Shine - Years and Years

'Sometimes the world is wrong and you're not. And if you don't fit in somewhere, go find another place to shine'.

 

I love that quote you see as I've always found teamwork hard, yet at heart I know doing things as part of a team makes things a whole lot easier. The adage, 'There's no 'I' in team' comes to mind yet I know how difficult it can be if you see things differently to everyone else. A lot of the time I see things differently.

 

I mean, what do you do? Go with the flow and keep your opinions to yourself even though you know the outcome isn't promising? Or do you alienate yourself and become the person everyone loves to hate. Maybe at one point in your career you've experienced this equation and learned to temper your opinions and gone for the simpler and safer option to pipe down.

 

You see it's far too easy to go with the flow; to join in with the crowd and disappear into its camouflage. The camouflage that exists to cover over our thoughts and opinions. It’s so average IMHO.

 

Well, my Team doesn't work like that, and sure in the beginning it was just me standing out from the world around me like a proverbial sore thumb. I didn't care though as I knew my own direction and where I wanted to go and I decided that if people wanted to go with me, then so be it - and if they didn’t, they weren’t part of my team.

 

And if your world right now, isn't the right place and the team you're in isn't playing your way - find another and be thankful that you’ve had a lucky escape.

 

Remember it’s your life and your time to shine my friends.

1,217 Marathons - 289 Ultras - 18 MDS - 9 GWR - 1 Life

Take it to the Limit - The Eagles

Ultramarathon running is one of the most demanding physical and mental challenges a person can ever undertake. And nowadays the races are getting longer and tougher, taking people far beyond the traditional limits of human endurance and what lies beneath the ever-extreme strain on the body is the cultivation of resilience. Through the pain, the monotony, and the highs and lows, ultra-runners discover what it means to endure not just the race, but life. Ultramarathons teach a resilience that applies to everything from personal struggles to professional pursuits.

Embracing discomfort

One of the first lessons ultramarathons teach us is how to deal with discomfort. In daily life, most people seek comfort and predictability. Whether it’s air conditioning, routine meals, or comfortable clothing, we’re conditioned to avoid hardship. In an ultramarathon you’ll have to deal with blisters, dehydration, muscle cramps, fatigue, extreme weather, and long stretches of isolation. There are no shortcuts, no quick fixes.

This teaches here is discomfort doesn’t have to be avoided, it can be endured, even embraced. When you learn that physical and emotional discomfort can be overcome, you become more capable of handling life’s uncertainties. Difficult conversations, job changes, loss and failure cab dealt with head-on. I mean you’ve already proven to yourself that you can persist through pain – this is just more pain.

Mental reframing

When at 70 miles into a 100-mile race, and your legs feel like they’re filled with cement and your mind is screaming to stop, the only way forwards can be to reframe the moment. By mentally breaking the rest of the last 30 miles into 5-mile sections or by taking it one CP to another can be the difference between success and failure.

And these reframing techniques spill over into life. You learn to view setbacks not as failures, but as stepping stones. You begin to take ownership of your own destiny. Instead of thinking ‘I can’t do this,’ you begin to ask, ‘How can I do this?’ Suddenly anything is possible if you can reframe the moment - a key element of resilience.

Building discipline

Training for Ultras takes months, if not years. Building up mileage week after week can make progress feel slow. The early mornings, the long weekend runs, missed family times, and constant physical maintenance takes commitment.

And this level of commitment teaches us that growth is often the result of small and consistent efforts compounded over time. You see in life, we often want instant results too. Whether it’s in our careers, relationships, or fitness. Ultrarunning teaches you to fall in love with the process, not just the outcome. When you’re patient and persistent, progress eventually happens. This mindset applies directly to personal development, long-term projects, or even recovery from illness or hardship.

Controlling the controllables

You might train months for a race, only to face a heat wave, torrential rain, or injury on race day. Learning to accept these uncontrollables is one of the hardest lessons, but being adaptable is the key to success.

This acceptance transfers to your everyday life. You begin to react to other people’s actions, the economy, illness, tragedy, all of which are beyond your own influence. What you control is your reaction. When faced with a DNF, ultrarunners adapt; they slow down, hydrate and change their strategy. In life, this same adaptability builds emotional strength when things have to change due to unforeseen circumstances.

