Who are YOU? - The Who

Today’s blog title is taken from the 1978 Who Classic album of the same title ‘Who are you’, the last album released by the group before Keith Moon's death in September 1978 - which feels a very, very long time ago.

Anyway, on listening very closely to the song, it got me thinking, ‘Who do we really think we really are’, ‘How do we project ourselves?’ and ‘How are we perceived by others?’. It’s something that became more and more apparent to me as I spoke to a fresh batch of clients this week. On hearing their stories, I learned how they fitted into their worlds. How they were perceived by their family, friends and colleagues – how unhappy they are. 

You see, it’s amazing how we come over to others, what it means and how limiting that can be on our progress for instance within the corporate world. Some people will hold out for years in a job ever hopeful for promotion or even a redundancy package only never to reach their goal because they just don’t ‘look’ the part or have a ‘perceived’ value – or don’t fit in.

The lyrics go, ‘I felt a little like a dying clown’. I’ve seen it many times as I’ve coached people that will joke and laugh their way through their day when inside they are literally ‘dying’ inside – crying later alone at their predicament.

They continue, ‘I know there's a place, where love falls from the trees’– and it’s such a sweet place. Feeling you’ve got there is one thing, getting there a whole different story as for many that journey is literally limited by their outlook and by what they project.

The person that knows it and feels it the most is you. And when you know it, the doubt sets in as the sing continues,‘How can I measure up to anyone now’. It sounds like a modern-day social media message reaching out, looking for reassurance and love from anyone that can be bothered to reply. For the record, self-worth doesn’t come in the form of a Facebook reply – it comes from within. 

From setting goals, sending out the right signals and cleaning up one’s act. And when you do that – you’ll find out who you really are – and you’ll find out it’s not as bad as you think and everyone else (well the majority anyway) will think you are okay too.

Have a think: ‘Who are You?’

1,040 Marathons, 252 ULTRAs, 9 Guinness World Records & 15 Marathon des Sables

Good Morning Beautiful - The The

I do love a dark song to start the day, and the 1989 classic ‘Good Morning Beautiful’ from The The, always searches deeply into my inner soul as I prepare for my day ahead. The amazing thing is, that you can never truly plan for what the day has in store. One moment you are sat relaxing on a sofa enjoying a fresh cup of breakfast tea - the next you are chatting to Richard Dreyfuss (him of American Graffiti, Jaws and Close Encounters to name-drop a few) as I waited to be interviewed by Chris Evans on his Virgin Radio Breakfast Show (he said name-dropping again).

An out of body experience if ever there was one and my fluent gibberish was in full flow. For the record both Chris and Richard are amazing, and it made me realise just how lucky I am as I’m constantly amazed by where my exploits have taken me and by who I meet along the way.

Maybe the song was telling me something - You see I first heard it when I was in the darkest period of my life, out of control in what felt like a ‘Living Hell’. The lyrics say that ‘The only path to heaven is via hell’ and maybe that’s the truth. If you’ve been there, you’ll know.

What does tomorrow have in store, well I’ve a good idea but no doubt there will be a few ‘Close Encounters’ along the way.

1,040 Marathons - 252 Ultras - 15 Marathon des Sables - 9 Guinness World Records

Overnight Success - The Pointer Sisters

Success really doesn’t come in pill form. 

One of my clients (We’ll call him John Evers) suggested that I should join a few weight-loss Facebook Groups and surreptitiously spread the gospel of ULTRAdiet to the dieting masses. On being accepted into one such group with 844,000 members (Promising I thought) I was instantly informed that posts promoting my services or products would instantly be removed and blocked but to my amazement, most of the posts were just that - even though they were ‘approved’ first by the group admin advertised weight-loss pills and guava leave products that could not only help with weight-loss but could cure any ailment from diarrhoea to bowel cancer were all over it.

