There's an advert in the UK which gives the following statistic ' 37% of women feel more attractive now than they did 10 years ago.' I would like to meet these women. I would then like to hit them.

I am 51. I do not feel more attractive than I did 10 years ago. And quite right. I am not more attractive than I was 10 years ago. And when I was 41 I did not look more attractive than I did 10 years previously. This may be sad. It is also true.

The aforementioned advert implies that this sense of increased attractiveness ,self confidence and self worth comes from the cream. I think it must have come from cosmetic surgery. I can think of no other reason.

Anyway I am now planning to start a new gym regime so that when I am 61 I can feel fitter than I do at 51. This, however, is a low target to achieve.

Holidays

I have just returned from a holiday as the photograph might have indicated. My holidays are normally not very different from every day life. I rise early, pull together an agenda for the day and achieve these objectives. It is just that holiday objectives are, well, more enjoyable than work objectives. Nonetheless I hare around - fitting in museums, galleries, exhibitions, - and return stuffed full of culture and a much better person for it I am sure. I am generally also stuffed full of food and wine and a much worse person for that.

This holiday was different. There was nothing to do. Having worked this out in advance I returned to childhood behaviour when I would take my bag of toys on any trip. My toys are different but they come with me all the same and now have the additional disadvantage of costing me excess baggage. So I headed off with books ( no I have not bought an e reader yet), embroidery, knitting, stationery, ipod, camera, gym kit (I hate the gym and don't go when not on holiday), swimming costume etc almost rigid with fear lest I pass a minute of the week not occupied in some way.

The hotel was wonderful and, due to a combination of low season, recession and volcanic ash, remarkably quiet. I found myself relaxing. I heard my heart rate slow down. I did play with all my toys but I also found that I didn't have to be achieving things every minute of every day. Almost every minute - but I could chill for quite a few minutes. It was a life lesson. It was one I hope to repeat. Soon.

Running the marathon

Sunday morning and I switch on the tv. Am still in bed and feeling chilled. Watch a documentary about a man who decides to train for the marathon and see if he has the genetic ability and mental determination to run 26.2 miles in under 2 hours and 20 minutes. I watch him as the cameras follow his trials, tears and tribulations. He loses 4 stones in weight and becomes a fitter, leaner and more focussed version of his former self. I do feel inspired. I then get out of bed and breakfast is a dish of the trifle left over form last last dinner with friends.

At some point I need to get a grip. I will go for a long walk this afternoon. It's not, admittedly, running 26.2 miles but, equally, it's not sitting on the sofa either.