Sunday 10 March 2024

Let in the Sun - Take That!

Heaven

When was the last time you had a ‘Life Moment’? A moment in time that will live with you forever. One that will become engrained into your DNA.
 

Like most folk, I’ve had many both positive and negative moments but I’m going to describe a couple of experiences where suddenly the penny dropped - that we are not on the planet that long and that despite everything that life throws at us we make our own memories.

 

The first happened back in 2004 when I ran 2004km in 43 days from London to Lisbon for Euro 2004. I’d been on the road for at least a month, and I’d reached central Spain. These were solo daily marathons where it was just me running along immersed in thought and rolling landscapes. After surviving the arid conditions of central Spain, I’d reached a more arable, rolling and picturesque countryside. The roads were quiet, and I passed through small villages and towns onto chalk downs put down to fields of swaying bright green barley, highlighted in the warm summer sun, under an azure sky.

 

My thoughts were that if Heaven existed - this is how it would be.

 

In that moment, I thought I’d better drink in my surroundings and so I stopped. Took off my shoes and took the photo that I captioned ‘Heaven’. I wanted that image burned into my mind so I would never need to look at it again - it would just be in my instant access memory bank. It’s an image that will live with me forever.

 

However, a moment doesn’t have to be visual - it can be a feeling. 

 

I remember being back at the Marathon des Sables in 2017; less than twelve months post Guillain-BarrĂ© Syndrome. I have no visual memory as things were still somewhat fuzzy of that time. I do recall though about how I felt at the top of Jebel Oftal, high above the plain listening to ‘Let in the Sun’ by Take That, thinking about just how fucking lucky I was to be there, following the toughest year of my life. I didn’t think Gary Barlow would ever bring me to tears, but the words spoke volumes to me.

 

Gary sings, ‘You've found yourself alone in a room. Total devastation. In the darkness, you must enter the code and crack the combination all on your own’… he continues to sing lines that even now make me want to cry. Like I said, ‘I’m fucking lucky’. Take a listen – it’s a great song. A moment of realisation.

You see, life is a series of moments, each fleeting and unique. 

 

If we're constantly distracted or preoccupied, we’re at risk of letting these moments slip by unnoticed. Whether it's a breath-taking landscape or a feeling you get in a special place, (you thought you’d never get to experience again), there are countless opportunities to savour the present.

 

It's about cherishing the present rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. If we embrace this mindset, we become more attuned to the richness of our experiences and the beauty of the world around us.

 

Ultimately, not missing the moment is about living with intention and awareness, and making the most of each precious moment we are given. It's about slowing down, tuning in, and appreciating the richness of life in all its complexity and beauty.

 

Think on. Live life. Enjoy moments that will last a lifetime.


1,179 Marathons - 276 Ultras - 9 GWR - 16 MDS - 1,000,000 Moments

Tuesday 5 March 2024

New Life - Depeche Mode


Making the most of life is a daily pursuit for most. A quest for personal fulfilment, purpose, and joy, often accompanied by the desire to leave a fingerprint on the world and on humanity. It's about living intentionally and wanting to embrace each and every living moment with gratitude and enthusiasm.

Life comes with chances, both big and small. They’re out there waiting to be embraced. Whether it's pursuing a new career path, running in the desert, or simply trying a new hobby, each opportunity presents a gateway to growth and self-discovery. Seizing these moments expands our horizons, cultivates new experiences, and enriches our lives in ways we may never thought possible.

 

Experiencing these opportunities with other people is essential. 

 

Human connections provide support, companionship, and a sense of belonging. Investing time and energy into nurturing relationships with family, friends, and community members not only brings joy and fulfilment but also contributes to our overall well-being. Sharing experiences, lending a listening ear, and offering a helping hand are all ways to deepen connections and make the most of our social interactions, be it in person or online.

 

Furthermore, prioritising personal growth and development is key. Life is a journey of continuous learning and evolution. By challenging ourselves to step outside our comfort zones, acquire new skills, and pursuing our passions, we not only expand our knowledge but also unlock our full potential. Whether it's through formal education, self-study, or experimental learning, each opportunity for growth brings us closer to becoming the best versions of ourselves.