Other posts were mainly from women looking for fast ways of losing weight, for an upcoming event, or the simple desire for a flatter stomach. None I saw mentioned how they actually ‘felt’ about being overweight and how they were mentally going to change. Sure, there were folk showing amazing weight-loss transformations but in reality, these most were attempts ‘under the radar’ to promote instant weight-loss and more guava products. There were very few 'Lifestyle Makeovers' like the ones I help create.

Sure there were a few tougher ‘Coleman’ type messages saying, ‘Eat less and exercise more’ but these were less prominent against those demanding ‘Instant Fixes’. 

Before leaving the group, I did post some encouraging words that would hopefully help people see a brighter future rather than just another quick fix and left wiser but sadly no richer.

If only I could bottle ULTRAdiet John, and sell it in pill form...

1,039 Marathons - 25 Years' of Sobriety - 3 Years post Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Undertow...

How many times a day are we told to ‘Live it like it was our last’? Now, I’m not knocking such well-intended messages - I’m probably one of the biggest broadcasters of such posts on social-media and the like, but let’s face it, in reality most people don’t believe they are anywhere near living-out their final day. 

Most folk believe they have a long and healthy life ahead of them, which is a great attitude, (possibly a little naïve) as we all know all good things come to an end but chose to ignore them. On listening to ‘Undertow’ from the 1978 Genesis Album, ‘And then there were three’ some of the Tony Banks lyrics struck a chord. And Okay, they are a bit cheesy but he’s right when he questions it being that last day…

Tell me, what do you think you would do then?

I mean, just what do YOU do? Look back and have regrets? Say a few if only’s or sift through the ups and downs of life and be satisfied that you'd made the most of it and had experienced and achieved all the things that really mattered – not those that you could have bought. Let's face it, there's not a lot of looking forward - Banks continues…

Let me live again, let life come find me wanting...

A bucket of hindsight goes a long way and I believe folk would do half of the things they did second time around, twice as well, if they could. Without the distraction, consider just how different your life could have been. 

In ten years time, imagine what you’ll be saying about the 3,652 days that lie ahead of you. What will you be saying then as these days turn into years and, still no tomorrow appears?

Change today and start living as we never know when it's our last but we do know tomorrow never comes...

1,039 Marathons - 25 Years' of Sobriety - 3 Years post Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Marathon Man runs to RunFestRun

Press Release - 29th May 2019

RunFestRun is the nation’s newest and biggest running party, hosted by Chris Evans and Vassos Alexander at Wiltshire’s beautiful Bowood House and Gardens. When Marathon Man, Rory Coleman, was asked to take part, he knew there was only one thing to do… run there!

Having completed over 1,000 marathons and 250 ULTRA-marathons, Rory is well-known amongst the running community for his extreme running exploits. He will be one of the inspirational speakers taking part at the event alongside Paula Radcliffe, Steve Cram and Jo Pavey. 

He aims to inspire people new to running and healthier living and show them what’s possible by putting on a pair of trainers and going for a run.Back in 1994, Rory did just that and has never looked back having used running as a therapy and a framework for life. Over the last 25 years, he’s experienced some amazing adventures and coached many celebrities to do the same. He now uses that knowledge and experience to help others enjoy and achieve their goals and dreams through running and fitness.

Rather than driving to the festival, Rory will be running the 100km (62.1 miles) from his home in Cardiff to the RunFestRun venue where he plans to inspire a new generation of runners. This is a particularly impressive feat given the fact that Rory was paralysed from the neck down only three years ago following the contraction of Guillian-Barre Syndrome (‘GBS’), a rare and debilitating neurological disorder that affects 600 people/year in the UK.

‘I’m really looking forward to my run to RunFestRun,’ said Rory, ‘it’s something I could only have dreamed about three years ago when I was recovering from GBS and I hope my run will inspire lots of people to get into running and come to the Festival’.

Tickets can still be purchased online and Rory is speaking at 3pm on Saturday 1^stJune in the Inspiration Tent.

Call Rory Coleman for comment on 07866 477051 or email rory@rorycoleman.co.uk

Ends.