Community

While ultrarunning may seem like a solitary endeavour, it’s surprisingly communal. Check points are manned by volunteers who’ll do their best to cheer you up. Fellow runners become instant friends. There’s a deep, unspoken bond amongst people suffering out on the trail..

This sense of connection teaches you that resilience isn’t always about going it alone. It’s about knowing when to lean on others. Outside of the race, resilience comes from a support network of friends, family and mentors, who remind you of your strength when you forget. Ultrarunning trains you to accept help, to express gratitude, and to offer support when others are faltering.

The Inner Critic

Over the course of 10, 20, or even 30 hours of running, your mind can become your worst enemy. Doubt creeps in. ‘You’re not good enough’, ‘You’re too slow.’ ‘You should give-up.’ The voice gets ever louder the further you go. But ultrarunners learn not to listen and develop methods to combat the negative thoughts.

In life, the inner critic can be equally brutal. It can hold you back from asking for a pay rise, applying for a job, or even starting a creative project. The resilience you build through ultrarunning comes from repeatedly proving that those inner voices don’t define your limits. You begin to separate thoughts from truth and reclaim your self-esteem.

Rediscovering purpose

Many ultra runners report that long-distance running brings clarity. The act of stripping life down to its rawest elements. Movement, breath and endurance. It forces you to reflect on what truly matters. Why are you out here? What do you want from life? What will you regret not doing?

This introspection deepens your sense of purpose. And a strong sense of purpose is one of the most protective psychological factors when facing hardship. Whether you’re going through a divorce, career change, or personal crisis, having a clear ‘why’ can carry you through.

Failing and restarting

Not every ultramarathon ends in success. Some races end in a DNF (Did Not Finish). Injuries happen. Bodies shut down. And yet, ultrarunners are among the first to sign up again. They examine what went wrong, adjust their approach, and come back stronger.

This resilience to failure is invaluable. Life, like ultrarunning, is full of setbacks. What separates resilient people is not that they avoid failure, but that they learn from it and return to succeed. Ultrarunning teaches that failure is not final, it’s feedback.

Running ultramarathons is not just a physical feat, it’s a masterclass in resilience. It teaches you to embrace discomfort, persist through uncertainty, reframe challenges, and stay grounded in purpose. These are not just athletic lessons, they’re life lessons. Whether you’re navigating personal loss, launching a business, managing mental health, or simply trying to live with more courage, the resilience built ultrarunning becomes a lifelong companion. And in testing your body’s limits, you’ll discover the boundless strength of your mind and spirit.

1,217 Marathons - 289 Ultras - 18 MDS - 9 GWR - 0 Limits

Words of Love - The Beatles

At the weekend, I was asked to speak about what the Marathon des Sables means to me. And to and focus my thoughts, I chose the first six words that came to mind when I think of MDS, and then why I’d chosen them. It could have been six completely different ones, but the following are the ones that popped straight out of my head – I wonder if they resonate with you too, or what your six words might be?

Love

The Marathon des Sables is a love letter written in blood, sweat and tears. And for me, it’s not just an ultra-marathon in the Sahara; it’s a journey of passion that rolls my love for running, for adventure, and for life, all into one. It must come from a desire to push myself to my limits and to discover my true potential.

During the race love is all around. Love of the desert’s beauty, love of the human spirit that propels every competitor forward, and love of the realisation that we are all part of something bigger than ourselves. 

Love is what keeps folk going when the blisters are biting hard. Love is in the shared looks between people who silently acknowledge one another’s suffering. Love in tears of pain that become tears of joy at the finish line and everyone loves everything in the moment.

People

The Marathon des Sables isn’t a solo experience even though each runner faces their own internal battles. The MDS is about people. The people you’ve trained with. The people who’ve supported your journey. The people back home who cheer you on, from thousands of miles away. The race isn’t just an individual effort, it’s a community and every runner you meet or share a tent with has a story. 

And even though we might be from different countries, speak different languages, and have different customs, there’s a common understanding and a shared desire to finish. 