 

Practising gratitude and mindfulness fosters a deeper appreciation for life's blessings. Amidst life's challenges and uncertainties, taking time to reflect on the things we're grateful for cultivates a positive outlook and helps us find joy in the present moment. Mindfulness, the practice of being fully present and aware, allows us to savour life's experiences, connect with our inner selves, and cultivate a sense of peace and contentment.

 

Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but it's our response to them that shapes our journey. By embracing resilience, we bounce back from adversity stronger and more resilient than before. Similarly, cultivating adaptability allows us to navigate change with grace and flexibility, embracing new opportunities and overcoming obstacles with resilience and determination.

 

Finding purpose and meaning gives life depth and significance. Whether it's through our careers, passions, or contributions to society, having a sense of purpose fuels our drive and motivates us to make a positive impact. Discovering what truly matters to us and aligning our actions with our values allows us to live authentically and leave a meaningful legacy that extends beyond our lifetime.

 

Nurturing a healthy work-life balance is essential for overall well-being. While pursuing our goals and ambitions is important, it's equally crucial to prioritise self-care, relaxation, and time spent with loved ones. By finding harmony between work, leisure, and personal time, we recharge our batteries, prevent burnout, and maintain a sense of equilibrium in our lives.

 

Remember, life is fleeting, and moments of joy, love, and connection are precious gifts to be savoured. By letting go of attachments to the past and worries about the future, we free ourselves to fully immerse in the present moment. The moment which is part of a multifaceted journey that requires resilience and a commitment to growth which leaves a legacy of love, joy, and fulfilment that can resonate for generations to come.


1,178 Marathons - 276 Ultras - 16 MDS - 9 GWR - 1 Life

Saturday 2 March 2024

Alcohol-Free - Twice


Deciding to give up alcohol is a significant and life-changing moment. It’s often sparked by health concerns, personal growth, or a desire for a sober lifestyle and it marks a turning point in one's journey towards wellness and self-discovery.

This moment may come from years of struggling with addiction or dependency. It might come following a rock-bottom experience - a moment of clarity when the consequences of continued alcohol abuse become too much of a problem to ignore. It could be a wake-up call from a concerned friend or family member, or a realisation that alcohol is interfering with their ability to lead a more ‘normal’ life. It happened to me back in 1994 and I call this my 'Point-Zero'.

 

Others may want to abstain recognising that their relationship with alcohol has become unhealthy or unsustainable. They may have noticed patterns of excessive drinking, experienced blackouts, or feel unable to control themselves after the first drink. Alternatively, they may simply feel that alcohol no longer aligns with their values, goals, or aspirations for the future.

 

Regardless of the circumstances, the moment to give up alcohol is often accompanied by a huge range of emotions. There may be feelings of fear and uncertainty about what lies ahead, as well as relief and liberation at the prospect of breaking free from booze treadmill. For many, there is a sense of empowerment in reclaiming control over their lives and making a conscious choice to prioritise their health and well-being.

 

In making the decision to give up alcohol, individuals may draw on a variety of sources of support and inspiration. This might include seeking guidance from healthcare professionals, attending support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous, or finding solace in the stories of others who have successfully overcome their own struggles with alcohol. Additionally, some may find strength in their faith, spirituality, or personal convictions, using these as guiding principles on their journey toward sobriety. Going ‘Cold Turkey’ has a 20% success rate and reaching out dramatically raises the possibility of continued sobriety. Even then, some research lists the possibility of still being alcohol-free after 12 months at 29%.

 

The moment to give up alcohol often involves a period of reflection and self-examination, as individuals confront the underlying reasons for their drinking and explore healthier coping mechanisms. This process of introspection can be both challenging and transformative, requiring a willingness to confront difficult emotions and address unresolved issues. It may involve seeking therapy or counselling to address underlying trauma and mental health concerns. Avoiding other alcohol addicts and situations, that contribute to problematic drinking, is advised.

