It's Never Too Late

Three women share their stories and prove that age is no barrier to taking on a new challenge

As the years go by and we move into the "midlife" stage, it can be easy to get into a rut in our routines.

From what we wear and where we like to go on holiday, to what we have for dinner, we can often take the path of least resistance when we have caring for kids, grandkids and ageing parents, working, and running the household to worry about, too.

This is especially true when it comes to our health and fitness. We find the classes we like and we stick to them. Yoga on a Wednesday; a walk with the dogs every morning.

However, with recent research demonstrating that the stress associated with pushing ourselves is beneficial to our health especially as we age- it can be a good thing to step out of our comfort zone every once in a while.

This is something the following women know all about, as they've completed challenges that pushed physical and emotional boundaries, to come out of the other side with feelings of accomplishment, confidence and pride in their achievements.

Here, they show us why it's never too late to try something different.

DIANE EVANS 

"I know I'm stronger than I think"

Until recently, I had no feeling of self-worth. I never felt I was good enough, and so when I was challenged to do the Great North Swim a few years ago, even though I knew it would be out of my comfort zone, I had the urge to do something for me.

"I'd always fancied climbing a mountain, too, so when I heard about the Three Peaks Challenge, I knew I had to do it. I had the realisation from my earlier challenges that I am capable of achieving things if I set my mind to it, and my increased confidence spurred me on.

"I have bouts of anxiety and so I was nervous and a little unsure of what to expect, but I knew I had to feel the fear and do it anyway. The adrenaline rush and feeling of achievement are always worth it.