Every great achievement starts with the decision to try

Finding the courage to step out of your comfort zone and really challenge yourself is sometimes the only way to discover what you're capable of achieving.

At least that's what I keep telling myself as I fasten the shoelaces on my now slightly dishevelled trainers and brace myself for another drizzly training run in the wind and rain.

But it'll all be worth it. When I signed up for the London Marathon last year to raise money for the NSPCC, I knew it was probably going to be one of my toughest (and hopefully most rewarding) challenges yet.

And I'm not just talking about the fundraising which is a huge task in itself!

On the plus side, I don't feel guilty about the copious amounts of chocolate I've consumed this week; my dogs have never been in better shape and I'm breaking a new mileage record each week with every long run that brings me closer to that 26.2 mile goal.

But after a busy day at work, aching legs and the lure of the sofa, getting out of the door for a training run becomes harder as the runs get longer. Finding the mental strength to dig deep and persevere through months of pounding the pavement and battling blisters, is a tough challenge.

But I know I'm not alone. Working for PGL means I'm privileged to see some inspiring stories of courage and determination as hundreds of children test their limits and overcome personal challenges at PGL centres every day.

Whether it's overcoming a fear of heights to climb Jacob's Ladder, staying away from home for the first time or successfully navigating the Ardèche rapids in a canoe, each success story starts with the decision to try something new, push boundaries and tackle challenges head on.

Each time I read feedback from teachers or parents telling us how much of a difference a PGL course has made to children's confidence, independence and ability, I reassure myself that big challenges make for even bigger rewards - something I'll remember on race day.

As I stand anxiously waiting on the start line with hundreds of others, I'll think of the many children who arrive at PGL, nervous and unsure about the new experiences that await them.

As I push my limits over those gruelling last few miles, I'll take inspiration from those children that push their boundaries every day to discover new strengths and a renewed confidence in their abilities.

And hope that I can cross that finish line in one piece!

by Fiona Eaton.