walkerscoach

2006-03-09T01:34:00.000-08:00

Well I am still in my 'where has all the time gone' phase. I haven't blogged for a while and it's not like I have nothing to say. Even at guide camp at the age of 11, I got the prize for talking because they said "no matter what was happening, Heather always had something to say". Some things never change.

I have been busy with the walkers' coach website, the newsletters, podcasts and getting all the photos together as well as sourcing more walks. So beavering away getting the firm foundation set in place. It's so important to invest properly in that but it does take time and persistence. I keep reminding myself that once I get it all activated it will then all flow and I can appreciate all that has gone before and see the fruitfulness of it all.

What are you working on that requires that firm foundation? Are you staying in there and making sure you do it all properly?

2006-02-23T10:26:00.000-08:00

I am going to use a phrase that, according to my husband, I use regularly and that is 'where have the days gone' or 'where has the time gone'. I cannot believe that I have not blogged since Feb 9th. It's not that I haven't walked, I have been out there in sunshine, rain and even snow flurries but I have been very busy working on my walkers' coach website, learning how to podcast and writing the marketing blurb for our wonderful Italian retreat.

On the subject of podcasting, I am going to have to learn how to use all the editing facilities as I have been trying to do the entire recording in one go and that has been challenging to say the least. Fun though and I got very familiar with the text. It went live yesterday so you can access it at walkerscoach.libsyn.com

I was so excited to learn first thing this morning that 5 people had already downloaded it. Wonder how many have done so now?

2006-02-09T04:13:00.000-08:00

My 'East End Girls' Team for the Breakthrough Breast Cancer walk in September now has 6 members so I am really excited and motivated. The bunch of women are aged between 16 and 47 at present so we are going to have lots of fun and it means that lots more people may be attracted to join us.

Next task for me is to plan a training walks schedule and get us all out there. It looks as if life is calming down though and may allow that to happen soon.

Way to go girls!!

2006-02-08T02:28:00.000-08:00

Did I say I missed the sunrise? Well someone was listening so thank you Universe for the golden glory I saw this morning. It was not the actual rise but as I emerged from the top of a hill and turned left my vision was filled by a beautiful golden ball in the sky, is rays and colour spreading out in all directions to bathe all that got in its path. It was indeed glorious though sometimes just too bright to look at. What a start to the day.

In fact the only thing that marred this morning's walk was the shock of two runners who choose to pass by on either side of me so close to me that I jumped out of my skin. Please if you are walking or running think of others when you come up behind them and give them a wide berth. I do not think it was by any means intentional but they did scare me.

2006-02-07T02:57:00.000-08:00

I have risen above my cold. I ended up with a little one as opposed to the major explosion that was threatening. On past experience I decided I just was not going to have a full blown cold so I took extra vit C, drank loads of water; a wonderful concoction of hot water, lemon, honey and ginger and lemon tea as well as orange juice and used the power of positive thinking and voila! I am feeling very chuffed.

I did not walk for one day due to it and since I have been revitalised. I think it has something to do with the fact that it is so much lighter now. It seems to have happened in the last few days. That 7.00a.m. darkness has gone. I do not get to see the sunrise but that is just a small price to pay.

It is warmer too so instead of tensing up against the cold, as I had to do last week, I am relaxed. The gloves stay on for only a few minutes and this morning I had to pull my sleeves up too. I can see those warm mornings on the horizon again.....

2006-01-31T03:05:00.000-08:00

Feeling so inspired this morning as I have been reading about the Inca Trail. I know my trip there is not until May/ June 2007 but I found a past copy of Wanderlust magazine and there it was featured in all its glory.

The trek is four days long and it looks as if day 2 is the most demanding. It's the altitude that causes the problems from what I read hence the need to be out there is advance so you can get acclimatized. I'm not at all worried though just so excited and in reading the article I discovered that Machu Pichu was kept very much a secret in the times of the Spanish Conquest so that it would not be discovered and destroyed. In fact it was a state secret and not even the common Inca people were allowed to use it.

I'm devouring everything I can find on it at present so do not be surprised if I quote more.

2006-01-23T11:58:00.000-08:00

It was so lovely to feel back in top form as I walked this morning. I decided to extend this morning's walk so that I would do 45 instead of 35 minutes so I was rather surprised when I reached home 35 minutes after I had left. Clearly I have upped my pace considerably. I guess I shall have to find ways to extend the route even further. It's a great feeling to know that I have made substantial progress.

I am trying out a walking challenge on www.walkingwithattitude.com and it is so motivating to enter my walk every day and see the progression. I get tips and hints which I have been incorporating into my own walking and will also use to inspire others when I start running the training walks for Breakthrough.

2006-01-22T01:55:00.000-08:00

Cathy and I started our 2006 weekend walking off again yesterday with a great exploration walk.

