Moving on.

I really missed my walking over the last two days so it was great to get out this morning. Am having a few niggles with my left knee, not when walking but when coming down stairs so a massage session with Mike was timely.

Happily, nothing worrying to report just need to do some extra stretching and Mike demonstrated. I was determined that it was nothing serious.

This year so far is all about learning to juggle all the things I want in my life and slowly introduce them. I am also learning new things that my 10 year old adapts to like a duck to water. After ripping loads of CD's on Saturday I was disappointed that none had made it through to the ipod. Well I cracked that one today so another step in the right direction and another little achievement.

Fallen off the wagon.....

Ellie's birthday is coming to an end although in reality she has just turned 10 having been born at 20.28. I cannot believe she is 10 years old already.

We have just returned from Pizza Express where we went with her friend Beth for a birthday meal. It was really good and the girls were great company. Not so good for the healthy eating though - yes, I did have a salad to start but then I sucummed to the Pizza. I wasn't tempted by desert though and had fresh mint tea instead much to the surprise of the girls who debated what in fact I was about to consume.

I think I need to write the last two days off. It wasn't that I pigged out, it was just that I was so busy organising the party yesterday and the birthday breakfast today that the food was not the healthiest. Then I was at a networking 'do' this morning at Paula's which consisted of coffee and cakes and lots of great contacts. It was good to reacquaint with old friends, put some faces to names and make new ones. I may just have found myself a VA.

Time now to kiss my beautiful daughter goodnight, have a cuddle and plan for that 7.00a.m. walk.

Analysing those steps.

I got myself some company to walk with this weekend which meant that Lindsey and I could tramp through the forest. The river option may have been less muddy but what the heck, we had fun trying to stay upright and it probably gave our core stability a good workout. Are you reading this Mike, if so, are you impressed?

We did about 5 miles but because we were chatting away it passed so quickly. This has got to be another one of the benefits of walking with others. The time passes, the distance passes, and even the terrain is not so noticeable when you have company - such a sociable pastime too.

Steps wise Linds and I walked about 11,000 so already the 10,000 make was passed. Again it was so easy to do it this way. All week I have been working on my step count and after being a little shocked to find that I only managed 7,000 on average last week, this week I have averaged just over 10,000 but I have to say it has taken great awareness at times to achieve this.

The whole practice over the past two weeks has really opened my eyes to how little exercise some of us do. I do not say this from a judgmental point of view but just from observation. If we are meant to do the average 10,000 to keep us fit then what can be done? Well walking really is a great place to start and all those little things like 'get off the bus one step before you need to' and 'walk up the escalator or the stairs' really does make a difference. Try it out and see for yourself but get that pedometer so you can record the difference.

Initially forget about the 10,000 just set yourself smaller targets and build up. Achievement, no matter how small is a great motivator.

It's all coming together.

I'm feeling a little smug. I went to my second Pilates class today (remember this is me getting back into it after a long gap) and Mike was asking how I felt after last week's session. I remember thinking at the time that I would probably ache. 'Fine', I responded 'no aches or pains at all.' I then added 'so I am either fitter than I thought or I did it all wrong'. I was so pleased when he said he'd been watching and I did it well, seems I am fitter after all.

I was not so smug after meditation though as I had not done any since December - tut, tut. It was good to get back into it though and I feel I have had a good kick start. So I shall try to do some between now and Monday and then it gets added to the mix.

I am enjoying this way of adding things. It means the first ones get bedded in before the next one comes along and it seems to be working well. How are things going for you and your intentions for 2007? If I can help, let me know - heather@waringwell.com

Winter wonderland

My world was beautiful this morning when I went out to walk. Not as cold as yesterday due to the snow and it was a real pleasure to be outside and be part of it all.

I know it all sounds a bit strange to say all this but it was like entering a magical world. Part of me wished I had the camera although I realised that it was still too dark for photos to come out and to use a flash would not capture it as it was. Instead I just drank it all in.

