Body

When I wrote last month’s column, I was fretting about my upcoming half-marathon. The main reason I was panicking was that I didn’t think I had enough mileage in my legs.

I always struggle to find my fitness motivation at this time of year. Perhaps it’s because the days are cooler, wetter and shorter – getting out of the house requires a bit more effort!

In last month’s column, I let you know that I’d signed up to Prudential Ride London – a 100-mile cycle ride from Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park to the Surrey hills and back to Buckingham Palace.

Of course I have cycled before – on a mountain bike to and from the shops, and around the park on a Sunday afternoon. I was actually pretty speedy on my Raleigh Pacer when I was seven years old, and aged 15 I could get some serious air on my little brother’s BMX.

Hooray! Summer is here! I absolutely love this time of year – the longer days, the warmer weather, the chance to spend time outdoors without worrying too much that it might tip it down at any moment!

Last month, there was a campaign launched which caused a great deal of controversy. You must know the one... Gorgeous blond, skimpy bikini, “Are you beach body ready?”

There is a reason for what I’m about to tell you, so bear with me! I’m just back from a week in Mauritius. The thermometer never dipped below 27 degrees and it was bliss to feel sunshine that actually warmed the skin. I even picked up a bit of a tan.