Friendship

The friendships forged during the MDS are unlike any others. In the desert, the simple needs of water, food and shelter seem to allow genuine connections to emerge. Folk share food, salt tablets, stories and help, if and when, things go wrong.

When people are limping but determined to finish, just a few words of encouragement help, no end. And it’s amazing what lengths folk will go to, to help others reach the finish line – some will carry other people’s rucksacks even.

You see, it’s a friendship born out of shared purpose. In those moments, we are no longer competitors; we’re a tribe, looking after one another in a wilderness.

Challenge

The Marathon des Sables is one of the toughest challenges I’ve ever faced. It’s not just about physical endurance; it’s about mental resilience and about finding strength when there’s nothing left to give. 

Each day brings the same obstacles - heat, dunes, sandstorms, dehydration. But that’s the challenge, it’s what drew me there. The desert is indifferent; it doesn’t care if you’re prepared or not, if you’re fast or slow, confident or terrified, rich or poor. The desert is the desert. 

And that’s the point - rise to meet it or get defeated. Can you keep going when your body’s broken? Can you keep believing in yourself when every step is agony? The MDS asks these questions, and if you can answer your self-doubt you’ll finish and get the medal.

Hope

In the midst of hardship, hope is the invisible thread that draws you on. During the long stage, it’s hope that gets you to the finish line. Hope that you’ll make it and still able to walk, talk or even survive.

But then that hope translates into life outside of the MDS. When the proverbial hits the fan – we learn that there’s always a way. Always have hope and as long as there’s a chance, a solution, you’ll make it.

I’ve been beaten up in the race and in life but found a way – the MDS taught me how to never give up, and never to throw in the towel.

Direction

The Marathon des Sables isn’t a destination, it’s a direction. In training, in racing, and even in my everyday life, this MDS experience teaches me to focus on my goals, to take things one step at a time, and to embrace discomfort as part of the journey. The desert teaches you simplicity and carrying everything you need on your back, you learn what’s really needed.

Direction is about moving forwards, no matter what. And in the sand, the way is marked. We follow the markers religiously. This has taught me to trust the path and to trust myself, even when I might feel lost. The MDS shows me that direction isn’t just about the finish line; it’s about finding purpose and clarity in each step. It’s about realising that the journey itself is the destination.

The Six words in one

The MDS is more than a race. It’s a journey through the landscape of your soul. It’s about love. Love for running, for challenge, for the people who make it possible. It’s about the people I’ve met along the way, the friendships I’ve made, and the collective spirit of endurance and courage. It’s about facing a challenge, one where I’ve discovered who I really am.

But most of all, the Marathon des Sables is about hope and direction. Hope that there’s always light in the darkness and a direction towards a life of resilience, connection, and purpose.

1,217 Marathons - 289 Ultras - 9 GWR - 18 MDS Legendary - 1 Life

Mistaken Identity - Kim Carnes

The price of aspiration

Changing your lifestyle, is more than just purchasing products or things. It’s more about health, image, status, and identity. It’s not about owning a pair of designer shoes or driving a sports car, it’s about embracing a fresh set of life values.

Lifestyle mechanics

Your lifestyle encompasses the way you live. Your habits, your interests, activities, attitudes, and values. It reflects what you prioritise and how you wish to be perceived. And often you’ll be drawn to people you admire and wish to be like.

Brands recognise the power of lifestyle marketing. Companies like Apple, doesn’t just sell phones; it sells sleek minimalism, creativity, and innovation. It’s all about being connected. Consumers don’t just buy a product; they buy a piece of a lifestyle, hoping to signal to themselves and others who they are, or who they wish to be.

Lifestyle psychology

Why do people buy into a lifestyle? It’s about identity. We humans are social creatures with an inbuilt desire for belonging, status, and self-expression. Lifestyle brands tap into these needs by offering symbols that communicate such markers. A Rolex watch, for example, may signify not just wealth but also sophistication and success.

Psychologists suggest that aspirational spending (the tendency to buy goods that reflect an idealised version of yourself) can be driven by self-discrepancy. People perceive a gap between their actual self and their ideal self, and spending becomes a bridge to close that gap.

