Desert Raven - Jonathan Wilson

MDS 32 in 2017 - Photo Ian Corless

Well, 'here we go again' as they say and it's a tricky nineteenth album for me as I head deep into the Southern Moroccan desert for the 40th edition of The Marathon des Sables - aka ‘The World's Toughest Footrace’.

It feels but a few moments that we were here last year, but it's been a good training year and my client base that are here are already peaking for the week of hardship that lies ahead!

 

Last year's rainy, back-painy race still sends a chill down my spine and I hope we have fine weather and manage to conquer the 100km 'Long Stage' brought in on day four, designed to either make or break us - hence the tricky nineteenth album reference.

 

I've surrounded myself with good people - people that give rather than suck the vital energy needed to keep morale high, and the positive mental attitude to carry on when things get super-tough.

 

I can clearly remember my first MDS back in 1999 and wish that I had my thirty-seven level of fitness and effervescent feeling of confidence. I saw it back then as a party in the desert, and it certainly had a life-changing effect on me which still defines me today.

 

Today, I'm far mellower and I'm going to enjoy being with son Sam on his second MDS and use the time to share time, stories and experiences with those around me.

 

And as it’s an integral part of my business I'm looking forward to planning the next twelve months in preparation for the 41st Edition.

 

Yes, this year’s race is all in the bag except for the running and this year’s cohort will soon disperse to the four corners of the planet to spread the MDS gospel to anyone prepared to hear their tall tale from the desert.

 

I hope there is connection along the route, and I'll endeavour to upload my thoughts and reports as the daily distances get ticked off.

 

I mean, what can go wrong eh? 

 

Plenty for sure, but then that's why we go and why the race has such a special place in anyone's heart that has ever even had big enough balls to attempt it.

 

So, here's to yet another wander around the sandpit and an adventure that will warm the soul.

1,238 Marathons - 291 Ultras - 18 MDS - 10 GWR - 1 Goal

Decade - Duran Duran

Ten years have slipped by since 2016, and it’s strange how both near and far that year feels now. Back then, the world seemed busy yet somehow familiar. Social media was still playful rather than exhausting and many of us still believed the future would follow a vaguely predictable kinda line. 

A decade later, that confidence now feels somewhat naive.

You see, since 2016 we’ve lived through events that’ve reshaped how we perceive time, trust and each other. The global pandemic paused everyday life and reminded us how fragile our world really is. Work moved into kitchens and spare rooms. Handshakes disappeared overnight and words like ‘lockdown’ and ‘social distancing’ became part of daily language, and the idea of ‘normal’ quietly changed meaning.

Technology has accelerated everything. We are more connected than ever, yet many people feel lonelier. At the same time, awareness has grown around mental health, inclusion, climate, and the importance of speaking out. 

It’s been a turbulent passage of time, yet we have become more reflective.

On a personal level, the years since 2016 have left their own scars. I’ve aged, adapted, and learned resilience I didn’t know I possessed.

And as this decade passes into memory, it leaves behind a quiet challenge. Not to romanticise the past or fear the future, but to take what I’ve learned about empathy, patience, and perspective and use it wisely.

1,234 Marathons - 290 Ultras - 10 GWR - 18 MDS - 10 Years

Design for Life - The Manics

For a shallow piece of dignity - Bradfield

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 design for life.

1,234 Marathons - 290 Ultras - 18 MDS - 10 GWR - 1 Life 

Aperture - Harry Styles

We belong together - Styles & Harpoon

It's a simple blog today and my daughter sent me a link to Harry Style's latest single - Aperture. Funny thing is that I can't say I'm the greatest Harry Styles fan but I'm not sure what happened as it immediately made me cry.

Whether is made me think about her being so far away and how much I miss her or have missed her ever, I'm not sure but it was an overwhelming feeling of sadness.

Just saying and maybe take a listen yourself and see if it tickles your emotions too.

1,234 Marathons - 290 Ultras - 18 Marathon des Sables - 10 GWR - Many tears

All together now - The Farm

As a Lifestyle and Performance Coach, diet is very much part of people’s journey with me and over the years, there have been some amazing transformations. My current ‘group’ are some 130.3kgs (20st 7lbs) lighter than when they started working with me. And I say this as a ‘group’ as the real success has been the WhatsApp group which they are part of. Sure they have the one-to-one relationship with me as their coach, but whatever their goal is, being part of that group has been really useful.

We all know that losing weight is a challenging journey, requiring not just physical effort but also mental resilience and a considered lifestyle change. Whilst individual motivation and discipline are crucial, research and real-life experiences suggest that losing weight in a group setting can be significantly more effective. This effectiveness stems from various psychological, social, and practical factors that come into play when people work together towards a common goal. Being part of a group leads to better outcomes, sustained success, and a more enjoyable experience overall.

