Echoes - The Pink Floyd

Everything you need to know about life in 29.37 minutes

Running well is a state of mind. When I look back to my first ULTRA on this very day back in 1995 my mind was totally open at the start line to what the next thirty-three miles and 1660 yards had in store.

It was a truly overwhelming and life-changing experience, a moment in time that shaped a future you might say. A moment where everything in life slotted together perfectly, a moment when the world went 4K colour focussed and a moment when I discovered that running mega-long distances was right up my street.

 

It seems like yesterday but feels like a lifetime ago.

 

As an athlete I’ve thought long and hard about how I felt that day and how I’d prepared to run my first ultra. The only thing I can really remember is, that I just felt alive, I mean it is 27 years ago! And the rose-coloured specs get more tinted as the years go by.

 

In that time, Ultramarathon running has changed immeasurably. There were only a few Ultras in the UK. It was a time where GPS watches, Energy gels and Spot-trackers simply didn’t exist. It was 'Old School'.

 

However, what did exist was a hard attitude not to fail and a strong urge to finish at all costs. Excuses didn't exist. Don’t get me wrong the best runners are better nowadays yet most of the Ultra best times were set before the year 2000. It was more about the time and not the experience back then perhaps. I do remember in the London to Brighton Road Race of those years having a 9.5 hours' time limit and no walking rule for it's 55 miles. The sub 3:30 marathon qualification weeded out most of the slower runners and I'm glad to say I have a 3/3 record including a sub 9 finish time which I'm super-proud of.

 

Anyway, back in the room and nowadays, my aim as a coach is to distill what made me and makes me different and project this to the people that I work with. Call it tough love, a kick up the arse or good old common sense but I believe there are people who could do a whole lot better if they had the right thought process or the means to process the right thoughts.

 

Get the mind right and the results follow. And remember there's nothing as good as running F A S T.

1,136 Marathons - 264 Ultras - 9 Guinness World Records - 15 MDS - 1 Mind

One Vision - Queen

I believe that if you want to succeed you need a clear vision, determined mindset and be hell bent on doing anything you can to make things happen. It might not make very popular with those around you as they might not understand why you want to do something completely out of character or appear dismissive.

Your hyperfocus might construed as being myopic. The quality of having a lack of foresight or intellectual insight is never going to be seen as a positive quality but the lithographic mind of the darkest black and brightest white has delivered the best results I’ve found.

 

Over the years I’ve avoided the negativity that kryptonite carriers want to spread and still do. Whether you are trying to succeed at work or at play - really consider what you need to make it happen and those you surround yourself with.

1,134 Marathons - 264 Ultras - 9 Guinness World Records - 20:20 Vision

Lessons in Love - Level 42

The ones that limit your expectations and cause regret in later years.

My Eight Running Lessons

After all these years of running I thought I’d try to explain in eight easy lessons some of the things I’ve learned in running over 25,000+miles in marathons alone. I mean, you can’t run 1,134 marathons without learning a thing or two, can you? 

 

Lesson One - 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 so many times over the years when explaining to clients how much my ‘Preparation Process’ has changed when planning and packing especially for the Marathon des Sables. I’ll freely admit that until meeting Mrs. Coleman, my approach was rather ‘Gung-Ho’. Using her attention to detail on my more recent trips, I packed out of sheer necessity rather than desire and it’s become the focus of my minimum weight 6.5Kg race rucksack. 

 

And if I were to run the 2004 Kms from London to Lisbon again, in consecutive daily 50km 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 with a pink marker pen, one for me and one for the crew, would now be planned to the nth degree with GPS pinpoint accuracy and ‘Google Maps’ being the main mapping weapons of choice. A Spot tracker would be most welcome in the heart of Spain for instance and in this social media age, my daily updates would be sent out live instead of sent out to 100 pet email addresses, minus images. Talk about the dark ages!

 

Lesson Two - 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 the towel in when the going gets tough in my opinion. I’ve set out 1,134 times to cover 26.2 miles or more. It could be said that I’ve worked within my ‘Comfort Zone’ and that I’ve been lucky to avoid problems on my travels. However, in marathon #998 I fell, fractured my shoulder and had a deep wound on my knee but I still finished. Sure, it hurt like hell and severely bruised my EGO but I wasn’t going to let that get in the way of my planned #1000 at Nottingham the following month.