In so many places I walked on virgin snow and left only my trail of footprints. There is that lovely muted crunch sound that you get when your foot presses into the snow and the slight muffled squeak when your foot moves onto the next step. In fact all the sounds were muffled and the quietness more silent than usual. All the result of the blanket of snow, I guess

Snow brings out the child in me but there was nowhere to make snow angels and snowball fights on your own don't really work. There was a boy I passed who tried though and then I was brought back to my mum role when a voice said 'James, come in and get ready'. 'I am', came the reply. Have you got your....' - I didn't hear the word. 'no' answered James. 'Then you aren't ready are you?' Well at least it's not only me having that sort of dialogue.

As I neared home there were more people about and more cars and the snow was beinging to get slushy and slippy. Where I'd been striding out 30 minutes before, I had to watch my feet and move more slowly. The magic world was slowly fading away.

It all came as a bit of a surprise when I opened the curtains this morning, I wonder what tomorrow will have in store.

It was so cold today and I knew that as soon as the alarm went off. I lay in bed for a few moments trying to think of the excuses I could use so I could stay under the covers for longer. I told myself that as I was going out later, I could add my walk in then but I knew it wouldn't work as well. I also knew that when I got out there I would really enjoy it and it would set me up as usual.

So I threw back the covers and was able to pick off the radiator all my warm walking clothes. I used to do this as a child, line up my underwear on the radiator so I could reach it from my bed. Funny the things that take you back or that you knowingly re-create.

Scarves, extra layers, gloves, I had them all on and out of the wind I was toasty. 4721 steps later, I was very glad I had gone.

This week I have not really added anything to the mix as I am still focusing on the steps. Last time I did this and followed it I do not recall it being so difficult to get to 10,000 steps per day but this time I am amazed at how few I would take if I did not do the morning walk.

For many days last week I did around 7000 so this week I am really trying to up it further. I think it has to do with the winter and the shorter days but perhaps I am kidding myself. Get yourself a pedometer and try it out for yourself. Anyone willing to join in and record their steps for the next week or two? It would make a fun challenge.

Blue Monday!

Today has been designated as the most depressing day of the year in the UK. So how does that make you feel? Will it effect your day at all? I am not sure it will make much difference to mine as I am just getting on with things. I had my walk, now I'm working my way through the tasks of the day and looking forward to a meeting at 2.00 and a pleasant evening later on.

I wonder if labelling today makes people feel worse. Does it draw attention to feeling low and in fact make people feel that way when they aren't? Are we saying that you should feel low today? OK, the weather is not very good but I still have geraniums growing in my window boxes and the clematis and winter jasmine are both out. I saw some great friends on Friday and there are lots of things to look forward to.

Does telling you that this is the most depressing day at least give you hope for the rest of the year? I mean it must be uphill from here, mustn't it?

At the end of the day we are individually responsible for our own happiness. Only we can take control and bring about the change in our lives so let's show ourselves and the world that this day does not have to be depressing after all. What could you do? Meet a friend for lunch. Go for a drink after work. Get some holiday brochures. Buy some flowers for your desk. Phone or email a friend. Book a massage. Go for a walk. Take 15 minutes 'me' time. The possibilities are endless.

The good news is that 'a total of 85 per cent of Britons expect to be happier in the future than they are now', a psychological study for Standard Life Bank found. Scots were the most optimistic, followed closely by the Irish, while those from the West Midlands had the least positive outlook on life, researchers discovered.

The study shows work will become less of a focus for Britons this year, with taking up a new hobby the top tactic for being happier in 2007. Is this what you are planning? Those interviewed also said they planned to reduce their working hours or retire and take a gap year in order to improve their quality of life. The research – entitled the Freestyle Happiness Index – also found that the nation's optimism is being boosted by a falling interest in material possessions. People also said they hoped to make themselves happier by clearing their debts, paying off their mortgage and achieving financial security.

