Chapter 35: The beginning of the end.

It was a sunny day amd Kipwil longed to go out for an afternoon run.  She had her workout with Sergeant JFDI that morning and the endorphins had definitely worn off.  She sat forlornly, surrounded by boxes and used tissues....Nanny's used tissues.

Nanny Nutrition, Sergeant JFDI and Weekly Surprise were watching Kipwil packing her belongings.  It was the end of her time in 12WBT land.  After the Graduation ceremony, Kipwil was out looking for new horizons.  Nanny sobbed loudly but in a ladylike manner into a succession of limp and overused tissues.  Sergeant JFDI stood stiffly, a muscle twitching in his jaw every now and then.  Weekly Surprise slumped on the table, glitter pooling around her feet and a sad little music box tune emanated from her.

" Come on guys," said Kipwil, sniffing a little herself, " this isn't helping."

" No no, you are quite right dear.  I do apologise.  Come come Sergeant and Weekly, we must leave Kipwil in peace."  snuffled Nanny Nutrition, ending in a sob. She turned and, with Sergeant JFDI's arm around her shoulders, they left the room.

Weekly Surprise flitted wanly near Kipwil.

" Don't forget, your last tasks Kipwil.  Final weigh in, measurements and fitness test. I am going to miss you so so so so so so much."  The little envelope struggled to smile.

"I'm going to miss you too," Kipwil replied lightly hugging Weekly Surprise.  She had to hide a smile that even in the depths of despair, Weekly Surprise still found a way to be enthusiastic in her own misery. 

Kipwil watched Weekly Surprise float away.  

RIGHT! thought Kipwil I've had enough of this.  Lets do the fitness test. I'll weigh in  tomorrow morning.

Kipwil pulled on her uniform and her joggers and was out the door and down to the testing ground in a flash.

Stopclock smiled as much as his serious demeanor would allow.

"Welcome to your Final Test, Kipwil." he said deeply.

" Stopclock, I want to say thank you.  It has been a pleasure working with you!" smiled Kipwil and she flung her arms around his thick stony trunk.

"AHEM!  We should start." tolled Stopclock, a hint of embarrassment colouring his words.

Kipwil went through her paces. Push ups in a minute, sit ups, wall sits, flexibility test and the 1 Km time trial.  She was pleased with her results.  34 pushups on her toes in one minute, more than her first attempt 12 weeks ago which was 24 on her knees. Wall sit was  58 seconds,  her first attempt was 38 secs, flexibility test scored 15 cms, her original was 8 cms .  And her time trial.....that was completed in 4 mins 31 a whole 1 min 47 secs more than her first fitness test!!! She was very happy to see those results inscribed on the wall at home, and when it was bedtime, she was still smiling.  She reviewed her Goal map.  Against each mark for 3 months, was a neat spot, indicating achievement.  I've gone from avoiding goals to setting and achieving them! she said to herself amazed.

Day dawned in the usual way and Kipwil woke up full of energy.  She ran into the bathroom to find Cyril De Scale wiping his eyes in the mirror.

" Cyril!" Kipwil cried, concerned," what is the matter?"

" Nothing!  Nothing is the matter!  I momentarily was inconvenienced by a speck of dust in my eye.  Now quickly please, I haven't all day, it is final results time."  Cyril snapped and irritably settled himself on the floor.

Kipwil stepped on lightly and almost held her breath, waiting for the result.

" 48.5 kilograms.  Original weight 55.9 kilograms.  Kipwil, you have lost a total of 7.4 kilograms, 13.2 % weight loss. Congratulayay-AY-AY"  Cyril informed and ended in a wail.

" I will never see you again!  We will be parted forever!  Kipwil, you can jump on me all you like!  How will I ever face Weigh in Wednesdays without you!"  he shrieked in his grief, tears squeezing out of every possible crevice.

Kipwil knelt down gently and wiped his face clear.

" Cyril, you have been a huge part of my team.  I am so grateful to have had you here.  Thank you, for everything." she said quietly, dropping a light kiss on his brow.