1,037 Marathons - 250 Marathons - 9 Guinness World Records - 15 Marathon des Sables

One Small Day - Ultravox

'And live a life the way it's meant to be' - URE

Things will change when you change. Sounds kinda corny doesn’t it? But it’s true. You see, I believe folk expect the world around them to magically change for the better of its own doing - like some kind of magical lottery win where suddenly everything is perfect, all the planets are lined up and the hurty-pain of life disappears and forever.

‘Dream on’, I say as it will never happen - especially if YOU are not prepared to change.

How do YOU go about making the changes that will ease the pressure and lighten your load? Well that’s not so easy - and if it was, life would already be rosy wouldn’t it? If you are in a dark place right now and think that the world is against you, why not take a more pragmatic view of where you find yourself and how you are perceived as it’s easy to say that it’s not your fault and that you are a mere victim of circumstances. Are you blinkered like that?

Let’s break it into three parts. Honesty, De-Cluttering and Direction.

I mean, are you really being honest to yourself? Being self-critical at a time when others are criticizing you might be the last thing you want to take on-board but do the people you’ve surrounded yourself have a point when they highlight your failings. Do you still feel as driven in the career you once loved, since a fresh hierarchy has invaded your work-domain and dented your pride - maybe they have a point? They are probably being Honest. Everyone will say they want ‘Feedback’ but in reality, we all prefer ‘Praise’. I know it’s hard, been there - taken ‘Feedback’ on the chin – softened my message and got the T-Shirt. Take a long hard look, what do you really see?

Clutter. 

That’s what I see in other peoples’ worlds - and I see more worlds than most I believe. So much clutter in fact that it suffocates all the good that lies beneath. You see, we are a nation of hoarders both mental and physical. For instance, I’m just as bad as the next man as I’m not sure if I’ll ever wear my school cap I had when I was 11 again. It lives on in my wardrobe having escaped a trip to the tip on numerous occasions most recently when we moved.  It’s been there for shelf for 45 years’ hoping for an outing but in truth never will - it’s just baggage. Why do we hold onto so many things that are simply useless? Why do we hold onto so many thoughts that are just as useless? Take a trip to the tip - the Memory Tip. Get rid of things that just don’t matter anymore. Move on.

And only when you’ve been honest and de-cluttered, real changes - the changes you are so desperate to make, will start to happen. Success isn’t measured by possessions or wealth; it’s measured by happiness - becoming and being the person that you know is within you, surrounded by the people you really want to be with.

In my own experience, the journey was possibly the most enjoyable part of my life-change. De-cluttering the present and mapping out a fresh and brighter future is amazingly empowering. I felt euphoric and finally back in control of my own destiny. How are you on  Honesty, De-Cluttering and Direction right now? 

1,036 Marathons, 250 ULTRAS, 9 Guinness World Records, 15 Marathon des Sables

One Slip - The Pink Floyd

I just hate it when people give up, especially when just the tiniest of things go wrong and cloud the day – it’s something that really upsets me. I hope the folk chasing their goals that ‘give up’ find it just as upsetting. You see, it’s been a right dichotomy of a week. I found Sunday’s London Marathon totally uplifting. The whole experience boosted my thoughts on being the best version of oneself. 

Seeing so many of my clients’ surpass their race-predictions underlined what can be achieved with hard work and devotion to task. Tuesday’s ULTRAdieters results added more faith as I added more names to my ‘Two Stones+ Lost Club’ – it made me feel super-proud.

Sadly though, it’s not a perfect world and however heartening all the above is – it’s the folk that I see ‘give up’ that I want to help the most. If you’ve been following my daily ‘Quote Boxes’ you will have probably noticed the theme.

‘One slip and down the hole we fall’… my favourite. In fact, the 1987 ‘One Slip’ track by The Pink Floyd, has some brilliant lyrics that underline how I feel about one tiny upset ruining the ‘Big Picture’ journey. A bit like how I am with the folk I work with that momentarily lose their way.

I can think of many instances in my life where it would have been far too easy to have given up when faced with both major and minor obstacles either to circumnavigate or simply take on the chin. I can also think about the times I have ‘given up’ and the common theme perhaps is that I just wasn’t committed enough in the first place or had the required appetite for success.

