is my general wellbeing that I am also interested in and that means drinking lots of water and eating well so I ensure a strong immune system.

Will report on everyone again soon and in the meantime, you will get ongoing input on me.

East End Girls walking.

Just a little time before I go to catch my train to Wakefield, to tell you about our walk today. We were doing more of the Capital Ring which again covered two sections. We started at Grove Park in South East London and walked to Streatham again walking through some great places and areas.

What is interesting about London is that one moment you are in a very urban area and the next you are in wide avenues of expensive housing. We walked through woodland and parks and on this occasion around Crystal Palace Park and around the Sports Centre. Discovered lots of new places too. It's such a great way to get to know your city.

There were a fair number of hills this time too, great for those of us training for Peru although the hills here are small fry compared to what we shall be facing in May. Never mind, there are a few months to go yet to build up to higher and steeper ones.

Off now so I can attend the 'Walkers are Welcome Town' launch in Hebden Bridge tomorrow. I shall report back on Monday.

Sad and angry.

I am in a sad and also angry place as I write this blog as I have just heard that one of my wonderful East End Girls' breast cancer has returned. She is a larger that life, wonderful lady who is a real inspiration to all of this and if anyone can get on top of this she will. I am behind her fully but I am angry that she is having to fight this again when there are so many other things that she would rather put her energies into...

I am angry that this disease is attacking so many of my lovely girl friends and acquaintances and it just makes my resolve even stronger to do what I can to help.

I know no-one knows what causes this, they are still researching and that of course makes it harder to prevent but we do know that giving health a top priority cannot do any harm. So ladies think about how you honour your health. Are you eating well? Are you getting those fruits and veg that are so beneficial? Could you give up those cigarettes or that addiction to chocolate - I am fighting mine, this year. Are you doing enough exercise? Can you fit more into your life? Why not try walking, that's how I did it and a friend said to me last night 'You are so much more centered when you are walking regularly'. Clearly it is noticeable and it helps me in so many other ways too.

Gents, I know that you can get this too and that you lose people as well through breast cancer so I am not overlooking you too, I am just reacting as me.

This sort of thing should make all of us realise just how important every day is. Are you loving every day to the full? If not, start now. Stop putting things of until.........you do not know if that day will come. Enjoy it and live it now for the gift every day is.

Tina, you can rise above this in your wonderful sunny, full of life style. Go fight it girl and know that I am there for you in whatever way you need me. Much love. xx

Back walking again

The East End Girls did their monthly walk yesterday and as a challenge for 2007, we started the Capital Ring walk.

This is a 78 mile (125 km) walking route around inner London. It is divided into 15 sections but given the distances we are used to walking, we are aiming to do it in 7. Yesterday we covered the sections from Woolwich on the Thames to Grove Park and it was brilliant. We based the walk on a book of the Capital Ring, which was sometimes difficult to follow but the historical and factual information was fantastic with all of us learning loads about the city most of us are now living in.

As well as the river which always offers plenty to see - well there is always the latest riverside developments, this walk took us through woods; common land; along numerous streets; through ornamental gardens; farmland and past Eltham Palace, for 250 years the country retreat of the monarchy. We saw deer, sheep, horses and even a nut brown fox who was as interested in us as we were in him.

It was a great start to what will be a fun and informative challenge and I am already designing the certificates to award on completion and thinking of what a great excuse this provides for another night out. The social side being yet another benefit to walking.

Lots of discussion on route as to what the intentions were for us all this year and my weight loss was mentioned. This led to me talking about 'turbo charge your life in 14 days' so today I had to email them all the book details. I wonder how many other converts there will be?

I am on day 8 now and feeling great. I have lost weight and am so enjoying the food. Lindsay, who stayed on Saturday night was fed a meal from the book and thoroughly enjoyed it. More approval.

I am stepping this week but more about that later.

So nice to start walking in daylight, it was about 10a.m. when I went out this morning. Already I am getting speedier. I extended one of my usual morning routes as I seemed to be getting round fairly quickly but even that just added 5 minutes. I need to have a look at the map and see what else I can do.

Have started getting more feedback from my fellow Inca Trail walkers as to what they are up to.....

Gemma says "the challenge of Machu Picchu is obviously not enough for me as I have also managed to secure myself a place in the London marathon this year!! I am running for Breakthrough so have had to commit to raising another £2000 which will be a bit of a pain but I'm sure I can do it. I'm not sure which is going to be hardest, raising the money or running 26.2 miles!! I have started training and it is going quite well but still have a long way to go. The marathon is only 2.5 weeks before Peru so hopefully I will be super-fit for the trek.

I think all I need to do is make sure she gets some serious hills in somewhere.

Helen has invited us down to walk in the Brecon Beacons so we are trying to find a weekend that suits - biggest challenge of all. Elaine has been helping find a date to get us all together so people like Helen who knows none of the other girls can start to feel part of this sensational six!! and Christine and Teresa will join me on the East End girls walk tomorrow. I know Elaine has been forgoing her bike a little for walking complete with rucksack and I shall see if I can get her out for a walk next Saturday as she is staying over with us.

Finally just have to comment on this for excellent customer service. I went into my local framing shop to have a caricature framed. Ascertaining that it was not urgent, the guy in the shop said it would be ready on Tuesday. A couple of hours later I got a call saying it was complete. How's that for under promising and over developing? My shoe menders also did some heels for me in very short time and Faye in the Dry Cleaners provides such excellent service that she is having to expand her business rapidly. South Woodford is such a great place to live.

Grey Days

I had great intentions during the week of trying to get some of my colleagues on the Inca Trail together so that we could start working on these hills. The only thing that stopped me was running out of time.

However, having seen the weather today, I am quite pleased that nothing got arranged.

Not don't get me wrong, I am not a wimpy 'fine weather only' walker. No, I have been out in blizzards, all sorts of rain and horrendous winds. Somehow though, when you are already out there and then the rain starts, I find it easier to go with. It is the setting out in rain from the beginning that I do not like and today is such a grey day.

I suppose the pressure is not on either yet. If it was then nothing would stop me but for a while I still have a choice.

Instead I have been doing some Pilates and working on building up my arm muscles. Next week the real work starts and on Sunday the East End girls do their first walk on the Capital Ring. I'll let you know how it goes.

Paddington Bear, beloved by many children and adults too, comes from darkest Peru and I now have my very own Paddington. He was given to me on December 13th last year by my dear friend Elaine, one of the sensational six who will walk the Inca Trail in May.

Her intention was I believe, to inspire me further for this walk, which he does. He also makes me smile as he is rather sweet and he is a good reminder of my need to regularly write my blog.

As any of you who have visited my blog know there have been times of feast and other times of famine. I have often considered giving it up entirely as I find it hard to commit to writing it daily when there are so many other pieces of writing that I need to do. Something keeps me in there and now I have found the answer which is to use the blog to record the preparation and training for the Inca Trail.

I am now rather excited about the whole thing and see great benefits. For those of you interested in walking there will be lots of tips and inspiration. For me there will be a lot of learning as I review what is working and what might not be. Any challenge has lessons around planning, determination, motivation etc. which can be translated to all areas of life and as a lot of the training will be with my fellow walkers, I am sure there will be fun and stories too.

So visit regularly, send messages and comments and life some of this with me. As for Paddington, well he will be going to Peru too of course but I think he might get carried - it's all right for some!