They were interrupted by the measuring tape, fluttering in and around them, binding them all together in a group hug on the bathroom floor.  Kipwil giggled and squeezed them both.

" Let's get measuring!" she said smiling again.

The tape flitted here, measured there and flew around in circles until Kipwil was dizzy.  The final results were recorded as this.

CHEST          W1 88.5 cm    W12   81 cms
WAIST           W1  76           W12   68.5
HIPS               W1  87.5        W12   81
L THIGH        W1  45           W12   47
R THIGH         W1  44.5       W12   47
L ARM            W1   29         W12   27
R ARM            W1  30          W12   27.5

Total centimetres lost : 21.5 cms

The tape flew around Kipwil once and then hovered in the air in front of her, making a heart shape.  Kipwil grinned.

" Thank you, I love you too," she said and blew the tape a kiss.  As if blown by her breath, it twisted in the air and flew out the bathroom door.

The last thing to do was her before and after pictures.  This was displayed on her results wall, front and centre,  Kipwil was amazed at what she saw.

The rainbow screen flickered to show Queen Mish's face  smiling out and her hands applauding Kipwil.

" Well Done!!!  Look at you!!" she exclaimed!  " Kipwil you have done well, I am blown away by your pics and by the other before and after pics I've been seeing.  I am so proud of you all!"

Kipwil was surprised to see a tear in Queen Mish's eye.

" Kipwil, the graduation ceremony is coming up but I will speak with you before then.  I know you have one more fun run to do and I look forward to hearing about that one!  Now I must go find myself a dress for the party!  I can't wait to see you! " Queen Mish went on.

Kipwil smiled. It felt good to have her efforts appreciated, by the woman who inspired her to start this life changing event.

" I owe you so much Queen Mish, " Kipwil said seriously," It's not just my health thats changed but so much more.  My confidence is better, my mind is stronger and healthier, you have shown me I can do it and I can do it well.  The lessons I learned here are lessons that can be placed in every single part of my life to make a change for the better.  I cannot tell you how much that means to me."

Queen Mish put both her hands over her eyes and wiped. " Kipwil, you are amazing.  All my 12 WBTers are amazing.  I learn just as much from you all as you learn from me.  I hope you will come and stay with me again one day. But I will leave you with a gift....you may choose whoever you like from your team to join you in your new life.  It may be one or all, but you decide."

" I'll take them ALL!" Kipwil exclaimed, her heart suddenly much lighter. " I can't wait to tell them!"

" Well, I think you ought to tell Nanny Nutrition first, before she dehydrates from fluid loss!" Queen Mish laughed.

And with that the screen faded, leaving Kipwil sitting deep in thought on the floor.

What's the last funrun?  What will happen at the graduation ceremony?  Stay tuned!!!

Chapter 34: Another day, another run.....

Kipwil had signed up for a challenge of three races of 12.7 Km each.  She had run two of these, up the Hill of Heroics, improving on her time each race.  Now it was time for the third and last race.

The night before, rain flooded down from the sky, lightning flashed and thunder grumbled.  Kipwil was worried.

" Hubba Hubba, is it going to rain tomorrow?  I hate running in the rain...my glasses fog up and I can't see where I'm going!" said Kipwil as they sat together on the couch watching TV.

" I don't know, do you want to cancel?" Hubba Hubba replied.

" No", said Kipwil firmly," I said I'd do it and I will.  I'll wear my new JFDI hat and the Vic crew uniform shirt, that should help keep the rain out of my eyes at least."

The day dawned gloomily and threateningly.  Kipwil kept casting glances to the sky as they drove to the starting line.  It was surprisingly empty.  A tree next to the river start line noticed Kipwil and her family standing looking lost. It shivered and out of the trunk stepped a gnarled figure of a man, small and knotty.  His hair and eyes were a living brown colour, his skin and clothes, he was a picture of every shade of brown you could think of, but glimmering with contained power of life. It was a tree spirit, known to help those lost in the bush and in need.  kipwil had no idea why it was here in the city so far from home but she was glad to see him.

" The track has been flooded, the Hill of Heroics cannot be negotiated" it crackled to her in a dry whispery voice.