I mean, why say you are going to do something, if you don’t even believe you will yourself.

Okay, there are many people who start full of good intentions and It made me wonder for instance how many ‘Only went once’ gym memberships there have ever been or alternatively how many running careers have lasted just one ‘Park-Run’. It’s such a shame when success and happiness is only a matter of weeks away for most. 

In 12-weeks, it’s possible to lose a lot of weight and take 30-minutes off your marathon PB – To change one’s whole outlook on life.

 ‘A Momentary Lapse of Reason’ is all it takes to make it turn to dust – However ‘A Moment of Reason’ is all it takes to make it happen. Start making it happen today.

1,036 Marathons, 250 Ultras, 9 Guinness World Records & 15 Marathon des Sables

One Vision - Queen

Dan minus 31kgs

Lyric:- 'One flesh, one bone, one true religion. One voice, one hope, one real decision' - Taylor

Song Choice:- On 'Weigh-in-Tuesday' it seems only right to choose a track that reflects what's really necessary to make things happen for anyone chasing their dream - namely 'One Vision'. This Queen track released all the way back in 1985 has Freddie at his 'Hammer to Fall' best IMO and I love this live performance at Wembley Stadium on July 12th 1986.

Yikes, 31 years on and how about giving it some thought today about what your 'One Vision' is. The one that's driving you on? You know the must 'Do or Die thing' that's occupying your every waking moment.

Talking to Dan Mullin this morning, I know exactly what his is and where he's going. The funny thing is after losing a whopping 31kgs (68lbs) of excess body-weight since March 1st, he is still 'overweight' at 100.1kgs and is now only really starting his journey of fitness and ULTRAmarathon glory he's set his heart on. Hopefully the 'Energy-Vampires' that are already saying 'Enough is enough' will change their tune as he heads onto a more healthy 85kgs and claims his 'One Vision' and hail him, like me as a 'Winner'.

The Guy's a Superstar and if you are struggling doing that last 15 minutes on the treadmill or salivating over a 'Finger of Fudge' in a queue. Take heed from our Dan as neither of them are on his agenda.

As there's only one way to become a winner at the 'Game of Life'...

'ONE VISION' - Amen

Rory Coleman - 995 Marathons - 244 Ultras - 14 Marathon des Sables

9 Guinness World Records - 8,586 Days' Alcohol Free - 434 Days' post GBS

& 1 Inspirational Running Memoir

Location: Caerdydd, Cymru

Live it up - Mental as Anything

Hogan Hero

Lyrics:- 'How can you see looking through those tears? Don't you know you're worth your weight in gold? - Smith

Song Choice:- Taken from the film 'Crocodile Dundee' (that's going back a bit eh? 1985 for the hit and 1986 for the film, if you are interested) I just love the sentiment this song always delivers whenever I listen to it.

The phrase 'Mental as Anything', always reminds me of when I've been described as 'Bonkers Rory Coleman', whenever I've been introduced to a new audience whether in the flesh or on Radio and TV or when folk have said that I must be mad when I've been on one of my escapades.

I truly believe folk must be mad NOT to have tried the 'Impossible' or 'Lived the Dream'...

'A close encounter with a hardhearted man, who never gave half of what he got' - Smith

I mean you'll have to 'Give' an awful lot if you are going to 'Run around the world' or 'Climb to the top of it' and I'm full of admiration for anyone attempting or conquering either. A hard-hearted person wouldn't stand a chance.

'Has made you wish that you'd never been born, that's a shame 'cause you got the lot' - Smith

And that's the annoying part. You know, when folk don't get the most out of what they've got and don't live up to their own expectations.

You see, YOU are worth more than your weight in gold. Much more...

Amen.

Rory Coleman - 995 Marathons - 244 Ultras - 14 Marathon des Sables

9 Guinness World Records - 8,580 Days' Alcohol Free - 428 Days' post GBS

& 1 Inspirational Running Memoir - Get your copy here.

Location:- Cardiff, Wales