 

Social support and accountability

 

One of the most powerful benefits of a group is the social support that people provide to each other. The process of losing weight can be lonely and frustrating, particularly when progress is slow, or the dreaded weight-gain occurs. In a group, people share their experiences, struggles, and triumphs with others who are going through similar challenges. This shared experience creates a sense of camaraderie and understanding, making it easier to stay in motivation city.

 

Moreover, being part of a group introduces a level of accountability that is often missing with solo efforts. When individuals know they have to report their progress to a group, it can increase their commitment to their goals. The desire not to disappoint others or appear as if they are not trying hard enough can push individuals to adhere more closely to their weight loss plans. This accountability is a strong motivator, as it helps people stay on track, even during tough times when they might otherwise be tempted to give up.

 

Peer power

 

Peer influence is another significant factor that makes group weight loss more effective. We’re social creatures, and are influenced by the behaviours, attitudes, and habits of those around us. In a group, positive behaviours, such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and consistent progress, can be contagious. When people see others succeeding, they are likely to feel inspired and motivated to achieve similar results.

 

Conversely, when someone in the group is struggling, the collective encouragement and advice from others can help them overcome  their problems. The group can offer practical tips, emotional support, and even a friendly nudge in the right direction, which can make a significant difference in that person’s ability to persevere.

 

Emotional and psychological benefits

 

The emotional and psychological benefits of a group are infinite. The journey to losing weight often involves overcoming deep-seated habits, emotional eating, and psychological barriers. Being part of a group that understands these challenges can be incredibly comforting and empowering.

 

People offer empathy, share coping strategies, and celebrate even the smallest of victories that might otherwise go unnoticed. For instance, someone might be struggling to see progress on the scales but has noticed improved energy levels, better sleep, or a drop in clothing size. In a group setting, these successes are recognised and celebrated, which boosts morale and reinforces positive behavioural changes.

 

Furthermore, the sense of belonging to a community can alleviate feelings of isolation or inadequacy that often accompany weight struggles. Knowing that others are facing similar challenges helps normalise the experience and reduces the stigma or shame that some individuals may feel about their size.

 

Competitive spirit and shared goals

 

Another reason why losing weight in a group is effective is the element of healthy competition that often arises. Whilst the primary goal is to support each other, a little friendly competition can spur people to push themselves harder than they might do on their own.

 

This competitive spirit, when balanced with support, can lead to much better outcomes. People are often more motivated to perform well when they know others are watching and when there is a tangible goal to strive for. Additionally, setting shared goals as a group can create a unified sense of purpose and drive collective progress.

 

Improved adherence and sustainability

 

One of the biggest challenges in weight loss is maintaining long-term adherence to healthy habits. Many people who lose weight quickly regain it because they struggle to sustain the behaviours that led to their initial success.

 

People in a group are more likely to stick with their weight loss efforts because they feel a sense of responsibility not just to themselves, but also to their peers. The ongoing support and check-ins provided by the group can help individuals stay focused on their long-term goals, even after they have achieved their initial weight loss targets.

 

Moreover, the relationships formed in a group setting can lead to lasting social bonds that continue to provide support and encouragement long after they’ve reached their goal. These connections can be crucial in helping individuals navigate the challenges of maintaining their future weight.

 

So, my question to you is - Is it for ME?

1,234 Marathons - 290 Ultras - 18 MDS - 10 GWR - 1 Great Group

Pocket Calculator - Kraftwerk

I am adding and subtracting...

In our fast-paced world the ability to pause and reflect is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity. Self-evaluation, the process of honest self-assessment of our actions, attitude, and progress, plays a crucial role in personal growth, development, and overall wellbeing. Without it, we risk drifting along through life on autopilot missing opportunities to improve.

Self-evaluation builds self-awareness. By taking time to reflect on what we do well and where we struggle, we gain a clearer understanding of who we are. This awareness helps align our actions with our values and goals. For example, someone who regularly evaluates how they manage time may realise that they are overcommitting or prioritising the wrong tasks. That insight alone can lead to meaningful change and without reflection, these patterns will go unnoticed.

Self-evaluation is also essential for learning and improvement. Mistakes are inevitable, but growth depends on how we respond to them. When we evaluate our performance, we can identify what worked, what didn’t, and why. This transforms mistakes from sources of frustration into powerful learning tools. Over time, this creates a mindset focused on progress rather than perfection.

