A little kindness goes a long way.

My English readers (I have been assured I do have some!) will know we've been knee deep in snow the last couple of days, yes, knee deep. For my foreign readers, this enough to bring our fair isle to pretty much a stand still, with schools closing, public transport failing and the nation's population working from home in between building snowmen.

Anyway, as much as this weather and subsequent wind down of normal activity has been disruptive, I have had to carry on with my training. So Sunday lunchtime, I found myself hiking up Surrey's beautiful Box Hill. There was frost, mud, lots of horse poo, hills galore and we found ourselves walking along the hill top as the wind blew the snow, yes more snow, into our faces. We were cold, a bit fed up and tired.

As with the assessment weekend I had a moment of thinking 'this is ridiculous'. Not even the beautiful view could lift my mood from wondering why I was putting myself through this, for the next 5 months!

After finishing our hike, I got the usual sense of accomplishment, and the adrenaline and I rewarded myself with some gorgeous roast chicken that evening (while I'm staying in and saving money good food id my treat of choice :)), so all in all, it wasn't a bad thing. It made me realise I need to touhgen up a bit more and just get on with things.

I am also reminded that this is worth it from the outpouring of interest and care from my friends and family in my preparations. My fundraising is going well, and I'm pleasantly surprised by the kind words and offers of help from people. Perhaps the most surprising thing was when I went for more injections yesterday (Hep B, Hep A and Typhoid) and my nurse, the very same I saw before, remembered me and was interested in finding out more about my trip. She not only recommended vaccinations and health tips which aren't on the Raleigh check list, but, she also gave me my Hep B injection for FREE. FREE! This saved me £36 and was a very lovely gesture as she was impressed that i was doing charity work. She said she would try and help me, as much as she is able to, to get as many injections as possible for free - how good is that!?

I was touched by her support, as well of those of my loved ones, and that's what helps me climb those cold, windy, muddy, snowy hills on Sunday mornings!