When we feel insecure about our social standing, appearance, or achievements, and purchasing something associated with the lifestyle we admire can temporarily soothe those anxieties. Hence, we feel more confident and more ‘ourselves’.

This is compounded by social media, where images of lifestyles are constantly featured. Instagram influencers, YouTubers, and TikTok creators portray a perfect life filled with luxury travel, flashy clothes, and designer homes. Viewers are bombarded with videos suggesting that happiness, success, and social acceptance are only attainable if they buy into the right lifestyle.

The financial costs

Buying into a lifestyle doesn’t come cheaply, both financially and emotionally. Many people find themselves trapped in a cycle of aspirational spending, purchasing goods and experiences that stretch their budgets in order to project the perfect image. Credit card debt, financial stress, and dissatisfaction follows. You can accumulate designer handbags, gadgets, and an expensive gym membership, but if these purchases aren’t aligned with their true value, the results lack value.

Moreover, lifestyle purchasing can perpetuate feelings of inadequacy. No matter how many symbols of success one can accumulate, the ideal lifestyle always remains tantalisingly out of reach. There’s always a newer model, a trendier style, and a more exclusive club to join.

This cycle erodes self-esteem and mental well-being. We become trapped in a game of comparison, constantly seeking external validation through material symbols.

So, how can we navigate the allure of buying into a lifestyle without falling into its many traps? One approach is to adopt making choices aligned with your personal values, needs, and long-term goals rather than succumbing to external pressures or fleeting desires.

Potential consumers should ask themselves questions like:

• Will this purchase align with my core values?
• Am I buying this to fulfil a genuine need, or to impress others?
• Can I afford this without compromising my financial situation?
• Will this truly enhance my life, or will it quickly lose its appeal?

Buying into a lifestyle is a powerful concept shaped by personal aspirations and psychological dynamics. It reflects a desire to align one’s external identity with an internal ideal, to bridge the gap between reality and wishes. Whilst lifestyle consumerism offers moments of confidence and belonging, it often comes at a price.

And rather than being swept along by aspirational marketing and social media illusions, we can make a lifestyle that authentically reflects who we really are, without succumbing to the pressure of buying an identity.

Your own identity and one that comes from true fulfilment and not from the accumulation of status symbols.

A lifestyle for Life

1,217 Marathon - 289 Ultras - 9 GWR - 18 MDS - 1 Life

Push It - Salt-N-Pepa

For people like me (60+), maintaining physical activity is an essential part of a healthy anti-aging process. However, there’s growing interest in the implications of extreme exercise in one’s later years. Does high-intensity training or excessive endurance events, in fact prematurely age the body? Whilst moderate physical activity is universally recommended for us older people, the potential benefits and risks of extreme exercise can in fact be detrimental if we’re not careful.

Here are some facts about the benefits of exercise on the aging body. These benefits are well documented across all age groups and for people over 60 and consistent moderate exercise helps:-

• Preserve muscle mass and bone density reducing the risk of osteoporosis
• Enhances cardiovascular health, lowering blood pressure and improving circulation
• Supports metabolic function, reducing the risk of diabetes
• Promotes mental well-being, allaying depression and cognitive decline.

Well, that’s great and given these advantages, moderate exercise is a great way of combating the aging decline. However, what happens if we pursue extreme forms of exercise.

The physiological challenges of ageing

Sadly, after age 60, the body undergoes several age-related changes:-

• Reduced elasticity of blood vessels and heart muscle, potentially increasing cardiovascular strain
• Reduced bone density and joint integrity, raising the risk of fractures and osteoarthritis
• Decreased recovery capacity due to slower cellular repair and hormonal shifts
• Loss of muscle mass, making high-intensity activities more challenging.

These physiological changes mean that while exercise remains beneficial, the tolerance for extreme physical stress may diminish with age – kinda rubbish ain’t it.