 

For many, the decision to give up alcohol is not made in isolation but involves the support and understanding of loved ones. Family members, friends, and partners can play a crucial role in providing encouragement, accountability, and reassurance during this time of transition. They may offer practical assistance, such as helping to remove alcohol from the home or providing a listening ear when cravings or temptations arise.

 

The journey toward sobriety is a bumpy road with many setbacks and obstacles along the way. Relapse is a common occurrence for many individuals in recovery, and it is important to approach it with compassion and understanding rather than judgment or shame. Each setback can be viewed as an opportunity for learning and growth, providing valuable insight into triggers, vulnerabilities, and areas for additional support.

 

As individuals progress on their journey toward sobriety, they may experience a profound transformation in their physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Freed from the burdens of alcohol dependency, they may discover a newfound sense of clarity, purpose, and vitality. They may find joy and fulfilment in activities and relationships that were previously overshadowed by alcohol, rediscovering hobbies, passions, and relationships that bring meaning to their lives.

 

It’s about embracing a new way of life - one that is guided by self-awareness, self-care, and self-compassion. It’s about cultivating resilience and inner strength, learning to navigate life's challenges without resorting to drink. It is about forging deeper connections with oneself and others, cultivating authentic relationships based on honesty, vulnerability, and mutual respect.

 

Ultimately, the moment to give up alcohol is a deeply personal and profound decision - one that holds the potential to transform not only individual lives but entire families, communities, and societies. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity for growth and change. And it’s a reminder that, no matter how challenging life can be, the rewards of sobriety - health, happiness, and freedom - are well worth the effort.

 

All of which is great. But how does this work in reality? How did it work for me and how does it work and continue to work for those I coach? 

 

Luckily for me I’m one of the 20% that are still living the ‘Sobriety Dream’ some thirty years on and for the folk that I coach, maybe we have that common goal. I find ‘Tribism’ fascinating, and the digital ‘Tribe’ I’ve created over the past few years provides a safe and supportive virtual world for clients to feel part of. It’s amazing just how much support can come from a simple ‘WhatsApp’ group full of amazing people all try hardest to be the best version of themselves.

 

Currently, nearly all of them abstain. Most have had issues and are many years into a new life. They’ve moved on. They’ve found new ways of coping with the ups and downs of life. They are now achieving much better and greater things being alcohol-free.

 

You can too. Reaching ‘Point-Zero’ takes a lifetime yet becoming ‘alcohol-free’ takes but a moment. And if you are wanting to take the first step on the journey of a lifetime, please contact me and I’ll show you a world of achievement and of clarity.

 

Amen.

1,178 Marathons - 276 Ultras - 9 GWR - 16 MDS - 11,014 Days of Sobriety

Monday 26 February 2024

Once in a Lifetime - Talking Heads

Well, how did I get here?

I’ve been running marathons for nearly thirty years and I thought I’d try and explain some of the things I’ve learned along the way. I mean, you can’t run 1,178 marathons without learning a thing or two about yourself, can you? 

 

So here goes…

 

Planning

I’m sure we are all aware of the sayings, ‘The Devil’s in the Detail’ and ‘Fail to Prepare - Prepare to Fail’. I’ve used them both many times over the years when explaining my ‘Preparation Process’ to my clients. For example, it’s changed so much, especially when planning and packing for the Marathon des Sables (MDS). I’ll freely admit that until meeting Mrs Coleman, my approach was rather ‘Gung-Ho’. Using her attention to detail on my more recent MDS races, I’ve packed more out of necessity rather than desire and that’s the key driver behind my 6.5Kg minimum allowed rucksack weight on race registration day.

 

And, If I were to run the 2004 kms from London to Lisbon again, in consecutive daily 50 km chunks, as I did in 2004, I’d be planning that one a bit differently too. The two Michelin Road Atlases with a route highlighted in pink marker, one for me and one for the crew, would now be planned to the nth degree with GPS pinpoint accuracy and we’d have an iPhone as the weapon of choice instead of two Nokia burner phones for comms. A Spot tracker would’ve been most welcome in the heart of Spain for instance when the crew lost me! In the Pre-Facebook and Twitter age, my daily updates were sent out to 100 pet email addresses minus images, rather than a daily ‘Live’ to tens of thousands as it would be today on Instagram perhaps.