" Oh no!!! Has the race been cancelled then?" exclaimed Kipwil.

" The race is still being held, but you must walk further along the path to the Great Garden.  There the race will be run." crinkled the whispery voice again.

" Thank you," said Kipwil bowing deeply.

The tree spirit bowed just as deeply in reply and stepped back into the trunk of the ageing tree.

Kipwil and her family found her way to the start line.  The race would now be run in three laps around  the Great Garden, an area set aside in the city as a refuge for people and animals alike, to relax and restore themselves in the deep shade of the towering trees or to lie on the soft green grasses near ornamental lakes.  There was one problem though.  The Great Garden was famous for an obstacle much harder than the Hill of Heroics, in fact it went by a completely different name....Runner's Hell.  Four hundred metres of hill ascending steeper than Kipwil had ever run before, it sucked the will and strength out of many runners attempting it.

Kipwil took her place and was soon running when the starters gun went off.

At first the run was pleasant, no rain, shady trees and the fresh green smell that plants have early in the morning filled the air.  She rounded a corner and was faced with Runner's Hell.  She gritted her teeth and ran all the way up, reaching the top gasping for air.

One down, 2 more times to go Kipwil thought determinedly.

On the second lap, Runner's Hell started to exact its toll on Kipwil.  She was gasping when she reached the top and her legs felt rubbery.  Her neck muscles had begun cramping and the pain was intense. Kipwil tried stretching the muscles as she ran but to no avail, soon her neck felt like it was frozen facing forward. It caused far too much pain to try and turn it.

She wanted to give up, how could she do that ascent again in this pain?  She could feel it throbbing in her ears.  Kipwil steeled her mind and with tears slowly tracing and drying on her cheeks she kept on running.

The thrid time up Runner's Hell, Kipwil was barely jogging.  Her feet shuffle ran upwards her eyes cast downwards, her chest screaming in pain.

I could walk faster than this she thought and nearly stopped.

NO!!!! I WILL NOT LET THIS BEAT ME! It might be the slowest run in the world but I WILL RUN IT! were her next LOUDER thoughts.  Kipwil pushed herself hard and with every muscle in her body screaming.....she finally reached the top.

The rest of the final lap was easier, but still a struggle.  The pain in her neck muscles lessened and Kipwil was able to focus more on her breathing.  She noticed the gnomes popping up everywhere with their cameras and was finally able to take the time to appreciate the beauty around her, the fact it hadn't rained,  the determination and positivity in the other runners and the rhythm of her breathing.  A final sprint to the end and she was DONE!

" Well Done Babe!!!" shouted Hubba Hubba as he approached the finish line, Kipwil's children throwing themselves on her for sweaty hugs.

" Oh Hubba Hubba, I am so sore, my neck" she said her eyes filled with pain.

Hubba Hubba immediately began gently massaging the steel out of her neck and she was gradually able to turn her head more freely and with much much less pain.

" That was a great time" Hubba Hubba said to her as she began to relax. " You beat the old time again....1 hr 11 minutes this time!"

" I can't believe it, I thought I had stuffed it up completely," Kipwil smiled,"I can't believe I reached my goal and now I can relax"

" Only until next week, " Hubba Hubba grinned at her, " you have a measly little 10 Km run next week"

" Easy peasy," said Kipwil as she relaxed into his arms. " Easy Peasy Japaneezy"

What else is in store for Kipwil in her final week here in 12 WBT land? Wait and see......

Chapter 33: Getting back to Nature

It appears, dear reader, I have missed an important part of Kipwil’s journey in 12WBT land.  This was her second mini milestone: a bushwalk of 12 Km in an area 3 hours away from where Kipwil lived with Hubba Hubba and her children.

Hubba Hubba and Kipwil set off in the car to reach The Grampians, an area famous for bushwalking and rock formations.  It was a pleasant drive, especially since Kipwil and Hubba Hubba enjoy each other’s company so much.  They knew it would be a good day when upon arrival, a small herd of deer watched fearlessly from the side of the road as Hubba Hubba drove slowly passed, stopped and took photos.  It was a magic moment.

