Last week I announced I was taking on a big challenge in 2023 and that challenge is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in September!

Why you may ask? Well, I’d be lying if I didn’t say that the decision was slightly impulsive but I’m always open to a challenge and if something grabs my attention, it’s within the realms of possibility fitness wise and it will push me to be a stronger, healthier, more resilient version of myself then I am very likely grab the opportunity and just go for it.

Historically there has been an element of peer influence in my decision making (hence the Great North Run of 2016 and London Marathon experience of 2019!) however, this time, there was none of this… and no running involved! It was my choice and the only people I mentioned it to was my son Oliver and my amazing EA Keri who both said “go for it” – but honestly by this stage I’d made my decision anyway.

This is going to be an epic challenge physically and mentally but it just feels exciting. There’s several reasons I wanted to ‘go for it’ but mainly as something to focus on for my physical fitness and strength because I’ve just neglected it a little the last few months and I wanted to have a purpose.

When you are single and work alone at home it’s very easy to just not be that bothered in prioritising yourself, after all, who really cares? But the fact is we have to still prioritise our emotional and physical health whether we’re living life solo or surrounded by others.

Whilst I’m very good at maintaining the mental gym plan, not so much the physical one and when I’m sat writing, training online or running the business days can pass so quickly and I have no desires to go out alone in the dark and ice… and whilst my yoga practise is amazing, I wanted more. So what was better than training to climb the highest freestanding mountain…

I’ll document the whole adventure leading up to and including the actual event in September and in a few weeks I’ll reveal what I will be supporting financially for my efforts… it’s a wasted opportunity to not use it to raise some funds.

As always, a huge part of my influence and motivation for these challenges is Simon and since his death anything I can do to empower people to grow from grief and to protect their mental health is high on priority list… and there is so much more I want to do.

But this challenge is mainly for me. It’s taken a long time (and I don’t just mean since Simon died) to really respect and protect myself, to extend self-compassion and kindness to myself and to feel comfortable going solo… but it truly feels like I’m happy with it now… and doing this adventure solo is just a hat tip to that feeling of confidence and belief that anything is possible, if you hold the vision, align your energy and take the action.

So watch this space, follow my adventure and with your support I will do my very best to complete this epic adventure and PERFORM.

Much Love
Tabby x