Cathy is one of the 'East End Girls', my team to walk the 60K Breakthrough weekend walk in September and was asking loads of questions yesterday to do with her fitness, abilities etc. She does a range of classes at the gym every week and coupled with the walking we do and will do, I was reassuring her that she will be fine. I recall being anxious about China at various stages of doing that walk but excitement usually over came and it was always great to see improvement.

As a training walk leader for the Breakthrough walk, I need to develop a portfolio of walks to offer as I may have a real mix of abilities in the group. Yesterday we walked some of the Regent's canal again but this time in the opposite direction and I was amazed to see that in 15-20 minutes from Mile End we could be in Limehouse Basin. It is now a very different place than it was when I first came to London and Cathy said it looked rather like the South of France. She's half French so speaks from experience and as it was a lovely sunny day the weather helped.

We really enjoyed walking round the Basin, taking photos and spotting various little galleries to visit and places to refuel. It's so much fun to explore your area and I have found a lovely spot for a romantic lunch!

2006-01-20T03:02:00.000-08:00

I have been having a few energy level challenges this week which is something we all probably have to tackle at some point or another. The answer is not to be hard on yourselves but to listen to your body and know that there is a reason you are feeling how you are.

All this hit me on Tuesday a day I did not walk anyhow due to having a face to face 8.00 a.m. client. However on Wed morning all I wanted to do was sleep so I gave in. I did wonder however, why I was feeling that way. I have been burning the candle a little though enjoying all of it but Sunday also was spent in the office working on a website. I think that may have something to do with it. I have also been eating out more than usual and to be honest I have been tempted by some of the less healthy options.

Yesterday I did manage to drag myself into my gear and opted to cover my easier route and it got easier as I walked. I then also walked with a client at lunch time and felt much better and last night I was in bed early. Also being careful about my eating and listening to my body, it's a good friend to have.

2006-01-16T10:24:00.000-08:00

The challenge is moving forward already due to a couple of steps taken. The first was to email a bunch of my walking colleagues and telling them about the challenge while strongly encouraging them to take part by joining my team. I am looking forward to their responses.

Secondly, I phoned up and offered to be a training walk leader. The lady I spoke to was great, very bubbly and enthusiastic and she was totally carrying me with her while both our voices were growing in volume as we talked further. They are looking for lots of leaders so she was delighted with my offer. There is so much flexibility with what you can offer as a leader including how often and where. My intention is to offer walks at least every weekend at the beginning and see how it shapes up. Some of its development will be dependent on the members of the group.

I am so excited at the prospect and I am looking forward to being so fit!!

2006-01-15T09:49:00.000-08:00

In 2007 I shall walk the Inca Trail but that feels so far away that I have been looking for something to get my teeth into this year. Well I have found it. Leafing through the paper I came across an ad for Breakthrough Breast Cancers weekend walk which stimulated quite a lot of interest. It is a 60k walk in aid of the charity and will take place in London in September.

Having since gone unto the site and investigated further it is just what I need and will be a great stepping stone in my training for the Inca Trail. I want to get a team together so if you are reading this, are in the UK and would like to be involved email me on heather@waringwell and we shall talk. I already have a number of women in mind to build a dynamic and lively group.

I'll tell you more as it develops.

2006-01-14T07:16:00.000-08:00

I met a really lovely greyhound when I was out walking this morning! Strange thing to say I know but I have never really liked greyhounds, then again how many do I know? Answer to that is zero but this lovely grey one who was being walked by his owner this a.m. insisted in coming to say 'hullo' and he had a superb grey coat, very lovable face and big big eyes. I am now a little less judgemental where greyhounds are concerned, not a bad lesson really.

This morning has been dog filled because I also went walking with my 9 year old daughter Ellie in Epping Forest and there we met loads of dogs all out walking with their owners. Big ones, small ones and loads of cute ones too. The best fun was watching a beautiful golden Labrador launch herself enthusiastically into the lake scattering ducks in all directions and then take ages searching until she found the perfect stick to bring back to her owner.

It was really muddy in the forest, great when you are properly shod, loved by Ellie in her wellies as she can walk through the puddles but it must be hard work for the dog owners trying to get all that mud from the coats of their spaniels and golden retrievers.

2006-01-13T01:31:00.000-08:00

Thanks to http://walkingwithattitude.com/I tried out a new tip as I walked this morning.

Guaranteed to improve your walking posture and work your thighs too all you need to do is imagine that you are holding a £100 note between your buttocks. You'll have to squeeze them together to do so. This ensures you walk tall by strengthening your lower back muscles and tightening and pulling in your bottom. What else can you ask for?

I tried it out and boy I could feel it work, in fact I wondered if I could do the entire 30 minutes that way and I did. We'll see how my thighs feel tomorrow.

2006-01-12T01:18:00.000-08:00

I think I might have to change my walkerscoach photo for a warmer looking one as every time I look at it in this current climate I shiver. Especially true this morning when I was walking in sub zero temperatures. It was a beautiful morning though, cold and clear and oh so light.