Potential risks of extreme exercise

Engaging in extreme exercise, such as the odd Ultra or  high-intensity interval training without adequate rest, or weight-training, may introduce several risks:-

• Cardiovascular events - Sudden cardiac arrest or arrhythmias are rare but potentially catastrophic during extreme endurance events, particularly in older individuals with undiagnosed heart conditions
• Musculoskeletal injuries - High-impact or repetitive stress can exacerbate age-related joint degeneration, leading to conditions like tendinopathy, stress fractures, or severe arthritis
• Immune suppression - Prolonged intense exercise can temporarily impair immune function, increasing susceptibility to infections or rare syndromes
• Overtraining and fatigue - Excessive exercise without proper recovery may lead to chronic fatigue, sleep disturbances, and hormonal imbalances, undermining overall health.

Striking the right balance

Whilst extreme exercise poses potential risks, it’s crucial not to confuse these with the proven benefits of regular, moderate activity. Many older athletes continue to perform at high levels, but they do so with careful planning, medical guidance, whilst listening to their bodies. Strategies to exercise safely over 60 include:-

• Medical evaluation before beginning or escalating training intensity
• Gradual progression rather than sudden increases in volume or intensity
• Adequate rest and recovery, with attention to sleep, hydration, and nutrition
• Cross-training and strength work to support joints and bones
• Being mindful of symptoms, including chest pain, dizziness, or persistent fatigue. 

So be careful my ageing friends

For individuals over 60, exercise is an essential part of a healthy life, supporting physical, mental, and emotional well-being. However, whilst extreme exercise may offer personal fulfilment or competitive achievement, it also carries potential risks that must be weighed against its benefits.

At 63, I’m going to carry on doing what I can, when I can, until I can’t do it any longer. And when that day comes, I’ll have the satisfaction of knowing I gave it my best shot and made the most of what I had at that moment in time. I mean what’s the point looking back and saying, ‘If only’. Which could mean ‘If only I’d’ as well as ‘If only I hadn’t’.

How’s your body holding up and what are you doing to stop the inevitable corrosion?

1,217 Marathons - 289 Ultras - 9 GWR - 18 MDS - 206 Bones - 1 Body 

Simply the Best - Tina Turner

On speaking to prospective clients, I love to say I'll help them find the ‘best’ version of themselves. But is that actually what I mean? Sure, some will go from the deepest of depths to huge personal triumphs - but in reality, maybe it's more realistic to say I’ll help them to find a 'better' version of themselves instead.

However is, ‘better’ a good enough goal? I mean who doesn't want to be healthier, wealthier, more successful and more loved? 

 

There's nothing worse than feeling inadequate in any of the above areas, except possibly being told of those shortcomings by family members or so-called friends. Your own four walls, can be a tough environment and I find it hard to comprehend how badly treated some folk are by their nearest and dearest. 

 

Then again people are cruel aren't they?

 

So, maybe the root to a better lifestyle is to look at the people around you, the one’s you’ve chosen to surround yourself with. How do they affect how you see yourself? I’ve always been very selective, and the energy vampires of this world are literally the first thing to go into my Room 101. Best is if you have them, jettison and replace - it’s very satisfying process.

 

And it doesn't matter if that leaves you quite alone as it's better to be without then, I believe. There are 8 billion other people out there that might be a better life support system.

 

Then when you find the right people it's a whole lot easier to tick off, wealth, career and personal goals fresh in the mind that the unsupportive scorn and derision you once relied on, has been left far behind.

 

Now with that in mind, are you looking for the ‘Best’ version or a ‘Better’ version of yourself - you decide, and I'm happy to have that first conversation of a new life with you.

1,216 Marathons - 289 Ultras - 9 GWR - 18 MDS - 1 Life

Feeling a Moment - Feeder

We are often told to ‘live the moment’, to focus our attention on what’s happening right now, rather than dwell on the past or worry about the future. I wonder if you doing that right now?

It’s tricky to say for sure in our constantly changing world full of distractions, deadlines, and digital notifications. The thing is if you can ‘feel the moment’, the results are really rewarding.

To be at one with your surroundings, emotions, thoughts, and actions without judgment or resistance involves being mentally and emotionally rooted in the ‘now,’ rather than mentally time-wading through memories or future predictions. It becomes a powerful antidote to stress, anxiety, and burnout.