They approached the local guide office to be met with a small disappointment.  The bushwalk they had chosen was washed out from flooding.  Fortunately though, there was another, shorter route they could take, so armed with maps, water and a light picnic, they set off for The Pinnacles.

The day was bright and sunny, the path clearly marked. All around them was the sound of birds and the rustle of grass as lizards dashed here and there.  It was a steep path in places, with metal steps ascending almost vertically in the side of the mountain.  It wasn’t long before both Kipwil and Hubba Hubba were breathing heavily.

Along the way, they talked of everything from dreams of the future to memories of the past and all that was in between.  Kipwil felt like she did when she first met Hubba Hubba, when everything was new, exciting and overwhelming coloured with love.  They reached a rest point, about halfway up the dirt and metal track, with a gorgeous view of a dam in the distance and the township far, far below them, like a picture in a child’s book.  The air was clean and fresh, the sun warming on the skin, the wildflowers opening their tiny heads to the bees calling upon each one.  After a few photos and a drink, they set off again.

Towards the peak, the going got a little tougher.  The path petered out to rocks and they were spotting the tell-tale arrows to point them in the right direction of the peak.  Scrambling up and over, along and under, Kipwil could not wait to race ahead over the next rise.  And there it was……The Pinnacles lookout.  They had made it.

After peering over the edge at the tiny dots of houses with ribbons of roads, Kipwil and Hubba Hubba found a flat rock to sit on and enjoy a picnic.  A crow came near and made friends with Hubba Hubba who tossed small pieces of apple to it.

“Well that was a good walk but it was over too soon!” Kipwil said happily but a little disappointed.

“There’s another path over there, let’s try that one” Hubba Hubba suggested.

Packing up, they set off down the new path.

This was a rocky path to follow too and eventually led to a narrow crevice with stairs leading down into the dark.  Kipwil leaned down peering along the length and was relieved to see an opening not too far along. 

  She didn’t do well in tight enclosed spaces! A little past the crevice they came across a small waterfall….lovely cool water just trickling gently down over a shallow cave with a pebbly dirt floor.  The water fell into a narrow creek which disappeared under the ground, reappearing on the other of the path.  It was beautiful.

Sadly, continuing on their way, the intrepid bushwalkers ran into a ‘TRACK CLOSED’ sign.  They turned left onto a path to lead them back in a circular way to the top again, stopping for more water and to exchange backpacks.  When they were nearly at the Pinnacles peak, there was another sign…..leading to a car park.

“Want to try it?” Hubba Hubba asked, raising one eyebrow.

“YES!” Kipwil exclaimed and off they scrambled back over rocks and through spiky bushes covered in tiny flowers.

So far, Kipwil and Hubba Hubba had been walking for 3 hours.  Kipwil loved it, her legs felt strong and she could feel the muscles moving smoothly under her skin as she stretched over gaps or jumped onto rocks.  Her mind was at peace and her heart was light. She felt so in control of her own fate and was already making plans to come out again with the children so they too could feel the thrill and the peace of the bush.

Eventually they came out to the car park.

“ Ummm….babe, this isn’t anywhere near our car” Hubba Hubba said quietly, consulting the map they had been given.

“Why, where are we?” Kipwil said a little concerned but giggling….she couldn’t believe they were lost while knowing exactly where they were.

“ Well, we have two options, “ Hubba Hubba said, looking at the map,” we can go back the way we came, or we can go by the main road….looks about the same distance I reckon. But I have to say, my feet are starting to hurt from my shoes.”

“So, let’s go the main road, it’s smoother anyway” Kipwil suggested and so it was agreed.

The funny thing about tour maps is they are colourful and covered in cute little pictures of the view or of local flora and fauna, but they can also be highly inaccurate in measuring distances.  Kipwil and Hubba Hubba, being mindful of the time, walked and ran along the twisting road descending the mountain, expecting around every bend to see the township, only to see more and more road stretching before them.  They came up to another sign.

“Looks like we’ve got about another 5 k to go” Hubba Hubba said, “but look ahead.”