It amazes me how much of a change there can be in light density as yesterday morning it was so dark I could not see clearly enough to use the my mp3 player voice recorder properly. This morning the light difference was apparent as soon as I woke up.

I have discovered that a cold frosty morning is a great motivator. The sky is always more interesting and the arrival of the sun is seen so much earlier with the sky changing to herald its arrival. The freshness always encourages me to walk, not only faster, but straighter and with even more purpose.

This morning I was wondering if Annie and Lisa were out walking too and how they were progressing. On a call on Tuesday evening, Annie informed me that impressed by my walking she was now doing 20 minutes per morning and really enjoying it. Lisa too was clearly catching the bug and after asking a few questions was up for an early morning walk the next morning. I wonder did she? A few emails to send I think. It's great to know that I am a motivator here, long may it continue.

Finally this morning I just wanted to share with you the following snippet -
'My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was 60. Now she's 97 years old and we don't know where the hell she is'.

I discovered when reading the Three Wise Women e-zine (get your copy of the ezine by emailing marion@thethreewisewomen.com and ask to receive it) written by my good friend and colleague Marion Ryan. It did make me laugh. While you are at it visit www.thethreewisewomen.com and see what they have in store for you.

2006-01-09T02:40:00.001-08:00

I must be back in an OK place because getting up for my walk at 7.00 this a.m. was not so bad. Yes, it was still dark and although milder, it was still cold but I guess I am a little bit more used to the alarm again.

As I walked I realised what a routine I have. For some reason I start off counting, I clearly do it on automatic because I suddenly find myself at 262 or something equally random. I think it comes from the times when I used to use the treadmill or exercise bikes at the gym and would get so bored I would count the seconds and see if I was counting at the same pace as the machine - sad.

Anyhow, once I realise I am doing it, I stop and move on to my affirmations. There are three I use at present, the main one being ' I am trim and toned and weigh 10 and a half stone'. This is all part of the wish to shed a pound or two. As someone who has always battled with that extra bit of weight, I figured that having got the exercise sorted in 2005, I now have to move on to weight in 2006. I shall keep you posted. I don't know about you but at this time of the year, I have a wardrobe full of clothes. Many are lovely pieces that are a little too tight and go unworn because I do not feel 100% comfortable in them and the others are things I have bought in my bulkier times and I would love them to go. I know I can do it so this is the year!!

Other affirmations are around health and my strong immune system and the third is my readiness to receive more wealth and abundance into my life. I am currently reading a great book called Wildly Wealthy and that is another goal for 2006, to become wildly wealthy too. There will be tips and comments regarding this book in my newsletter which you can sign up for by visiting http://www.waringwell.com/ and on my other bog at http://heatherwaring.blogspot.com/ Do you use affirmations? Could they support your goals for 2006.

After I have done the affirmations, I move on to setting my intentions for the day and if it is a Monday morning then I do it for the week. At present my intentions tend to be more work orientated but I must add the personal ones too. After all my day is made up of lots more than just work.

That done, I sometimes find myself thinking how the day might pan out time wise and this morning I wished that I had brought my new mp3 player with me as I could have used it to capture this time table as well as the many thoughts that often come to me when walking. Clearly I need to add that to the gloves, keys etc. that I pick up as I leave the house. More things to remember.

2006-01-09T02:40:00.000-08:00

2006-01-07T10:04:00.000-08:00

I have walked every morning this week and enjoyed getting back into the swing of things but after Thursday and Friday mornings, I have decided that this is the hardest time of the year to be an early morning walker.

As the alarm catapulted me into reality at 7.a.m. on Thursday morning, I could have sworn it was still the middle of the night. There was no light at all seeping through the curtains and it seemed so cold. If it was 7.00 a.m where was the heat then? I dragged myself out of bed telling myself that I would be fine once I got outside and was cheered to find that I had put my long sleeve walking top on the radiator - there was heat after all and it was just about to caress the top half of my body, what bliss! Fully clothed in all my gear, I left Alan still dozing and went through the process of getting some water, doing my stretches, getting the gloves and finding the keys (always the hardest task). Opening the front door I was greeted by drizzle - not at all what I wanted to find at this time in the morning, so it was back in to find the cagoule. I don't enjoy walking in the rain and for a lot of last year there was none.

I think I did the first third of the walk on automatic pilot but I was feeling very virtuous on my return and a welcome shower ensured I was wide awake and crowing as I ate breakfast.

Friday was a similar experience and as Ellie had woken through the night I was really whacked. I know from experience though that even if I do not want to do it, I am fine once I get up and that feel good feeling really is worth it. This made me think as I walked about the importance of making the process as easy to adhere to as possible so I am putting together some top tips which will appear in the next few days.