 

Goals

Nowadays, I’d be described as, ‘Extremely Goal Driven’. It’s a phrase however that’s over-used in my opinion and it’s more of a business term, than a running one. I mean there’s seldom a ‘Personal Performance Review’ that doesn’t mention setting ‘Newer and Bigger Goals’ is there? 

 

I prefer to be described as ‘Extremely Focused’. I once made a BBC Programme on the very subject. In my early years of running, people said I was bursting with ‘PMA’ (Positive Mental Attitude’) and that I had natural ‘NLP’ (Neuro Linguistic Programming). [The science that claims there is a there is a connection between neurological processes (neuro), language (linguistic) and behavioural patterns learned through experience (programming), and that these can be changed to achieve specific goals in life]. Both, far too complicated for me to comprehend.

 

You see, it was a lot simpler than that for me. I had a clear notion of what it was that I wanted to achieve and just got on with it. It was never a case of replacing ‘One Addiction with another’ and there was no need to understand the ‘Process’ or why it was so important to achieve it. To me that was wasted time and energy that I could use more wisely. 

 

Failure isn’t an option

Of course, it isn’t. I mean who sets out to ‘Fail’. Yet folk are only too quick to throw in the towel when the going gets tough in my opinion. I’ve set out 1,178 times to cover 26.2 miles or more and have always finished. It could be said that I’ve worked within my ‘Comfort Zone’ and that I’ve been lucky to avoid problems on my various travels. 

 

Sure, but on marathon #998 I fell, fractured my shoulder and had a deep wound on my knee but I still finished. Yes, it hurt like hell, I severely bruised my EGO but I wasn’t going to let that get in the way of my planned #1000 at the Robin Hood Marathon, in Nottingham, the following month.

 

Being ‘Bombproof’ comes from the huge amount of training and commitment that I’ve invested over the years. It’s meant that I feel at one with my body and therefore know just what I am, and what I’m not capable of. 

 

Don’t ask me to ‘Ironman’ as I can’t swim very well and certainly not for 2.4 miles in open water - I don’t want or need to. I’ve been in some dark places in races especially in some of the longer Ultras and Desert Races where it would have been far too easy to give in, but still toughed it out. The stakes have always been far too high and the negativity of a ‘DNF’ would be like ‘Kryptonite’ to my ‘Starter Completer’ brain. 

 

New Levels of Pain

Pain’s an interesting one. The dictionary describes it as ‘an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage’. In reality it’s just an ‘Occupational Hazard’ and the Lance Armstrong ‘Pain is temporary - It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever’, quote doesn’t help that much when your feet are mashed. 

 

Over the years, I’ve learned to understand pain, manage it and mostly to try and avoid it. Getting to Lisbon from London running 50kms a day for 43 days has taught me a lot more about looking after my feet than reading the book ‘Fixing your feet’. It’s meant I’ve finished the MdS for years now using my own techniques - I learned the hard way, out there on the hard shoulder. They are far simpler than the ones described and more effective than the ones the ‘Feet Fixing Bible’ describes.

 

I swore after finishing the 145-mile Grand Union Canal Race with the sole of my left foot flapping off in 1998 that I’d never wear inappropriate trainers with really worn foot-beds or cheap supermarket socks ever again. That experience taught me a great deal.

 

Learn for Yourself

I had to when I started as I didn’t have any kit whatsoever for at least the first month of my running journey. I didn’t even time my runs and it was only just before my first half-marathon in April 1994 that I bought some running kit and went to a running store and bought some proper training shoes. Garmin and Strava didn’t exist, and I simply enjoyed the freedom that running brought me then and still brings me today. 

 

I’ve learning the hard way and from my own mistakes rather than copying others.

 

Compression, Heel-Drop, Barefoot, etc. are purely man-made fads invented to part the ‘Keen-Runner’ from their hard-earned cash. Running should be more of an apprenticeship and to be a world-beater, takes many years not months. For me, it’s a lifetime’s work and yes, I’m still learning.