A temporary fence had been stretched across the road in front of them and a large yellow sign assertively told the tiring pair that the Road ahead was CLOSED.

“You are KIDDING me!” Kipwil exclaimed,” do we have to go back?  We’ve just walked 4 k away from the bushwalk tracks!!!!”

‘ Nah, come on” said Hubba Hubba,” we’ll be right, I think it means you can’t drive on it.”

They walked through a gap in the fencing and found themselves cut off from the world.  The silence along the road was only punctuated by the sound of their feet on the road and the calls of the magpies, bellbirds and kookaburras. It was nearing the middle of the day now, and the sun had developed a sting to it.  Kipwil could see Hubba Hubba’s face tinged with red and knew her own face and shoulders would be just the same.

They walked and ran, ran and walked forever it seemed.  Every corner led to another bend in the road and now Kipwil’s legs were starting to ache from the constant movement.  It was the longest 5 kilometres she had ever traversed.  Conversation between them still flowed and while not as free as it was, it was still filled with poking fun and laughter.

And then it happened…..they turned a bend and found themselves back into civilisation again.  Kipwil fet like falling down and kissing the nearest shop window.  They walked back to their car and collapsed inside.

“ I’ve worked out we’ve walked a bit over 21 Kilometres in 4 hours and 11 minutes, Hubba Hubba, pretty good hey! “ said Kipwil wearily.

“ We are LEGENDS” said Hubba Hubba tiredly, starting the car to head home.

“So…..when do you want to do this again?”  Kipwil asked, smiling at Hubba Hubba.

It’s amazing how much a look can communicate.

Chapter 32: The Glass Pit.

Kipwil found a decree while out cycling on Randy to the shops one day....a new challenge.

" BIKE CHALLENGE"

"Complete 3 time trials in one week"

"Distance = 15 Km"

" GO FOR IT!"

" Look Randy!  Another challenge, just PERFECT for us! Want to give it a go?"  Kipwil said cheerily.

Randy spun his wheels faster and whirred loudly.

" I'll take that as a YES!" Kipwil laughed, " Let's go get ready."

Kipwil and Randy mapped out a course along her favourite place, the river.  Kipwil had to complete 3 laps of her course to make it up to the 15 Km.  She cycled slowly to the starting point, and took a deep breath.

" Are you ready? YES?!  LET'S DO THIS!" She yelled and off they went.  

They tore down the path and up a small hill.  They chased birds and dragonflies along the path and Kipwil smiled gleefully as she felt the breeze rush past her, her legs pumping harder and harder and Randy's wheels whirring louder and louder.  It wasn't until the second lap, about halfway through, Kipwil's legs began to complain and she felt her face and skin start to get hotter and hotter.  Sweat was trickling down her back.  

Just keep pedalling  she chanted on her head and finally both her and Randy crossed the finish line.

"48 mins 10 seconds.!!!!!' Pretty good Random!!" Kipwil said puffing and cycling slowly home.  Randy whirred along comfortably.

' We'll go again tomorrow, same course." Kipwil decided.

Tomorrow dawned soon enough.  Kipwil and Randy found themsleves tearing around the course, Kipwil's legs screaming from the first lap and having to fight thousands of tiny insects hovering over the track in clouds.  Thankfully she was wearing glasses or her eyes would have been irritated and stinging from the countless bugs pelting against her face and helmet.  When they crossed the finish line, panting, Kipwil was dismayed to see her time.

"51mins 51 seconds....3 mins 41 secs slower. Oh Randy, we failed." She said in a small voice.

The beautiful free light feeling Kipwil had been feeling over the past 10 weeks slowly left her as she struggled home.  She didn't notice a small eruption in the soil in her back garden, or the dark shadow within it when she put Randy away. She went and logged her time, sighed and went about her day.

The next day dawned, as days are in the habit of doing, and Kipwil and Randy found themselves at the start line once again.

" Come on Randy, Let's give it another go." Kipwil said trying to muster enthusiasm in her voice but failing.