This morning, blissfully there was no alarm and as I lay cosy in my bed after walking naturally I wondered how Alan and ellie might feel about doing a family walk as planned for on New Year's Day. Both were up for it so an hour or so later wrapped up against the snow flurries we were to be found slipping and sliding through muddy tracks in Epping Forest. Ellie, in her wellies (best footwear for the occasion) was thoroughly enjoying it and as we walked we heard a woodpecker who we then tried to spot. No luck but we did see a jay and once we got to Higham's Park Lake there were mallards, coots, grebes and other ducks to observe. I was not aware of having slowed my pace so Ellie was coping very well and when tiredness threatened to set in we had fun playing hide and seek.

For me, it was so lovely to walk with the family again and it took me back when we used to have Ellie in the backpack and walk then. So taken was she that we talked more about plans to explore others walks, to do longer ones and take picnics when the weather improves and also to consider doing some walking in Switzerland again. With children the secret is to really engage them and involve them listening to the aspects they enjoy. Today it was mud and being able to splash through puddles as well as spotting the wildlife. Another motivator is to capture a hill so we shall try that on a later date. What would your children enjoy?

2006-01-02T12:31:00.000-08:00

I had my last walk of 2005 on New Year's Eve when I walked up to our wonderful local Belgian deli to get freshly baked croissants and bagels for breakfast. Having been away for Christmas this was the first chance we had to savour one of our favourite breakfasts. As I was getting ready I pondered what route I would take as the most direct route is pretty boring along a straight road lined with houses. The alternative is a more round-a-bout way but takes me up to Woodford Green, along the green itself and then down more interesting roads. I still had not fully decided as I set out but ended up going the direct route and planned to return the other way.

It felt really good to be out again and I was also delighted to see that the Christmas eating and drinking had not slowed me down too much. In fact I did the walk faster than usual and it didn't feel boring at all. As well as croissants etc. I also needed to get some milk and I added some lovely fresh granary bread to the order too, forgetting that this had all to be transported home again! It was heavy but manageable, however, it did affect my choice of return route and I did a bit of a detour to start and then joined the straight route again phoning when I was a few minutes away to ensure the coffee was ready when I walked in the door.

Yesterday, being New Year's Day we planned a family walk. I am gently encouraging Ellie to see the delights of walking too. With Epping Forest so close it seems a shame not to sample the delights of walking in the area. However, having got the boots, coats etc on, we opened the door to pouring rain. In the Lakes, there would be no excuse but it seemed to make no sense at all to get soaked and perhaps damage the enthusiasm. Instead I curled up on the sofa with my daughter and introduced her to the delights of 'Gone With the Wind'.

As yesterday was Sunday, I did not feel guilty about the absence of a walk; it is usually my day off anyhow. Today though was the first walk of the New Year and I found myself really looking forward to getting back into the swing of things. Ideas for the new walking initiative were buzzing in my head as well as copy ideas for the website which has got to take priority over the next few days. I wish I could concentrate on walker's coach and nothing else but that's not possible so I shall have to schedule in specific blocks of time to work on it. I also need to find my new pedometer, hidden somewhere within the piles of things to be sorted and also learn to use the recorder facility on my new mp3 player so I can capture all the ideas and thoughts.

We went bowling and had lunch with my friend and colleague who is handling my PR for walker's coach today so inevitably the conversation moved in that direction. In fact she was the second person today to inspire me with even more ideas and possibilities. It is so useful to discuss work and ideas with friends as being a little more removed means they see things you are too close to.

Later this afternoon, Alan and I were tidying the book shelves and I came across lots more walking suggestions that I had forgotten about. More reading and research - that will keep me out of mischief for a while longer.

2005-12-26T06:44:00.000-08:00

Have you had your traditional 'Boxing Day' walk? Alan and I, after a late breakfast, went out about 12.00 and met a number of people out walking. It was good to get some exercise and to stretch our legs after a day of food, drink and present opening. Unfortunately from mum's house there is a limit to the number of walks that you can do without going over old ground or extending the walk length to 7 miles or so and today we did not have the time to do that. What we did do was reverse our last walk, which consisted some walking on the flat and then a number of hills to add a bit of extra momentum. I came back feeling great and in need of yet another cup of tea.

At mum's it is hard to get away with just a cup of tea as the tins full of goodies are brought out. It really tests the will power. As mine is on holidays it is allowed some ease but it is back to the mainland together and the chance to eat some more fruit and veg again.

I've had time today to review the pressies and one of my favourites is a Lonely Planet Guide called 'walking in Britain'. Interestingly I spotted it last year and was planning to buy it for my walking partner Janet but on not seizing the moment I then never saw it again. It's a great book and is inspiring me to get out there on the long weekend and week long walks. So many walks I want to do, so many challenges. I must make a list and see just how much I can achieve in 2006. I will let you know what the priorities are in the next day or so.

If you have missed your Boxing Day walk, do not despair, the Rambler's Association start their festival of winter walks today and there are walks all over the UK so check into their website and find one near you - http://www.ramblers.org.uk/winterwalks/ and also keep your ears open for more news of the walker's coach and your opportunity to start the new year off in a positive and healthy way.