At work, self-evaluation is particularly valuable. Employers increasingly value individuals who can reflect, adapt, and take responsibility for their own development. Regular self-assessment helps people identify skill gaps, seek relevant training, and prepares for new challenges. It also improves performance reviews and goalsetting.

Importantly, self-evaluation encourages accountability. Rather than blaming circumstances or other people, reflection asks us to consider our own role in outcomes. This does not mean being overly critical or harsh on ourselves as healthy self-evaluation balances honesty with compassion. It acknowledges achievements as well as areas for growth, reinforcing confidence while still promoting improvement.

Self-evaluation gives a sense of direction. Regular reflection helps us check whether we are moving closer to what truly matters to us. It allows us to adjust course before dissatisfaction or burnout sets in and In a world that constantly demands more from us, self-evaluation helps us ensure that we are not just doing more but doing things better.

1,223 Marathons - 290 Ultras - 18 MDS - 10 GWR - 1 Mind

You get what you give - The New Radicals

4AM we ran the miracle mile - Alexander & Nowels

When we think about success, we often imagine massive breakthroughs, sudden inspiration, or dramatic transformations - but in reality, most progress is built on something far less glamorous namely ‘Consistency’.

Consistency comes from doing it again and again - whether motivations high or low, or whether conditions are perfect or not. It’s the promise you have to keep with yourself to take steps in the right direction, even when the journeys hard.

The magic lies in accumulation. A single run won’t make you faster and one gym session won’t make you stronger, but repeated daily effort works. And over time, it delivers.

Consistency builds trust in yourself. Every time you work out, you prove that your goals matter but it’s important to remember that consistency doesn’t mean perfection. You’ll miss days. You’ll stumble. What matters most is choosing to begin again without drama or self-criticism. Progress is a bumpy ride, I know.

So, start small. Focus on today and get it done.

And eventually, you’ll find it’s not the extraordinary things you do occasionally that shape your life, it’s the ordinary things you do every day that do.

1,233 Marathons - 290 Ultras - 18 MDS - 10 GWR - 1 Life

Fade to Grey - Visage

Martin Luther King, Jr. said 'Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase' - it’s a wonderful quote. One I often hear is ‘taking the first step is the hardest’ - no wonder Neil Armstrong called his, 'A giant leap for mankind'. 

I love a good quote, and faith plays a great part in everything we do, as does commitment which I believe we can measure - I do this using my ‘Ten Levels of Commitment’ scale.

Let’s face it, more and more of us are out there looking around for the magical life-ingredient that will make our life simply perfect for ourselves and those around us. Our modern, ‘Trip-Adviser-World’ rates everything from a Holiday to a Toaster as a rating out of 10. So, I’ve made my levels match with this reasoning as to why I believe folk succeed or fail in their approach toward their goals.

0 - ‘Over my Dead Body’

Hmm, no wonder it’s a BIG fat ZERO. To me it means there is no way on God’s Earth you could ever make or even encourage me to do something. Triathlons, eating Tuna and listening Barry Manilow immediately come to my mind but then as you know, I’m an all or nothing kinda guy and the ‘Zero’ for ‘Over my Dead Body’ reflects the whitest, snow-white, white you could ever imagine. On my shades of GREY - 0 is my WHITE (Grey being a mix of Black and White. White being 100% White 0% Black and Black vice versa if you get my drift).

1 - ‘I just can’t see myself doing that’

Well, if you can’t - no one else will. Having a clear picture of yourself undertaking a feat or crossing the finish line of a race is sometimes all the belief you’ll ever need to achieve the success you desire. But let’s face it, if you don’t believe you have what it takes, it’s very hard for anyone to ‘Project’ that feeling onto you. It’s nearly always only a marginal success that’s achieved when it happens and using our ‘Neil Armstrong’ analogy, he’d never have set off for the moon, let alone walked on it.

2 - ‘There’s nothing you could do to make me do that’

Now to me that means that you could do whatever is tasked of you, but you simply don’t want to do it. It’s more of a kind of protest statement. And whenever I’ve heard it said, I’ve shut up shop and lowered my expectations of the 2/10 situation as let’s face it, making that kind of mindset remotely positive is extremely unlikely and will never reach the ‘Level of Commitment’ needed to achieve the success I’d be looking for.

3 - ‘My Partner, Husband/Wife doesn’t want me doing that’

Now, that always sounds like an excuse to me or a case of avoiding a difficult conversation with the other half. In levels 9 & 10 this wouldn’t be an option but ‘Giving in’, is a simple way of undermining your own self-confidence by not wanting to ‘Rock-the-Boat’ and leads to frustration and a feeling of ‘Minority Mediocrity’. I believe everyone has a desire, even a need to achieve. Making a mark on the world and a leaving a personal legacy has always been something that I’ve had foremost in my mind, and I now see this in a lot of the folk I meet and coach.