They raced around the track again, but this time Kipwil didn't feel the freedom or the breeze.  In her head all she heard was " You won't do it, you'll fail. You're useless.  Just finish it at least but you're going to fail" Kipwil's legs screamed at her and she had tears running down her face, from the soreness in her legs and the hatred in her head.  They crossed the finish line but Kipwil already knew the news was bad.

'55 mins 01 secs. Fail." 

Kipwil put Randy away with tears streaming down her face.  She was so disappointed in herself, so down,  So....beaten.  The voice in her head continued with its horrible disgusting thoughts, all things she had heard before when she was at primary school, when she was in high school, when she was married to the scum before Hubba Hubba rescued her.......the things she had heard and had scarred her heart all came bursting out again, overwhelming her with it's bitterness and hatred.  She didn't watch where she was walking and she found herself sliding swiftly into a vast black pit in her back garden. 

She sat in the bottom of the pit for a few minutes, disorientated.  It was dark in here, and she was a long long way down. The sides were smooth and cold and hard, like smooth sheets of glass.  She stood up carefully as it was slippery underfoot and tried to find a way to climb out.

There was no escape, the walls too steep, too slick and there was nothing to use as a hand or toe hold. She sat and cried and cried, feeling desolate and alone.

Some time passed, and Kipwil calmed. She sat staring at the walls.  A whisper of blue light floated down to her, circled her head and hovered in front of Kipwil's swollen red eyes.

Kipwil. This pit is of your own making.  You can make the way out of it also. What is as hard and black as glass? It is Hate.  So you must find your love to open the way out.

The wisp of light hovered for a moment and then floated up slowly.  Kipwil had the thought it was trying to watch her but the light was soon out of sight.

Find the love.  There IS nothing to love. It's not just the time trial I failed, look at me. I don't deserve to get out anyway, who would give a crap if I disappeared off the face of the earth? Kipwil thought hopelessly.

But Kipwil, fortunately for her had much more sensible and smarter Second thoughts.  Don't be so dramatic! the thoughts scolded her, let's have a think about this.  Hubba Hubba loves you...DON'T INTERRUPT! You know he does. and so what, you failed the time trial?  YOU STILL DID IT!  Did you think you'd be cycling 45 km a few weeks ago? Let's just focus on that little success, shall we?

Kipwil sighed and thought about it...well, yes she DID cycle 45 km all up and that's something to be proud of.  She didn't give up even when she knew she wouldn't beat her time...the old Kipwil wouldn't have even tried again!  What did she expect? That she'd lose weight and all of a sudden like herself? No no no....but it does remove one problem so another can be dealt with.  Kipwil began to think of a plan of action.

For every revolting thought Kipwil had screaming in her head, she tried to counter it with a positive one....just like slaying her Other Self all those weeks ago.  It was hard, so much harder than she wanted it to be.  It was exhausting, this mental battle, and it took all her energy.  But what she didn't notice is that as she countered each thought with a positive one, whether she believed it or not, the walls of the pit seemed to be retracting on itself, much like a telesope closing up.  After some time, Kipwil noticed the sheer smudge of light hovering in front of her again, burning brightly.  She looked around.

The pit had shrunk to the size of a fishpond, Kipwil could easily climb out. As she did, the light breathed words again.

This pit will remain Kipwil, it is your despair, your sorrow, your problems.  If you are not aware, and not ready to fight, it will swallow you again, no matter where you are or what you are doing.  Be disciplined in your thoughts, catch the poison before it spreads. Maybe one day, you will discover the antidote and be free of it forever. But until then, you must be on guard.

The light dissolved in front of Kipwil's eyes.  Her heart was still heavy and she just wanted to lay down and sleep.  But she had one thing to do first.  She went and wrote down what happened and how she felt in the hope it reminds her of how to beat that weakness when she needed to stay strong...in case the pit ever swallows her wholly and completely.




.

Chapter 31: A blog in pictures

Kipwil was surprised to hear a knock at the door. When she opened it, there was noone there but a parcel had been left on the doorstep. There was no return address or card with it, and it was wrapped in a very ordinary brown paper wrapping.

I wonder what it is? shethought as she dragged the heavy package in.