You see, when we’re not distracted by regrets or what-ifs, we respond more thoughtfully to our circumstances. Simple things such as the warmth of the sun, the taste of good food, or the sound of children playing happily - these small but vivid experiences that often go unnoticed when our minds are elsewhere, can bring genuine happiness and peace.

Living in the now enhances relationships. By giving someone your full attention, listening without interrupting, observing without judging, you create space for better understanding being truly present shows respect and builds trust. Superficial communication becomes meaningful engagement.

However, living the moment does not mean ignoring the past or future. Reflection and planning have their place. It’s all about balance - learning from the past, planning for the future, but living in the present. And instead of imagining worst-case scenarios or reliving old disappointments, we can focus on what is within our control right now.

Living the moment is not about perfection it’s about being aware whenever the mind wanders - it’s a skill that improves with practice. By embracing the now, we build resilience to face life’s uncertainties when they happen.

In a culture that often glorifies being super-busy, choosing to live the moment, can feel quite rebellious but then again, it’s your life, your world, and you can choose how to live it. I mean, these moments are yours and yours to spend how you wish. Spend wisely and my advice is to live every moment like it’s your last. Amen.

1,216 Marathons - 289 Ultras - 18 MDS - 9 GWR -  1 Life

I don't remember - Sir Peter of Gabriel

I like to think I have a good memory, in fact on certain topics, even a photographic recollection of what I’ve seen. Numbers, places and faces have been burnt into my memory banks. I can recall the number plate from my driving test back in 1986 – LWD 345V – there I told you and Mrs Jackson the examiner and the date, and my driving license number even. I always say that whilst we are on this planet, we are making memories.

You see, memory is one of the most fascinating and essential aspects of human cognition. It shapes who we are, influences our decisions, and enables us to negotiate daily life. Despite its importance, human memory is fallible. In fact, it is highly selective, malleable, and prone to error. Whilst we often assume our memories are accurate reflections of the past, research shows that they are more like reconstructions, subject to biases, gaps, and reinterpretation. So, how good are we at remembering?

I believe I’m pretty good but am I really? 

Well, the answer is complex and depends on various factors, including the type of memory, the context, and emotional involvement.

Types of memory

To understand our ability to remember, it’s important to consider the different types of memory. Broadly, psychologists divide memory into three main types: sensory memory, short-term memory (STM), and long-term memory (LTM).

• Sensory memory holds information for a very brief period, fractions of a second. For instance, the image of a face you pass on the street is held here momentarily before it’s either discarded or transferred to short-term memory. I have my own built-in facial recognition, don’t you? I always believe I know if I’ve met someone previously.
• Short-term memory allows us to retain information for seconds to a minute with a capacity of about five to nine items. Hmm, I’m not so sure about this one!
• Long-term memory stores vast amounts of information over long durations, from minutes to a lifetime – my speciality I’d say.

Our ability to remember differs vastly depending on which of these systems is in use. While we can store an impressive amount of information in long-term memory, short-term memory is notably limited and fragile.

The reliability of memory

One of the most revealing insights from modern psychology is that memory is not a perfect recording device. Instead, it is reconstructive. Each time we recall a memory, we essentially recreate it, filling in gaps with plausible details, influenced by our current emotions and knowledge.

Our memories can be implanted or manipulated. In some cases, people have been led to ‘remember’ entire events that never happened. This malleability is a stark reminder that memory is less about storing static data and more about active construction.

Forgetting

Forgetting is often seen as a flaw of memory, but it plays a vital role in cognitive functioning. If we remembered everything, our brains would be overwhelmed with irrelevant details. Forgetting allows us to prioritise information and focus on what matters.

Forgetting occurs for various reasons:

• Decay, where memory traces fade over time
• Interference, where other memories disrupt the retrieval of specific information
• Retrieval failure, where a memory exists but can’t be accessed at a given moment.

Although forgetting can be frustrating, it reflects the brain’s strategy of efficient information management.

Emotion and memory

Emotion plays a powerful role in memory retention. Emotionally charged events are often remembered more vividly and for longer periods. This is why we remember where we were during significant events, such as a national tragedy or a personal milestone.