It all sounds good to me. If you are struggling, have a think about what would make you happier and start now by taking one small step. See you are on the journey already.

It was my poor husband who succumbed to illness this week, same bug as Ellie so I am giving it a wide berth. He was gradually recovering until we had a dinner party on Friday night and that coupled with a rather late night put back the recovery for 24 hours or so.

As a result I did not walk yesterday so was desperately in need of stretching my legs today but for some reason I really wanted some company. I like my early morning walks to myself as that is when I clear my head, plan my day and grab that 'me' time. On a Saturday and Sunday I try to walk further, easy with my walking group but not so easy on my own. One reason is less interesting places to walk. As a female I do not feel comfortable walking in the forest or in Wanstead Park on my own so I end up on the streets and it is just a bit boring.

Knowing that I was not buzzing with enthusiasm, it would have been so easy not to go but I always feel better and I figured even 30 minutes would work. 9986 steps and nearly 7 kms later I got back so glad that I'd gone.

Well I just walked and as I walked I thought about loads of things. About Tina, about pushing myself further, about what I wanted to do with the rest of the weekend, about next week - everything and anything. That is why walking is so creative too. A win:win

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

Comments please

I was thrilled to hear from one of Jason Vale's staff regarding my experience and feelings about 'turbo charge', that I posted right back. In fact I have told so many people about 'turbo charge' that they are now getting into it too and Lindsey's whole family may get on board.

It would be so good to hear about what you all think of it and also what you think of the blog and what I post, so come on let's have some postings from all of you next week.

Were you affected by the storms yesterday? It was hard not to be aware of them at least and by the look of some of the trees as I drove through the forest today, there were a lot of branches coming down.

On my walk in the morning, I was struggling against the wind one moment, thinking at least that I would be burning up lots of extra calories and then the next moment was being blown along with such gusto that all the hard work (calorie wise) had just been undone. I suppose that is rather like life - sometimes it is a hard struggle and at other times it literally breezes by and you actually have to experience both so you can fully appreciate it all.

There are lessons to learn at all stages - things that we can take forward, things that we can leave aside never to be repeated and ideas of new things to try. Rather than take my word for it, start now and take as much as you can from all that happens in your life and use it. My guess is that there will be much more times in life that 'breeze on by' as a result.

Stepping

In Monday's blog I mentioned that I was into 'stepping' this week. It's all part of me gradually building into my programme all the components I want to have. Sometimes trying to do everything at once is a bit of overwhelm and also less likely to succeed but doing it bit by bit is a different matter.

Last Monday I started the 'Turbo Charge', the body brushing and one minute in a cold shower and all that is going really well. This week, I am donning my new pedometer which is a rather smart one and making sure I get my 10,000 steps a day.

On Sunday I wore my pedometer so that we would have a clear picture of how far we walked and we covered 20.61 kms. That translated into 29,657 steps - nearly 3 days worth. The girls were glad to know that we also worked off 1346.3 calories - they use this to measure how much they can eat at lunch.

Anyhow, back to stepping. On Monday I didn’t go out for my morning walk due to walking so far the day before yet even then I managed 7,160 steps and yesterday my total was 12,728. Today, I am on 5,213 and it is only 10.30 a.m. here with me.

I find the whole steps thing very motivating and it encourages me to walk further to make sure I hit, or exceed my total, so rather than take the car to the local shop, I will walk. Try it out for yourself and see if it has the same effect on you.

I took a longer walk that usual this morning as I was going straight to see Sanna Anderson for a nutrition consultation. Sanna is the walkers' coach nutritionist so I know her fairly well. We have discussed at length issues around nutrition and walking and are working on a dual approach to weight loss that we will be able to tell you about soon, but I had never experienced one of her one to one consultations.

Well I was blown away and came out feeling so much more informed and very empowered by what I now know I can do to help me overcome the obstacles I have to even better health.