4 - 'Really?'

That’s the answer I get a lot when I’m looking at people’s fitness stats and ability. An ‘Ability Disbelief’ we’ll call it. A simple case of someone not knowing what they are capable of. I love the Malcom Gladwell principle that says 10,000 hours of ‘deliberate practice’ are needed to become world-class in any field. When psychologists talk about deliberate practice, they mean practicing in a way that pushes your skill set as much as possible. I mean, are people that are superb musicians or artists, the best naturally or have they simple done the time? It’s an interesting and well-argued concept but it does highlight that we tend to concentrate on things we like to do. I’m sure there are plenty more capable musicians, artists and athletes in this world - it’s just that these attributes have never been discovered perhaps. Really? Yes, Really!

5 - 'Maybe? Maybe not'

50:50 is never a safe bet, is it? A simple coin-toss. Heads or Tails? I’m never convinced folk have got what it takes when I hear such an ambivalent comment, it’s almost a double-negative in my book. A ‘Mid-Tone Grey’, dreary shade suggesting a state of complete indecisiveness of true commitment. It marks the point I find most frustrating in folk but maybe most folk also find it just as annoying in themselves - you be the judge.

6 - 'I’m on it'

Or are you? Okay we’ve reached that 60% ‘Level of Commitment’ but it’s still a long way from anything being signed, sealed and delivered. The ‘I’m on it’ comment speaks volumes to me. It usually means that the intention is there but the enthusiasm is lacking – along with any action on making it happen. I believe ‘I’m on it’ doesn’t mean happening in the present – it’s more of a future tense happening. A kind of ‘thanks for reminding me as I know I haven’t done anything about it yet’. I remember some School Summer Holiday homework having the ‘I’m on it’ appeal – don’t you?

7 - 'I’m giving it everything I’ve got'

Only you’re not. Even though you are attaining what I would call a high ‘Pass Mark’. And yes, your degree might say ‘First Class Honours’, it’s still a long way from being truly exceptional. I don’t think anyone would be happy buying a 7/10 rated TV or HiFi when there are 8, 9 or even 10/10 performers to choose from. I’d say 7/10 is ‘Good’ but not ‘Good Enough’ if you look at a 70% Grey – it’s still VERY Grey and not very Black. That says it all to me.

8 - 'There’s not a lot more I can do'

If there isn’t, well maybe you’ve misjudged your Level 10. I’m not sure anything is ever perfect and even when I thought I’d given things everything I’d ever got, there was always a niggling thought that I could have done more. Anyone that has ever done a VO2 Max test on a Treadmill, where it goes quicker and quicker and the gradient increases will have had the thought that they could have done a few more steps before hitting the emergency stop button. It tells me that there’s always something more you can do to get the most out of your inner-self.

9 - 'Nothing can stop me'

I love it! Nothing will stop you, if you’ve gone the extra mile - given it everything you’ve got and been ‘on it’ right from the start. 9/10 is pretty dark - a dark charcoal grey - a near black and for some it’s the ceiling of their ability and an extremely satisfying position to find yourself in. If you’re a gambler - it’s a ‘Dead Cert’ - a winning Lottery ticket. For those that follow one of my 12-Week Training Plans or ULTRAdiet, well you are going to succeed as it’s ‘Green Lights’ all the way. Nothing will stop you when you hit the ‘Nothing can stop me’ phase.

10 - 'At whatever cost'

How Black is your Black? Just how dark can you make it? Is your Eclipse Full or only partial? As a young boy (Aged 7) I knew I’d see the Solar Eclipse at Land’s End in 1999 (Aged 37) - ‘Whatever the Cost’, and I did. It was Black too (but sadly cloudy boo-hoo) but I lived out a 30-year dream. A pledge made as a boy that if I was still alive when I was an old man, I kept. A most satisfying moment in my lifetime along with many, many more situations and achievements that have come my way.

They haven’t come from being anything less than an eight perhaps and I can think of many things that have had to suffer so that the ‘Nines and Tens’ have happened. Sure, there are things I’ve given my all to and they’ve failed but I’m honest enough to own up to my own failings and ‘Levels of Commitment’. Maybe they weren’t all as high as I’d thought.

And for you, take some time to see how you measure up and maybe reaffirm your ‘Level of Commitment’ to whatever is driving you on to succeed right now.

Are you a 5, 8, 9 or even a 10 - I’d love to know?

1,219 Marathons - 289 Ultras - 18 MDS - 9 GWR - 10 for Life