However, emotional memories can also be distorted. Trauma, for example, can alter the way memories are encoded and recalled. In some cases, people may suppress traumatic memories, while others may experience intrusive recollections, as seen in PTSD. The role of emotion complicates the question of memory reliability, even when the memory feels ‘real.’

Techniques to improve memory

Despite our natural limitations, there are ways to improve memory. Cognitive strategies, lifestyle choices, and technologies can all support better recall.

• Mnemonics: Devices like acronyms, rhymes, or visualization can make information more memorable – can you remember SOHCAHTOA from your school days?
• Chunking: Grouping information into meaningful units (like phone number patterns) enhances short-term memory capacity
• Spaced repetition: Reviewing information over increasing intervals of time improves long-term retention
• Healthy lifestyle: Sleep, exercise, and a balanced diet are all crucial for optimal memory performance
• Mindfulness and meditation: These practices improve focus and reduce stress, both of which enhance memory.

In addition, digital tools like reminders, calendars, and note-taking apps can serve as external memory aids, reducing the cognitive load on our brains.

Age

Age is another significant factor. As we age, memory, particularly working and episodic memory, tends to decline. However, semantic memory (knowledge of facts) often remains stable or even improves with age. Additionally, individuals vary in their memory skills due to genetics, personality, and life experiences.

Future memory

As we increasingly rely on digital devices to supplement memory, questions arise about the long-term effects. While ‘outsourcing’ memory to technology (like GPS for navigation or Google for facts) can increase efficiency, it may also reduce our reliance on internal memory processes.

Emerging technologies such as neural implants and AI-assisted memory tools raise further possibilities, and ethical questions, about how we might enhance memory in the future. Could we eventually ‘download’ knowledge or access memories on demand? Who knows?

Anyway, we are capable of recalling vast amounts of information and rather than thinking of memory as a fixed storage system, it is better understood as a dynamic, reconstructive process influenced by countless factors.

We may not be perfect at remembering, but we are adaptable. By understanding how memory works and employing strategies to support it, we can improve our recall, reduce errors, and continue evolving our relationship with memory in an increasingly digital world.

1,216 Marathons - 289 Ultras - 18 MDS Legendary - 9 GWR - 1 Life

Accidents will Happen - Elvis Costello

Are we crazy in thinking that life crises only happen to other people? That in some way, or somehow, we’re exempt from bad things happening to us. Well, I’m sorry to say that no-one is exempt from acts of God, accidents, ill-health or simply just being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Shit happens! We just don’t expect it, or plan for it, to happen to us. 

You see the idea that bad things only happen to others is common place and called ‘optimism bias’, where people tend to believe they are less likely to experience negative events than others. This belief can be comforting, as it allows individuals to feel a sense of invulnerability and control over their lives. However, it's important to recognise that everyone is susceptible to bad things, and that misfortune is not always a reflection of personal flaws or bad choices.

Here's a more detailed look at why people might feel this way:- 

Cognitive Bias

Optimism bias is a well-documented cognitive bias where people overestimate their own chances of success and underestimate the likelihood of negative outcomes 

Selective Attention

When bad things happen to others, we may focus on the details of the situation, leading to the perception that it's a unique or isolated occurrence, while ignoring the fact that similar events can happen to anyone 

Personal Experiences

Past experiences, especially those where we have avoided or overcome adversity, can reinforce the belief that we are less vulnerable 

Wishful Thinking

Sometimes, the belief that bad things only happen to others is a way to maintain a sense of control and hope in a world where things can be unpredictable 

Empathy Gap

Experiencing someone else's misfortune may be difficult, and it can be easier to distance ourselves emotionally by believing that it couldn't possibly happen to us 

Schadenfreude

While not the main reason, schadenfreude (taking pleasure in another's misfortune) can also contribute to the perception that bad things only happen to others. 

Like I’ve said, It's important to remember that everyone is susceptible to suffering and that bad things can happen to anyone, regardless of their personal characteristics or choices. However, recognising the potential for adversity can help us be more prepared and resilient in the face of life's challenges.

Better put your tin hat on – it’s a jungle out there!

1,215 Marathons - 289 Ultras - 9 GWR - 18 Marathon des Sables - One Life