The end of a manic work week. Four cities visited. London, Birmingham, Glasgow and Newcastle, a good number of railway stations, two airports and two hotels. And far too many sandwich platters. A busy week away from my desk has played havoc with my fat loss ambitions but I just went with the flow knowing that there wasn’t much I could do about it. But I knew that I would be back on track this week. I have also come to the conclusion that I will have to become one of those irritating people that can’t eat bread at lunchtime. The discomfort endured in the afternoon is just not worth it. 

This Sunday I attended a ‘Women in Fitness’ event in London. An opportunity to hear from women in the fitness industry on their experience, challenges and success. It was inspirational and, occasionally, emotional. From the forty year old woman who survived horrific domestic abuse (she is unable to have children as a consequence) and lost 150kg (23 stone) to appear on stage dancing burlesque. To the world champion fitness model who endured years of illness with ulcerative colitis before having an ileostomy. And wears it with pride. 

We heard journeys of anxiety, depression, eating disorders and destructive relationships. Women being at their lowest before finding the strength and support to turn their lives around and finding success in the fitness industry. A big take home for me is that behind every Instagram ‘success’ may be years of physical and mental challenge. But if you want something badly enough the dream can become the reality. It is exactly what I needed to get back on track in preparing for my encore career.

Moving on to this week. I won’t be racing round the UK. I will be in a classroom all week doing my Professional Coach Diploma. An opportunity offered to me by my employer to support staff development. But, of course, I hope to ultimately utilise it to support future clients to improve their health and wellness. A lot of hard work ahead but I’m determined to make the very most of my time away from work and away from the sandwich platters.