2005-12-23T07:06:00.000-08:00

My walk first thing this morning was up and down the aisles of a very busy supermarket as mum and I did the last minute Christmas shopping. There were plenty of obstacles in the way and frustration at the lack of food etc. on the shelves. A certain lack of Christmas cheer sadly, perhaps I should suggest that everyone make some time for themselves and go a bit easier on themselves too.

The only thing lacking for us was crab meat so when mum suggested a visit to a smaller shop, I employed my positive thinking. We did not get brown crab meat but there was white, a good enough alternative. It does work you know so try out the power of positive thinking for yourself.

As we drove back, shopping complete, the sun was shining and it had turned into a beautiful day. Fortified by a cup of tea, Alan and I headed out to make the best of the day and pack in some exercise. We did a walk that I had always remembered as a really long one but today we completed it in 45 minutes. Alan maintains it is my increased fitness level, perhap it is. It was good to have the company and to look at the views as we climbed considerably than yesterday's walk. The ripe countryside smells were not quite as welcome though. Just not used to them I guess.

When I returned and checked my email, I found one from my friend and former client Simon who runs a great charity called excellent Development (http://www.excellentdevelopment.com/ telling me of his planned trip to the summit of Kilamanjaro. Both Alan and I fancy being involved in that one but only one can go due to child care. Shall we toss a coin?

2005-12-22T11:42:00.000-08:00

Life, as you might imagine, has been rather hectic recently, hence the lack of a blog for 12 days or so. The intention to write has been there but not the time. With early morning clients last week, a family birthday and two days in Italy, I only managed to walk on one morning. In the past I would have got really depressed about it and beat myself up but on this occasion I was able to go with the flow. It wasn’t that I did not exercise at all - there was lots of walking around town etc. but the early morning exercise evaded me. This week has been a different story with me walking every morning since Monday and this a.m. I was walking the lanes around my mother’s home in Northern Ireland.

I didn’t set out till 8.45 and had forgotten just how much darker it is here in the morning. It felt like an hour earlier and the lights in the houses shone out in the twilight. My mum lives in a real farming community so the lanes are narrow and it’s tractors and trailers that you tend to meet rather than cars. Due to the speed of the local drivers on the roads, they are clearly not used to seeing walkers, let alone having to slow down to pass. On a number of occasions I was glad I had stopped when I saw the muddy spray churned up as the vehicles passed through.

People are really friendly though, waving or nodding and the old farmers looked exactly the same as those that passed me about 30 odd years ago when I lived in the area. In a way it’s nice to see that some things don’t change much.

I even discovered new walking ground this morning and followed a path that led down to the river. There was an open gate beside a farm, which I did not venture through although it’s fine to do so my mother informed me. I shall have to try it some other day. It’s fun exploring new places and although my mum has an early start planned for me in the morning to do the vegetable shopping, I have the feeling she and I will be out there exploring other routes later in the day.

2005-12-10T05:32:00.000-08:00

My favourite weather for winter walking this morning - cold and frosty but bright and sunny. I even had to pop back into the house and get my sun glasses this morning. I like to think it adds a touch of glamour but who am I trying to fool?

Generally it would be my Saturday for doing a longer walk but as it gets closer to Christmas we all seem to have so many other things to do. So instead of a chatty wander through some Essex countryside I did one of my 35 minute circuits. There were door frames to be painted, Christmas letters needing written and the washing waiting in the laundry basket. Most of that is now completed and Ellie and are a getting ready to go into London, meet her dad and go partying. Perhaps there will be some glamour in my life today after all.

I have been talking walking a lot this week as I have been working with Paula Gardner (www.doyourownpr.com) on the publicity on my walker's coach initiative, have agreed a walker's coach client to take on in January and discovered that two other colleagues have recently got into walking. I believe it is a growing activity now and we will see it even more in the years to come. What do you think?

2005-12-05T12:00:00.000-08:00

After four days of no walking action, it was great to get out there this morning. I had been feeling a bit euchy due to some minor stomach bug and feared a lack of energy but when I got out there all was fine. Loads more home Christmas trees had made an appearance, one double fronted house had one in each bay window decked out in different colours and there were quite a lot of outside lights too. It made me wonder about when we are going to get our tree. Suddenly time is running out as the next few weekends are jam packed with social occasions and commitments.

2005-11-29T12:31:00.000-08:00

Autumn and Christmas came together this morning as I kicked my way through the leaves and then felt cheered by the Christmas decorations adorning the lamp posts in the village. I was less than impressed though by the sighting of the first Christmas tree in a house. Personal opinion I know, but I do think Christmas decorations in homes should wait till December.