 

Achievements - A Place to Shine

If you are looking for a new platform to achieve then look no further. It was very much a blank canvas when I started researching athletic feats and ultra-long-distance running. My ‘detailed’ research was in fact the 1998 Guinness Book of Records and the November 1994 issue of Runner’s World. The former told me I was too slow and the latter told me that I’d actually missed the bus when it came to running ‘Ultras’. However, there were ‘Gaps’. Huge, gaping gaps – well in Treadmill Running and with folk running Multi-Day Desert Races from the UK and boy have I exploited them. Also, Meg-Day Marathon running hadn’t really been exploited and I enjoyed running the ‘Premier League Grounds’, ‘London2Lisbon’ and ‘Stoptober’ which provided a great platform to shine and built my running media profile.

 

Strengths & Weaknesses

I’m honest about my strengths as well as my weaknesses. I’m not Super-Human, and certainly never an Ironman, Sub-3-hour Marathon Man or Sub-40-minute 10km runner - I’m just me and I’m happy with who I am and what I’ve accomplished so far.

 

Life Rules

Running all those miles has given me an amazing ‘Time-Out’. A time to ‘Think’. A time to ‘Plan’ and time to ‘Process’ the world around me. It’s given me a simplistic set of ‘Life Rules’. A very simple ‘Black and White’ approach. I’m often misunderstood but I’ve already been in the hurt-locker and know how to avoid it. I’m just passing on the good news in simple honest terms. Looking in on other folk’s worlds every day in my professional career I see the same issues I had way back in 1993/4 when I’d reached my ‘Point-Zero’ and went out on that first 100 steps run to freedom and happiness. It’s out there for you too…

 

A New Perspective

Seeing life in 4K UHD Colour for the first time is an amazing experience. The clarity of vision and attention to detail bring a whole new dimension to one’s senses. I call it ‘Taking off the Life-Blinkers’, the ones that limit our expectations and cause regret in later years. There are races that managed to ‘Get Away’ for me.Spartathlon, Badwater, and yes, running the London Marathon every day for a year. (That’s the feat I’d really wish I’d done). But then it doesn’t matter as I’ve probably ticked more of my ‘Bucket List’ than most.

 

I know that my experiences have helped me overcome some huge life-issues especially when I was ill with ‘Guillain-BarrĂ© Syndrome’. Getting a cure for GBS is like asking for a shoe recommendation for the MDS. Everyone has an opinion and yet no one has the real answer, except me as I’ve been there and got the T-Shirt.

 

Conclusion

I’ve discovered a lot about life in the last 29 years. Regrets? Well I could have been faster. Yes, faster than my marathon PB of 3:24:21 but so much quicker to where I am in my knowledge today. A person with a better understanding both of myself and of other people. It’s taken a long time and thousands of miles to get here but I implore everyone to make the most out of their running. Be open to change, be the person you’ve always wanted to be and enjoy the whole process as much as I have.

 

There’s so much more to this than getting the medal…

 

 1,178 Marathons - 276 Ultras - 9 GWR - 16 Marathon des Sables - 1 Life

 

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday 24 February 2024

Addicted to Love - Robert Palmer

The lights are on, but you're not home

I’ve been dry for 11,007 days, that’s 30+ years to you, and it’s my proudest life-achievement to date. Ironically, the 30 years follows a 10-year period, where I used alcohol to anesthetise and mask a deep unhappiness. This led to a self-loathing where an ever-increasing alcohol intake took me closer and closer to the point of no-return and a much-shortened predicted life-expectancy.

I didn’t become addicted to alcohol overnight. However, my drinking matched my moods - ‘Highs’ were celebrated. ‘Lows’ were equally celebrated. And each were just excuse to reach out for the strong lager that became an integral part of my daily life. During that time, I did have short periods where I could abstain, but my relationship at home wasn’t right, and drinking was a problem at work too as in the late 80’s and early 90’s lunchtime drinking was quite prevalent, and the pub became my office both during and after-work.