Hubba Hubba and the children helped her unwrap it. Inside was a screen, much like a flatscreen television, and a note.

" To remind you of how far you have come" was written  on the note.

As soon as Kipwil said the words out aloud, the screen flickered into life.

 

Entranced Kipwil watched the images and her thoughts scroll down the screen.  She was laughing at the music, smiling at the happy confident woman she could see on the screen. Am I really like THAT? she though.

Hubba Hubba hugged her as the children raced off to play superheroes.

" I love you," was all he said, and all he needed to say.

Together they went and hung the screen in the results room...or the Room of Truth as Kipwil was beginning to think about it.  This room had all the weigh ins and measurements, all the time trials, all the conversations with Queen Mish...there was no hiding from anything in there!  The screen was soon up and Kipwil watched it again.

" Come on," said Hubba Hubba, " It is time we went to The Workshop for our next class."

" Yes," said Kipwiul with newfound motivation a nd energy," I do believe it is."

What do you think of the screen? A new motivation is starting to build, can anything stop Kipwil now?

Chapter 30: Time Trials and New Found Resolve

Kipwil was starting to wobble a bit in her resolve.  She knew her time in 12WBT was growing short, she had only 2 more weeks and her inner thoughts were inclined to panic about it all.  She noticed she was starting to give in to Seduction more and lore and while it hadn’t alerted Cyril De Scales as yet, she knew that it wouldn’t be long before he would be asking questions about the increasing numbers.  I have to get a hold of myself!  Why am I back to believing I’m not worth it? Kipwil would think after each slip up.

A letter from Queen Mish arrived one day without fanfare.  It settled itself gently down beside Kipwil as she slept and waited patiently for Kipwil to stir.  When at last Kipwil opened her eyes, she saw Sergeant JFDI and the letter watching her.

“ Ummm…yes, can I help you both?” Kipwil asked somewhat bemusedly and with a hint of grumpiness.

“ IT’S CHALLENGE TIME KIPWIL. UP AND AT THEM AND MEET US BESIDE STOPCLOCK AT 0800HOURS.”  whispered Sergeant JFDI…well, attempted to whisper, it was more a hoarse sound equal to the motor of a vacuum cleaner.

The letter remained behind for Kipwil to read…it opened itself fussily and neatly and announced:

“Queen Mish has set you a challenge.  Two times this week, you are to conduct a series of time trials.  The distance is 1km and you are to do this 6 times. There is a two minute rest period between each run.  Note your times and report back with the fastest time you achieve.” The crinkly voice cleared its throat, “Good luck.”

Kipwil’s panicky thoughts went wild in her head at this. 6 times?? 1km?? That makes 6 KM??I CAN’T DO IT!!!!! And then do it again???

Kipwil dressed slowly and ate slower.  Nanny Nutrition cast worried looks her way and even the recipes were quieter in their chatter. Nanny had noticed the goblin ridden food creeping into her cupboards and she was concerned Kipwil was going to fail in the last few weeks. She went over to Kipwil and hugged her gently.

“ I believe in you….you are fuelled with good food and your muscles are strong. I don’t know what is worrying you but the team is all here for you. That includes Hubba Hubba and the children, they are so very, very proud of you.” She said to Kipwil.

Kipwil hugged her briefly back and left to find Sergeant JFDI and Stopclock.

She arrived at the training ground as clouds began to build behind the field. Great, rain, now I DEFINITELY won’t be able to do it Kipwil thought dejectedly. She looked up at Sergeant JFDI’s voice.

“ KIPWIL, ANNOUNCE YOUR READINESS TO STOPCLOCK AND THE TIME TRIALS WILL BEGIN” he ordered in his best parade ground voice.

Kipwil took up position at the start and sighed.

 “ Ready” she mumbled.

“Ready….Set….Go” Stopclock  voiced in a monotone and Kipwil was off.

She pumped her arms and legs and the first few hundred metres were easier than she thought.  She began to enjoy the running and even managed a sprint for the last 100 metres at the end. She turned to look at Stopclock as she past the finish line.

“4.38mins” his voice announced.