In our house, December the first heralds the arrival of the Christmas carols and songs which always put me in the festive mood and oils the wheels of Christmas card writing and present wrapping, although that task is oiled even more if accompanied by a glass of fizz. Isn't it interesting how we develop our own traditions as we go through life? My small family unit's Christmas is influenced both by what I liked and disliked as a child and also what Alan brings too. Ellie's feedback shapes it further and she in turn will develop her own traditions. I love Christmas especially the build up and the chance to be creative and childlike.

My mind was very active this morning as I walked, full of ideas for two websites I am working on. One is the walker's coach which I will be able announce soon and the other my retirement site. There's a strong link there for walking too - more ideas and angles!! Oh, this is all so exciting and huge.....

I sent a couple of messages out to my mastermind group yesterday and there has been some great feedback from Judith so I am off to read through that again and am also hopeful for ideas from the others too. And tomorrow I am having coffee with Judith who I will be meeting for the first time and Paula whose expertise in PR will be critical in getting news of the walker's coach out to the general public. Lots more to report.

2005-11-27T00:38:00.000-08:00

This morning my legs tell me that I have been walking and it's been a while since that has happened. It's quite nice to feel that you’ve done a little more work than usual.

Yesterday's walk was a bit of an adventure - one that resulted in walking for three hours non stop (hence the stretched legs) and took Cathy and I on a route I have not done before. It also educated both of us about our local area, another benefit of walking.

Having put a walk in the diary, I called Cathy on Friday evening to see if she was still up for walking - the weather was indicating more snow and very low temperatures and if I am honest, part of me wasn't going to be at all annoyed if she opted out. I then, would have done my usual 35-40 minutes and still felt I had achieved. However, Cathy was still up for it so, in the warmth of my cosy dining room, sipping a nice glass on Syrah I started working through my walk books. I have accumulated quite a number over the years but many of them are longer day long routes not quite so close to home. Those that were closer were often indicated in pamphlets with vague directions and I haven't got round to getting the OS (ordinance survey) maps I need to give the detail. The one book I kept returning to was one of short walks in Epping Forest which covers the entire forest area even those bits that are now surrounded by houses and very accessible. This was the kind of thing I was looking for; the only problem though was no indication what so ever of distance or the time it was likely to take to do the walk. Slightly exasperated I highlighted three walks, all of which could be joined together at various points which gave us loads of flexibility.

So after coffee yesterday morning we set out on foot from my house at about 11.30a.m. We had both piled on the layers but by the time we got onto the River Roding path, I was removing scarf and opening my coat a little - it wasn't as cold as feared. The walk took us from this peaceful river path unto a main road, under and around a maze of major subways and onto a footpath through houses that ran alongside the North Circular. Already we'd been through a mix of environments, something I enjoy about walking. Cathy had not been in these areas at all and as we talked about walkers coach and what it would offer, she added another possible dimension by suggesting that people who had just moved into the area might welcome the opportunity to walk with someone and in that way get to know their local area - definitely something to think about.

After 15 minutes or so, we crossed the North Circular by a foot bridge and entered Wanstead Park, a place virtually unknown to me until a summer biking trip this year. Again a change of environment and the possibility of leaving traffic filled roads behind. This was where the challenge really started as the map I had in the book was not that clear. Well it's nearly always exploration time on some part of a walk; this was just going to be for most of it. Luckily the park is dotted with information boards showing a map and clearly indicating 'you are here' so with the combination of both we managed to keep on track.

One of my other passions in life is photography and the park with its swans, autumnal colours, interesting shapes and little temples gave lots of opportunity to indulge that too. The photos, some at least, will be used on the walkers coach site that I am currently building.

We also discovered a bit of history............ Walking along through the leaves and covering numerous topics in our conversation, we noticed an amazing tree with loads of major branches coming from the top of the trunk. After having a look we thought no more about it until later when we stopped to ask one of the forest wardens about the path. In his directions, he mentioned this tree which we learnt is called the 'Repton Oak'. It is named after Humphrey Repton a gardener and designer in the style of Capability Brown who lived locally and who developed a style of planting 8 saplings next to each other and binding them together so that this tree with numerous main branches resulted. Although this particular tree was not planed by him, it was definitely in his style and therefore named as it is. I can tell you that we had another more informed look on the way back.

We walked on recognising that our pace on this occasion was faster than normal, a direct effect of colder weather I think and at one point could not find either of the possible paths. No problem, take another and hope or rely on your intuition and sense of direction, so discussing Judi Dench and whether we liked Helen Mirren or not, we ploughed into the undergrowth to emerge 20 minutes or so later just where we intended. Soon we had done the circuit I had hoped and it was back across the foot bridge to civilisation. It was only when we were half way up the river path again that the rain started and it was sort of sleety and much colder. It was a good feeling to turn the key in the door and be greeted by my husband Alan who said 'I'll just put the kettle on'.