Life took a downward spiral with alcohol helping to paper over the cracks. Rather than facing up to my depression, I simply drank more and more and found myself in a much worse state afterwards feeling more depressed and in need of yet another drink. My second son was born in August 1993 and by Christmas of that year, I realised I’d been drunk every day of his life.


This really shocked me, and I hated myself even more for that. I also hated the person looking back at me in the mirror - and I decided that I needed to change. I’d reached my ‘Point-Zero’. The all time lowest of low points where things couldn’t possibly get any worse. I thought during the Christmas Holiday period about picking the right day to start my new life, with its new rules and standards.


Who I was going to be, what I’d do with the extra time I’d now have and who would be part of my new world. It became a very exciting prospect.


When you are addicted it feels like there’s no way out, no escape and no future but on 5th of January 1994, my first day back at work after Christmas, I didn’t go to the pub as usual -  I went home with only one thought, I needed to go for a run. I felt overweight, toxic, unfit and totally ashamed as I set off on my first run of just 100 steps. Still in my work clothes and leather shoes as I had no running gear, I felt totally euphoric as I lay gasping on the pavement.


A few minutes later as I’d found my way out - the therapy that I’d use to get me through my alcohol recovery and a framework for the rest of my life.


My path out of addiction became a more of personal system upgrade where I felt although I couldn’t change the past, but I could shape the future. It started with a blank sheet of paper and I created a new me. In reality, it was more of a ‘Cold Turkey’ approach as a) I felt like I’d failed and I could no longer drink, b) professional help and medication didn’t really exist as such in 1994 c) I felt like I was on my own.


Even though the first runs were very short, running helped. It gave me a ‘time out’ to consider my future, where things had gone wrong in the past and decide who or what was enabling my addiction. My excess weight dropped off, I had a change of career and found out that I was actually good at running. My times became quicker, and the distances grew so-much-so that I ran my first marathon that November and replaced my alcohol addiction with the more positive sense of achievement that running long distances brings.


I feel very lucky to have escaped alcohol addiction all those years ago. I also feel very lucky that I can now help other people who find themselves in the same situation, whether it’s alcohol or drugs related. Being an ex-addict myself, I know how they feel and can show them what can be achieved with proper support and understanding. Feeling alone, without help and helpless only fuels the addiction cycle.


My 11,007 days will be 11,008 days tomorrow. Another piece will be added to my ‘Addiction Jigsaw’. A picture that I know will continue to grow at one piece a day for the rest of my life along with my community of clients that I now help. In my work I’ve found using social media has helped connect people and create a growing community. A community where people can share their thoughts, ideas and concerns. It also provides a platform to broadcast success, which is a vital part in showing that there is a way out of addiction to a much brighter future.


A future that you control, rather than controls you. A future where inspiration, education and investment will give everyone the opportunity of living a longer, happier life - addiction-free.


A better existence awaits…


1,178 Marathons - 276 Ultras - 9 GWR - 16 MDS - 11,007 Days' Dry

Thursday 22 February 2024

The Light Pours out of Me - Magazine

'Is this still life?'

I was speaking earlier today about how my ultramarathon career got started and unlike my clients, I didn’t start off speaking to a running mentor.

Instead, it was a copy of ‘Runner’s World’ magazine which first caught my attention and propelled me towards running even longer distances than the standard marathon of 26 miles and 385 yards. It was the November 1994 issue that really fired my imagination. It was published whilst I was training for my first London Marathon and contained a special feature on ultra-running - the task of running beyond a marathon. Inside there was a picture of an American lady called Ann Trason, and there was a feature on her running the Western States Endurance Race in America. It was that image that rocked my world. I saw that photograph of her running up the Rocky Mountains and I just thought, ‘That’s what I want to do!’

Of course, I didn’t have a clue how I’d make that dream a reality. I just saw a photo of her and thought, ‘Gosh, she looks great!’ It just looked incredible, brilliant. It was like, ‘I want some of that.’ What she was doing was totally surreal to me, it was different to anything I’d ever seen before, it was totally ‘far out’ and way beyond any running concept I had ever come across. What she was doing was also completely off my scale. 

But I just sat there looking at that amazing amount of freedom she was experiencing and thought, ‘Wow!’

