Anyone who knows me well will know that I’ve had a fickle relationship with my health and fitness for a number of years. The comfort of a long-term relationship brings out the laziest side of me! Thankfully the allure of adventure trumps that of the sofa and the opportunity to climb Kilimanjaro while raising money for a truly amazing cause proved too hard to resist.

With around 7 months to go, I’ve done the math and it’ll be a lot easier to get up that mountain if I travel a little (lot) lighter! So with a little reluctance (and a great deal of trepidation) I’ve started working with a personal trainer and joined a gym. While my dog has been a great exercise partner, it’s time to get the professionals in!

So for the last two weeks I’ve been moving and running and lifting and using muscles I didn’t know existed more than I have in the last 2 months. My concern from the outset was that I’d get bored and slowly lose interest as happens every time I’ve tried to get fit in the past.

But strangely and reassuringly having a very clear goal, great cause and an amazing group of colleagues that I don’t want to let down has resulted in my enthusiasm and focus increasing not decreasing, in fact I’m looking forward to doing circuits (crazy talk!) tonight.

I have pretty high hopes that I’ll be taking a lot less luggage with me up that mountain, which will be a very satisfying outcome on its own!