My husband and I are blessed to have three beautiful children, aged nine, seven and two. Our oldest daughter is very much like me – more of an an academic than an athlete. Each year, she enters the Telford Mile with two of her friends who, by the way, are not athletically gifted either.

This year, when she brought the application form to me to sign, I asked her why she wanted to do it. "Because, mommy, it's fun." Her younger sister immediately responded with: "I'm not doing it this year. I'll stand on the side and cheer you on."

I marvel at my older daughter's spirit. She is undeterred by a challenge; in fact, she relishes the prospect of overcoming the odds. Somewhere in her nine-year history, she made a conscious decision to welcome new and different experiences – not simply because there was some kind of award at the end – but rather because every experience is a building block which enables a person to develop a sense of self-esteem and a sense of self-confidence.

So to you I say, never miss the opportunity for personal growth and development, even if it means moving out of your comfort zone and participating in activities that you'd normally not do. Dig deep! You will find a treasure of strength you did not know you had!