There was also an article on Alberto Salazar who’d won the prestigious 56-mile Comrades Marathon in South Africa. I just saw these people and thought, ‘That’s it. That’s my destiny.’ I felt inspired to go and grab some of what they were having. I knew that it was possible if I trained really hard - having run my first marathon I’d acquired a taste for distance and knew I could go a lot further. 

From that day forwards I was hooked - I was fascinated by the concept of ultra-running and the next logical step for me was to really start upping my mileage. Not that I’d been taking running lightly up until this point - by now I was already testing myself, I’d tried a week running 10 miles a day every day - it was brilliant! I did them all in about 80 minutes. I just went and ran them. It was great. It does sound bizarre now, and I’m not being glib, it was just what I really, really wanted to do. It was the sense of freedom that it gave me. I was thinking, ‘Well, I wonder how many other people are running 10 miles a day. I wonder - is anybody else doing what I’m doing?’

My new training regime became nine miles in the morning and nine miles in the evening, four days a week. Then I’d run 20 miles on a Saturday and 20 miles on a Sunday. That’s as technical as it got. I know suddenly running all those miles sounds like I was in self-destruction mode, but I wasn’t. It was a positive mental and physical building process. Naturally, I had some initial aches and pains, like lots of runners do when they start, but my body adjusted very quickly to the new regime, and I’ve never looked back – not once.

What’s driving you forwards to achieve your dream?

1,178 Marathons - 276 Ultras - 9 GWR - 16 MDS







Monday 19 February 2024

Nosebleed - Deaftones


My-oh-my, that was a weekend to remember. Probably the worst weekend of my life, trumping GBS and previous surgeries many times over. Yes, I had Septoplasty Surgery on my nose on Friday morning.

Septoplasty is a corrective surgical procedure done to straighten a deviated nasal septum – the nasal septum being the partition between the two nasal cavities. Ideally, the septum should run down the centre of the nose. When it deviates into one of the cavities, it narrows that cavity and impedes airflow. My deviated nasal septum or crooked internal nose occurred when I was 14 or so when I face-planted the gym-floor during a basketball match at school. My facial injuries were then topped by a direct whack on the bridge of my nose with a very hard basketball later in the game. It's apparently the reason why I'm partially deaf.

Well I only just had the surgery, as I nearly copped out of the procedure at the last moment when my surgeon told me of the ‘two weeks of post operative misery’ (his words) I'd have to endure and alsothat I wouldn’t be able to run, bathe or drink tea for the foreseeable future. Add to that the blocked nose and chances of failure and the 48 years I'd endured septum displacement option.


However, I did have the pressure of 40+ people in my Coleman Coaching WhatsApp Group cheering me on. Failure in that environment would be ridiculed severely and it’s only the thought of that plus a good talking to from my wife Jen, that got me calm enough to get on the theatre slab, well that and some Temazepam.

How was the surgery? 

It’s the worst thing I’ve ever made my body experience - I did have to choose to do this. Coming out of the anaesthetic with a nose that felt like it’s been pummelled by a very angry bare-knuckled Mike Tyson will hopefully give you some notion of the level of pain I endured. The nasal-pain went well past eleven along with the amount of times I said ‘Fuck!’ FUCK it hurt!!!

Maybe it would have been better if I’d read the small print about what the operation would actually be like but like most big picture thinkers, I just thought the less I knew, the easier it would be. However, 48 hours on and I'm a whole lot better than I thought I’d be and I’m off the drugs, drinking tea and have enjoyed a couple of baths without any of the expected complications.

I’m very grateful to have such a wonderful wife that nursed me (again) when the going got tough, and her wise words were needed to point me in the direction. Add some amazingly supportive messages from my friends and clients and the world is a much brighter place than it was on Friday.


Will I smell any better? Let’s hope so eh? Will I hear any better? Well only time will tell.

I am glad I did it. And I hope that if you are ever in a similar situation, you’ll man up and take the plunge into the world of the unknown. It's always a good gauge of how tough you really are I've found.

1,178 Marathons - 276 Ultras - 9 GWR - 16 MDS - One Nose