In advance I had filled in an online questionnaire and this was the first thing Sanna went through. There was plenty of opportunity to ask questions and Sanna is so good at explaining everything, giving examples where possible which really helped. Everything I needed to know was written out for me and I now have an action plan.

One of my questions was about the need to take supplements, vitamins etc and this was all explained and recommendations given for the best I could use. She made it as easy for me as possible and I really did feel that this was a highly personalised consultation.

Our health is so important, should be our first priority and I feel we all could do more so if you can, go and have some of what I had, you won't be disappointed. http://www.sannahealth.com/

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.

Benefits already!

I am loving my 14 day turbo charge and I think I may have another convert for you Jason. Geraldine was having a look at the book yesterday as I was waxing lyrical about it.

This morning I pulled on a pair of jeans which last week were tight on my waist and all day today I was pulling them up as they are rather loose. As one of my intentions for 2007 is to lose one and a half to two stone before I go to Peru, this is a great start. What a feeling.

And due to turbo charge and walking daily since Monday my energy levels have improved so todays walk felt so good - I am looking forward to walking with the East End Girls on Sunday.

Finally I finished my working day with a facial, always great especially when given by Emily who commented on how good my skin was looking.

I think I well deserved the trip to the cinema with my friend Paula and our daughters. We went to see 'Miss Potter' which was such a lovely film and as much of it was filmed in the Lake District, the scenery was superb. I kept thinking ' I have walked there' and it made me want to get back up there again soon.

A great week.

Is it Friday?

Well it feels as if it should be.

So much has happened this week in terms of very productive meetings, client sessions, following up and keeping up with my emails (one of my new year intentions) that I am convinced I have done more than 4 days work. Of course, it has also been the first full week back at work!!

Then today from 9.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. I was involved in a brainstorming session with a good friend and fellow coach as we explored all aspects of walkers' coach. It was challenging and inspiring but also exhausting so I am now going to get a cup of tea, sit down beside the fire and read some of my novel.

I shall let all we discussed marinate in my brain and the tomorrow will see what comes to the surface and alerts me to what will happen next. Guidance for me is often to 'go with the flow and trust' and I can't think of a better way to deal with this.

Walking , it is so good.

I am amazed I managed to get out for my walk this morning!

Poor Ellie, whose cold and sore throat has gradually worsened, woke me three times during the night. It's an unusual occurance for her so I don't mind but standing in a cold bathroom for 15 minutes or longer in the middle of the night is not what anyone wants.

The last awakening was at 6.3o and the alarm goes off at 7.00. As I was whacked, I climbed
back into bed telling my husband that if I was asleep at 7.00, he was to leave me until 8.30. I actually do not think I slept again, just dozed so when the alarm went, it seemed churlish not to get out there, so I did.

I never go for a walk and come back in a worse frame of mind, something for all of you out there to bear in mind. It always energises me and just puts a different perspective on things. It is also so good for clearing your head and as for that physical activity - well, need I say more.

I met a great lady yesterday called Alison (more about her at a later date) and although walking was not what brought us together, she is into her walking too. She was telling me that when her business was home based that she would work from 6-8 a.m. and then go for an hour's walk in the park which was close by. This, she said , was her equivalent of 'walking to work'. What a brilliant idea for all you homeworkers. Often when we work from home the need to move from base is limited so this is a way of getting out there, benefitting from walking in all the ways there are and no doubt getting to know your community better - another win:win. Thanks for that one Alison.

Day two on my turbo charge programme and I am loving it. More great juice this morning which really energises and fills me. Then after breakfast I made this wonderful Green Power Soup. My daughter Ellie, who has a bit of a sore throat and was not at school today helped too which was fun.

Boy was it green - even Alan commented on the greeness of the liquids. He was impressed though when he tasted it and so was I . I took a flask out with me today as I was not sure when I would get a chance to eat and wanted to keep to the programme. It was so good.