Sergeant JFDI added “ WELL DONE KIPWIL!! TWO MINUTE REST AND WE GO AGAIN”

Kipwil ran and ran.  Each time got a little harder and harder, the rest breaks seemd shorter and shorter.  She wanted to give up and just not do it, after all it wasn’t like it was COMPULSORY or anything but she knew she would be disappointed in herself. She had to do this because is she didn’t she might as well give up everything else now.

The numbers kept coming… 4.55mins, 4.58mins, 4.57mins,  4.51mins…and now for the last one.

Kipwil was almost spent. She puffed and panted. Sergeant JFDI yelled encouragingly and kept her going.  She felt tired and there was still one more run.  She took her place and took off at Stopclock’s count.  She struggled, her chest hurt, her arms hurt, she had tears in her eyes. It began to rain and Kipwil felt lower than she had felt for the last twelve weeks. She tried a little burst of speed to cross the line but nearly fell over.

“ 5.09mins” Stopclock intoned.

Sergeant JFDI and Kipwil walked slowly home. 

“ You did well Kipwil.  We will do this once more in two days” Sergeant JFDI said, patting Kipwil on her sore and aching shoulders.

“ Thanks Sergeant,” Kipwil said. Inside she thought But how do I know those were good times? I’m such a failure. I've been folling myself that I could amount to anything.

Kipwil arrived home to find her times inscribed on her wall.  On the screen were other people’s times and congratulations to Kipwil and to each other.  Kipwil felt better when she saw it, she saw she did well and should be proud of her achievement and effort. After all she didn’t give up!

The second time Kipwil ran the race, she was nervous.  She knew it was going to be hard and the weight of trying to beat the first set of times weighed on her.  She was so focused on running she forgot to take note of the times until she saw them inscribed on the wall at her home.

“ Run 1: 4.33 mins (-0.05)        run 2: 4.40mins (-0.15)

 run 3: 4.47 mins (-0.11)           run 4: 4.48 mins (-0.09)

run 5: 4.59 mins (+ 0.08)        run 6; 4.56 mins (-0.53)

Queen Mish ‘s face flickered into life on the screen.

“ Kipwil, can you see what Seduction is doing to you?  She is taking away your self belief, your strength of mind, your love of life.  All she gives you back is Fear….fear of failing, fear of doing the wrong thing, fear of being caught, fear of yourself.  You HAVE the power to resist her and while I know it can be hard to be positive all the time, I’m proud of you for doing it anyway.  For seeing something beautiful in every moment and the bright side of everything.  I can’t wait to see you at our grand finale party, and you will meet other beautiful, strong and wise men and women just like yourself.”

“ You are more than what other people think of you and you are definitely more than what you think of yourself.  Now rest up and well done.” Queen Mish winked and disappeared.

Kipwil sat in thought for a long time.  Queen Mish is right.  I have let Fear take over again. It stops me seeing what I HAVE done and achieved and only what I haven’t. I need to take back control. I CAN do this and I WILL!

Does Kipwil wrestle control back from Fear and Seduction?  How will the last two weeks go? What happens at the Finale party?  Stay tuned….

Chapter 29: A change of pace.

I sit by the river, in the shade of a gum

Watching the river float by, twinkling in the sun.

I hear the piping of the birds and the lullaby of the leaves

As the scent of the wattle settles over me.

I relax on the grass, lying on the bank

And silently think about who I have to thank

For the strength that runs through my veins with ease

And the determination that set my will free.

‘MICHELLE BRIDGES’ the air around me cries

‘12 Week transformation’ hum the dragonflies

A reflection ripples in the calm water

Queen Mish’s face is there wreathed in laughter.

“ I gave you the tools, the plan and advice

 But YOU did the work and paid the price.

YOU reap the reward of new healthy lifestyles”

Queen Mish told me with the biggest of smiles.

Now armed with new mantras like JFDI

I hit my stride and found I could fly

I have biceps and triceps, glutes and quads

And so many more, who knew the odds?

The rest of my life lies before my feet

Much like the river flowing to the sea

My options are endless, only contained by me

And I intend to explore every possibility.