2005-11-23T10:43:00.000-08:00

Walking gives you time and space to think but also is a great opportunity to observe and to wonder. My curious nature leads me to wonder where people are off to when I see them in the morning. Some are clearly off to work but others I am not sure about. Even if they are off to work, I wonder what they do. I look at people's expressions and wonder if they are happy and fulfilled or if they have the weight of the world on their shoulders.

At 7.00 a.m. not surprisingly homes are waking up and there are loads more lights on upstairs than down whereas half and hour later the pattern is changing. The warm glow coming from homes never fails to catch my attention and I find myself glancing in, again thinking of the people who live there and the lives they lead. When there are no lights I wonder if people are up and away already or perhaps they have lives that mean no alarm is needed and they can sleep longer.

My natural waking time seems to be about 8.00 a.m. and how I love that lack of alarm at weekends and holidays . That reason alone is why my Saturday walk is later and often is a half day or full day event. There is a half day planned for this Saturday but its happening may be affected by the weather. Alan tells me that very cold and snowy weather is predicted. We'll see - snowy photos will be an added image on the website and no excuse not to walk, although of course blizzards may be?

2005-11-21T02:42:00.000-08:00

It wasn't as sunny and bright when I set out to walk this morning, in fact it was quite greyish -possibly something to do with the sun not really being up. There is something about frosty mornings though that quite inspire me. This morning I was in ideas mode and as I walk my mind cranks up to a pace that I find my feet wanting to match - it probably makes for interesting viewing. Most people who see me however, look at me quizzically as if to say 'why are you out walking in this?'

The entire walker's coach idea was born when walking and I find it very interesting as to how something you have been pondering for ages suddenly comes together when you least expect it. On that occasion I was on my homeward path across Woodford Green and it was a really warm autumn morning only a few weeks ago. What started it was concern as to how my original blog which was intended to bring together all my diverse interests had developed a very strong walking slant. Was there a message here? Definitely, so working from this the idea formed to set up another walking blob and then things just took on a life of their own. Guided by my intuition, I let the ideas develop and by the time I had my coaching session that morning, I had purchased walkerscoach.com and was bombarding Judith with what I was going to do. Energy surged on our call, pitch increased and our excitement and enthusiasm surged. This morning I was building further and tonight I have the opportunity to sound out some of these new ideas on my fellow entrepreneurs in my mastermind group.

Watch this space for tomorrow's feedback!!

By the way, as I turned into the last few meters of the walk, I was rewarded by a red ball of sun in a clear sky. Not the best weather forecast if you believe the red sky rhyme but absolutely beautiful.

2005-11-19T07:14:00.000-08:00

It was minus 2 when I set out to walk this morning and I felt so privileged as I walked along. The sun was shining brightly out of a clear blue sky and it illuminated everything it touched so the autumn colours were enhanced and the frost on the grass looked as if it was caster sugar overlaid with something like fairy dust so it sparkled. There was a mist creeping across the fields and my breath was visible in the clear fresh air. It was truly glorious and I found myself being so grateful for all this beauty which was free for me to enjoy.

We had travelled up to Norfolk last night to attend a Beaujolais Nouveau party in our friends' pub. They are into everything French so this is their annual excuse to dress up, bring in a jazz singer and serve the latest harvest along with the most divine moules and french bread and great french cheeses. We joined in - Alan in his Tour de France gear and me in the striped top, short skirt, fishnets and beret. Our efforts were well applauded but getting to bed at 1.30am after a long days training and many glasses of wine does not make for the clearest head next morning. Happily power walking along country lanes at 8.00a.m. is a good delicate head cure - another benefit to add to my ever growing list.

Where walking is concerned it has been an interesting week. I couldn't walk first thing on Thursday due to a dental apt. and I knew it wasn't going to happen on Friday either due to the training and this caused a little concern. In the past trying to fit my exercise into the day at a later point has not been the most successful and when the days are shorter this is even more difficult. However, as this walking as now become such a habit my determination not to fail was even greater. I do Pilates on a Thursday for an hour - this compliments the walking and makes me feel very virtuous. To get there I usually take the car but on this occasion I walked there and back. It is a 30 minute walk each way and how long do I usually walk in the morning - yes, 30-40 minutes - challenge overcome.

Tomorrow is my day off - Alan runs first thing on a Sunday and I get some pamper time. How about you?

2005-11-15T01:37:00.000-08:00

Even before opening my eyes this morning the sounds outside told me I was not going to like what I saw. It was oh so tempting to burrow down under the covers especially as my night's sleep had been disturbed by a little person who had had a bad dream. As I lay there for a few more moments longer, I tried to tell myself that I would walk later in the day but who was I fooling? I know that that was my strategy in the past so I counted to three and threw back the covers.

Now you have to understand at this point that I was still not overly enthusiastic - would you be when it is chucking it down outside and that is where you have to go? However, as I pottered round in the semi darkness trying to find all my gear I was reminded of Billy Connelly who said, of our complaints about the weather 'There is no bad weather, only the wrong clothes'. It brought a smile to my face so I finished dressing in the right clothes and got out there.

