That might come across as a bit spammy and I've had similar email titles that were just blatant crap, this one isn't.

This morning I went to a networking event where the guest speaker was Mark Wood, I'd sort of heard of him before but didn't know much about him other than he is a polar explorer.  I nearly didn't make the effort to go to the talk because I've been so busy this week a couple of extra hours in the office would have been useful.

I'm so glad I did, it was amazing to hear him speak and to catch up with him for a chat afterwards.  He has made solo trips to both poles, guided multiple trips through the arctic including the Top Gear race to the pole special and adventures all around the world.

By the way, he's from Coventry.  I say that for all of those who think that a life like that only comes from a privileged background.  He's an ordinary bloke who went to Finham Park School.

Back to the email subject line.  On his solo expedition to the South Pole he went from 16.5 stone to just under 11 stone 50 days later.  As diets and exercise plans go, not many people would go to those lengths :)

He said at times he wanted to quit but spoke to a friend on a satellite phone and continued on his journey.

That's how a lot of our members feel at times, they want to quit their diet because they are finding it hard.  Their friends are telling them that one biscuit or slice of toast would be ok, they call us when they start to waiver.  We provide the support for them to make an informed decision.

Following The Real Food Plan 100% can be tough, I know, I was eyeing up the millionaire shortbread at the event.  We used to moan if people couldn't do it, now we realise that everybody is fighting their own battle and hat being 100% might not be ideal for them at that time.

We talk this through with them, again an informed decision can be made.  We help them realise that at the beginning it is going to be hard but it does get easier.  

A little like an expedition; Mark told us that on his next trip to the North Pole, they will be travelling across the top of Canada.  The temperature when they start will be -60C, their sledges and kit will be at it's heaviest, it will be hard.  However, they know it will get better, two weeks in it will only be -40C, they would have drank some of the water and eaten some of the food they are carrying so their packs will be lighter.  A few more weeks after that it will be a toasty -30C.

-30C toasty :)

The human body is amazing, it can achieve so much more than most of us give it credit for.  We just have to WANT or NEED to do it as I have discussed in the past.

If you want to achieve something, go for it, make a start and don't stop until you get there.

Darren 'wants to be an explorer when he grows up' Checkley

P.S.  Today's Daily Lent Challenge - it was a little harsh yesterday so something a little nicer today.

25 Up Dog Down Dogs, it's great exercise to feel stretched out afterwards; although your abs will definitely be working.

P.P.S.  A few people have asked if we are ordering a batch of www.getleanwithgreens.com; the answer is yes. We will be ordering some tubs at the start of next week, we're getting them at a bonus price of £35 per tub for working at the show.  If you would like to try a tub, let me know.

P.P.P.S. You can check out more about Mark at http://www.markwoodexplorer.com