Teresa, one of my Inca Trail buddies sent me an email this morning letting me know of her progress - 'I have started the J Vale fruit and veg juice programe. The juice tastes fantastic and it really gives me a lift in the morning. I have been walking on the treadmill at the gym in uphill mode. It is fine apart from the dreadful music that is blasted out at an earsplitting level to everyone in the gym whether they want it or not'. Does this bit about the music ressonate with anyone? The good thing about walking is that you can choose your own music or just chat to the other group members, see it is better all round!!

Success with intention setting!

Setting that intention works, at least for me. It is rather like accountability which of course you can easier fake if it is with yourself, but not this morning.

This was the day that I had decided that the Inca Trail training started properly so even though I had not slept well - small child in bed with me for some of the night as she was not too well, I managed to get out of bed once the alarm sounded.

At this time of year my 7.00a.m walk starts in the dark, well seems like it anyhow but dawn breaks as I am pounding the footpath and it's quite a privilege to watch the world wake up. This morning my walk was accompanied by birdsong and the moon as well as the numerous dog walkers I met on my way.

Most people speak at this time, perhaps because we are in the minority and I just love being part of the relatively quiet world before it gets cranked up to its ferocious pace.

I know walking at this time is not everyone's 'cup of tea' but it is amazing how good you feel once you get out there and there is something about coming back to have breakfast knowing that you have already done your exercise for the day. I feel positively virtuous.

This morning was also when I started the Jason Vale 'Turbo Charge your life in 14 days' programme so breakfast consisted of a wonderful Turbo-charge smoothie. http://www.thejuicemaster.com/ With all that fruit and veg coursing through your body it is hard to feel anything but healthy and at 11.55 I am still not hungry. Teresa has also started this on my recommendation so I am looking forward to comparing notes.

Finally just to show how wonderful I am, I also started the old body brushing technique this morning before my shower and braved 60 secs under the cold shower before getting out - hard at the time with lots of yelping sounds coming from the bathroom I am sure but what about that warm glow you feel immediately after. I used to do this all the time.

So, I have set quite a few things in motion, keep reading to see how we all progress and let's hear your comments either on the blog or email me at heather@walkerscoach.com

I want to be in Italy. Why? Well Jacky who is a friend, business partner in our retreat work and likely associate with walkers' coach has just sent me a great walk - I shall be featuring it in the next newsletter.

It is really interesting as she has discovered an area of 9 walks all near rivers and covering varying distances. They are rather overgrown at present but not so much so that you cannot access them and she and her partner Michael hope to be able to do some restoration work on them. Her description of them has totally engaged me and I can feel a need to go and explore them myself.

The other interesting, but sad thing is that many of the locals do not know of their existence and takes me back to some of the comments from my East End Girls when they could not believe all the great walking country they had on their own doorstep!

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.

The strength of commitment.

I know, not much movement on the Inca Trail training yet. Well it is happening slowly, mainly due to me fighting off a cold and listening to my body - something that I was not always good at. I did walk on New Year's day and I have been working on my core stability thanks to all the information available from Mike Edwards who writes a column in the Walkers' Coach newsletter - sign up by visiting http://www.walkerscoach.com/ In fact I am returning to regular Pilates classes on Jan 18th. This is not only because of the Inca Trail walk but part of putting my health as the number one priority.

One of the things I have not been doing so much of lately has been networking as work has been flowing in regularly. However, as I now want to promote walkers' coach it is one thing I intend to do lots more of in 2007.

I have been contacting people I have not seen for ages and arranging 'one to ones'. So many have replied in the last day or too and my diary is now getting busy. I also made the decision before the end of December to get out there and attend more networking events and the first one was this morning.

My lovely coach Judith Morgan has moved one of her Starbuck Clubs to Canary Wharf so I emailed her yesterday and announced that I would be joining them - great. At 11.00 last night as I was heading to bed my husband commented on the fact that I would have to be up early in the morning - networking event forgotten by me, oops. I started taking down the Christmas tree, listening to the wind and wishing that I had not told Judith I would be there. I knew how warm and cosy my bed would be the next morning....

