3.The first marathon step

I wrote last time that I would tell you about one of my readers who has taken the first step to reach her goal.

Well I am going to let Lisa tell you her story in her own words, from a letter she wrote recently:

" As you know we have had a very sad year so far, losing our third child, Emily. She was due to be born on 20^th July this year, so we have passed many milestones already, but still I feel a deep injustice and sadness about my daughter, who was taken from me so early.

Since Emily died life has swept past me. Things are getting a little easier I think, although some days I doubt that things will ever be the same again for us. But that is on days of sadness. Anyway to shed these feelings of sadness I have made a momentous decision and I need your support for this if at all possible.

The charity ARC has been wonderful. Talking to people and seeing that they do eventually come out of the other side does give a glimpse of hope that one day things will get better. So on Sunday 17^th April 2005 I will be pounding the streets of London in the Flora Marathon on behalf of ARC.

I have invested in a treadmill to train, along with an exercise bike. I have endured the torture of going to a specialist running shop for trainers and kit, and been embarrassed and forced to run in a shop full of people on a treadmill in order to get the correct shoe. I am running with my sister Kirsty and aim to raise £1,000 for the charity. If it can help others just a little, in the way it has helped me then that will be fine. I think that without the support from ARC I would be in a very different place right now.

I know you may think I am crazy for running a marathon, but I need to do this so I have got my own page for donations and if I could raise more than my target then every step will have been worthwhile."

Wow! How moving and inspiring is that? Lisa found her goal, her motivation and has started her training. One step at a time to get her ready for April next year and I will look forward to seeing her run.

If you would like to see how Lisa is doing and perhaps make a donation, you can use the link below.

4. Up Close and Personal

Judging by the feedback I have had from you since the last newsletter, the chocolate cake analogy has struck a chord with many of you! Thanks very much for taking the time to write and let me know.

I spent a very enjoyable time away in France, despite the weather taking a 20 degrees drop on arrival! I was staying with friends who have taken the plunge to move to another country to fulfil their goals and I will be telling you all about it in a future newsletter.

Ryanair surprised me with their efficient service to Pau: unlike on a trip 5 years ago back from Knock, when the luggage took longer to come off the plane than the time it took us to fly back to Stansted. It may be a no frills airline, but on short flights you spend so little time in the air you don’t require the full in-flight treatment.

I was fascinated at Ryanair’s ability to make things as efficient as possible. On one of the planes you had all the information on safety stuck on the seat back in front of you, with the menu stuck above underneath the overhead lockers. This means a huge saving in time when they turn the plane round, as there is nowhere for you to hide any rubbish, because there are no seat pockets. You have to hand it to them for making things as streamlined as possible.

On that note I think I will consider what I can streamline in my own life!

Enjoy your week!