It is never as bad as you think it is going to be and I set off thinking that I could do always do the shorter version of the route but in fact I did the whole thing. I got into my stride, started to enjoy the fact that there were few people around and started to plan my day. Now as I write this, I can feel a little bit saintly knowing that I persevered and as a result feel really good.

2005-11-14T05:43:00.000-08:00

Boy was it cold at 7.10 this morning when I set out on my walk. I had put on warmer clothes (didn't even have to use the window technique this time) but I did forget my gloves and holding a bottle of water straight out of the fridge did not help. A lesson first thing - use the bottle waist belt!! I alternated my hands in pockets and about half way round my route they had warmed up. It was a gorgeous morning though and the sun shone a beautiful golden on the trees highlighting the rich autumn colours as I strode along. I find it really easy to be grateful for so many things when I am out on my walk. Perhaps this is why it works so well for me and really does set me up for the day. As I walk, I think about the day ahead and plan my strategy, setting my intentions and weighing up the reality of what I want to achieve. Sometimes this causes a bit of a rethink in just how much I do but my judgment of what I can manage is getting better. As I write I would like you to know that I am spot on with what I planned to do this morning so I am feeling pretty pleased.

This weekend I did a walk that was one of the first I ever went on in London. It was along parts of the Grand Union and Regent Canal. When I did it all those years ago, we started at Queens Park and walked to Limehouse Basin and it took all day, or at least it seemed that way. I remember it being a great, but long walk and making the mistake of stopping off at a friend’s house for very welcome cups of tea on the way home. That of course was a mistake because we all seized up and it was very painful to start again and get to our final destination.

This time, I am a lot fitter and I walked with my great friend and walking partner, Cathy. We set off somewhat later than planned and headed off to Kensal Green. The canal (The Grand Union here) is not far from the station - approx 5 minutes walk and as soon as you are on it, it is like being in a different world. There is so much to see and lots of people use the towpath, on bikes and foot; running, power walking and ambling; with friends, children and on their own. It is a people watchers paradise and of course it has peaceful as well as busy stretches. Our route took us through Little Venice, Maida Vale, Regents Park (at one point you actually walk through London Zoo), Kings Cross and St Pancreas, Islington and then down through Hackney and Victoria Park to Mile End. Although intending to go on to Limehouse, the falling light made this virtually impossible so we caught the tube home from here will do that some other day. This walk is a lovely way to discover a different side of London and in all we covered some 12 miles in 25,146 steps. There are cafes along the path and restaurants, like the one we had lunch in, actually perched on a bridge above the canal and places to have picnics should you choose. You can explore Camden market as you literally walk right through it and the Canal Museum is virtually on the towpath.

If you are interested but do not want to tackle the whole walk in one fell swoop, there are a number of sections you could easily break it down into. If you do it, let me know what part you did and how you found it. For me, I also saw other paths and I wanted to take and sign posts from the canal itself suggested other interesting places to visit. I could see myself easily occupied for days exploring.

2005-11-10T08:23:00.000-08:00

Due to having an 8.00 a.m. client in the city yesterday morning, I was unable to go for my early morning walk and it's amazing what a difference it makes. I really missed it, a sign that this is now well embedded in my everyday routine. It has taken me such a long time to find an exercise regime that works and suits my life style that I have no intention of breaking it. In fact a couple of weekends ago, I spent the weekend in Brighton where my husband was attending the Professional Speakers Conference. I hadn't been able to walk that morning so threw my walking gear in the car and when he went off for dinner I had a really enjoyable power walk along the front. It was a lovely evening, still warm and the breeze coming of the sea was exhilarating. I love the sea and as I walked I could hear the waves crash onto the shingle beach. All those positive ions left me feeling fantastic and I was out there at 8.00a.m the next morning for yet another energising pre-breakfast walk. I do love to walk beside the sea and when on holidays in Calella de Palafrugell, I like nothing more that to walk to Llafranc and back along the coastal path. Let me know where your favourite spots to walk are. I have heard of a great walk from the south west french coast across the border into Spain, I think it takes 5-7 days so I shall do some research into that.

One of the obstacles to getting out there that many new walkers face at this time of the year is the lack of daylight as well as the increased chill in the air. The latter has caused great hilarity to my daughter as I throw the windows open at 7.00a.m. to get a feel for just how cold it is. Sometimes this process works well and I get it spot on, but on other occasions like this morning I was thrown by the wind (excuse the pun) and ended up overheating once the pace got going. 'Why don't you just go outside?' my daughter asked Fine except that I want to know what the temperature is before I get dressed and I do not think the street is ready for me in my underwear!!

If you are finding the these factors an obstacle for you, just hold onto the memory of how good you feel when you have walked and believe me as soon as you are out there all the obstacles fade into insignificance and the enjoyment of the walk takes over.