However, I had committed to going and the intention ensured that I woke at 7.45 and was actually there first. What a lovely event . There was a small, select group, everyone contributed and I found myself adding to my intentions for the year, inspired and delighted that I had made that commitment.

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!

The effect of others

How do you feel when you have spent time with others? Do you feel inspired, energised, drained, sad, happy, weary, motivated......?

Perhaps different people have different effects on you - how long do those effects last?

As it is the beginning of a new year and hopefully you are looking out optimistically at all there is on offer, then I suggest you ponder these questions. Consider very carefully how you feel and if your relationships, meetings, colleagues, friends etc are not leaving you feeling upbeat and ready to soar then what action do you need to take as a result.

Today was my first day back at work since Dec 22nd and I started the day with a meeting with a fellow coach and walker, Geraldine. It was great to see her and as usual we chatted continuously. Two and a half hours passed and I felt as if we had just begun, better still we had supported each other, discussed numerous ideas, laughed and planned a development day to discuss some business ideas further. I left the meeting full of energy and buzzing with excitement.

A couple of hours later I was on a call with one of my business partners who lives in Italy. She called to discuss a potential joint training and coaching project and also to discuss some great walks she had discovered which would be great for walkers coach. Jacky is working with me on that too from the Italian perspective. Once again I came off the phone inspired and looking forward to taking this further.

Is this how you feel? Is this how you would like to feel? What can you do now and in the next 7-10 days to ensure this happens more and more? It's over to you.

Getting back to routine

This is the last day of my holidays and I am enjoying the lack of time constraints and other boundaries. Tomorrow Ellie returns to school and that means the 7.00a.m. alarm - I much prefer to wake up naturally.....

In one way though I am looking forward to getting back into the swing of things. I have had a great holiday and know that I have benefitted from the break but my head is filling up with all the opportunities out there and I can feel the buzz.

Today I have been decluttering and in doing so have been collecting images for my treasure map and dream book and I have also been sourcing information for the next walkers' coach ezine. If you do not get it in your inbox, visit http://www.walkerscoach.com/ and sign up immediately, you don't want to miss out.

It's another bright and sunny day today which is such a welcome and positive start to any new year. Have you noticed how much happier people are when the sunshines? Are you happy? Are you smiling? If not, what could you do so that you could smile.

Yesterday I indulged my love of walking straight away by bundling the family into the car and going in search of Hainault Forest Park. I'd heard of it before but had never sought it out so we took some action and found a great area of land - a mix of common and forest only 15 minutes drive from home. Armed with cameras we headed off around the lake all in competition to see who could come up with the best New Year's Day photo. We also came across part of the London Loop walk which goes through the forest and there's a children's farm to explore too.

I did notice a nearby tube station which means it is accessible by public transport and I shall be heading back over there to suss out the trails and see whether it is a viable place to run walking groups from. It has a couple of vital ingredients in addition to the walking itself - public toilets and a tea hut - what more could you ask for?

Happy New Year

Did you have a good one? I hope so and I wish you a fun, successful, happy and most of all, healthy 2007.

What I need to celebrate a new year is good friends, good food and good wine and we had all of those last night. After planning a party it was a select few who came together but that did not matter at all. Those who could not make it were in our thoughts and we raised a glass to absent friends but in the meantime, we chatted, laughed, told stories and enjoyed the great company.

Earlier in the day, Alan , Ellie and I had watched the Sydney fireworks on TV, remembering the year when we had been lucky enough to actually be there. That prompted us to call the Aussie cousins and wish them a happy new year. We thought of them again later when we watched London's tremendous display using the London Eye as a backdrop. At last London has found something that rivals Sydney and I have to say , I think those Aussies will have to think about making the trip to see our New Year spectacle now!!

I'm off to have a doze now and to chill a little more enjoying the last few days of the holiday. Take care.