 

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

 

Please don’t ask me to ‘Ironman’ as I can’t swim very far and certainly not for 2.4 miles in open water plus - I don’t want or in fact feel the need to do so. However, I’ve been 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 very black and white ‘Starter Completer’ brain. 

 

Coming back from the Marathon des Sables as a ‘DNF’ for instance on a plane with other people wearing their Medals and Finishers’ T-Shirts would be hell on earth for someone like me and reason alone to finish ‘The World’s Toughest Footrace’, at all costs.

 

 Lesson Three - 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’. 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’… It 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’ ever could. It’s meant I’ve finished the MdS blister-free for years now using the techniques I learned the hard way out there on the hard shoulder. 

 

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. 

 

Lesson Four - Learn for Yourself

I had to when I started running . I didn’t have any kit whatsoever in the beginning. 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 shop and bought some proper training shoes. I simply enjoyed the freedom that running brings and never worried about completing with Garmin or Strava accounts. 

 

I’ve learning the hard way and from my own mistakes rather than copying others, I remember a friend of mine saying he ran without socks so I tried that one out only to regret having bleeding heels post a Marathon in August ‘97.

 

Compression, Heel-Drop, Barefoot, etc. are purely man-made objects 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.

 

Lesson Five – It’s a place 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 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 these are the ones I’ve exploited those. Also, Meg-Day Marathon running hadn’t been exploited either, so I thought of running the ‘Premier League Grounds’, ‘London2Lisbon’ and ‘Stoptober 2013’ provided a great platform to shine and build my running profile.

 

Lesson Six - Strengths & Weaknesses

It would be easy to list the qualities that have enabled me to achieve (Big Yawn) but back in the real world I’m honest about my strengths as well as my weaknesses. You see, like most men, I’d rather concentrate on the plusses and being an empire builder. But I realise that I’m not Super-Human, 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.

 

Lesson Seven - 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 our senses. Wouldn’t it be great if we could get the same 4K vision into our own existence?  I call it ‘Taking off the Life-Blinkers’ the ones that limit our expectations and cause regret in later years. There will always be races and feats that managed to ‘Get Away’ for me. Spartathlon, Badwater, running the London Marathon every day for a Year to name a few but 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-Barre Syndrome’. Getting a cure for GBS is like asking for a shoe recommendation for a marathon. Everyone has an opinion and yet NONE have the real answer. My Doctor’s now known by me as ‘Armchair Pundits’ have no idea of what the condition is like to have and only have previous experience of patients they’ve treated. If you’ve been there, experienced it only YOU will know…

 

I looked online for help and found that most folk that are GBS talk more of the symptoms mainly ‘Pain’ rather than a solution, sound familiar?

 

So, like my early days of running, I found my own way out of paralysis and against the odds have completed 158 marathons since my first steps in August 2016.

 

Lesson Eight – So what have I actually learned…

I’ve discovered a lot about life in the last 28 years. Regrets? Well, I could have been faster. Yes, faster than my marathon PB of 3:24:21 but also faster to where I’ve got to 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. It’s brought me so much joy.

 

So please, be open to change, be the person you’ve always wanted to be and ENJOY the whole running process as much as I have as there’s so much more to this than just getting the medal…

1,134 Marathons - 264 Ultras - 15 Marathon des Sables - 9 Guinness World Records

Sheep - Pink Floyd

I often recognise the ‘lost sheep’ feeling when I meet new people. It’s that feeling of being stuck in a maze with no way out. Every avenue that’s been explored has led to the same dead end. And instead of tackling the issue head on, we avoid the problem – eventually reaching the point of helplessness and the feeling of being ‘lost’.

 

Apart from not knowing ‘who’ we are, we lose the reason ‘why’ we are. We lose our identity. We lose the love for our family, friends and a love of life itself.

 

There's a whole bunch of reasons why this happens. Women often lose their identity because over the years they’ve become this matriarchal figure where they're pushed into the very female role of motherhood – literally giving birth to the next generation and then looking after them to adulthood –thanklessly. Mums are often overwhelmed and feel isolated and rubbish - no wonder they lose the identity. Having lost their sense of identity, they lose their shine - the 'gloss' they once had, the spark of life. And when the children have grown up and leave home and their ‘job’ is done, and then it's a case of 'Well who am I – I have no identity, I feel totally lost.'

 

As for Men, well it’s all about building an empire and being the ‘Big Man’ that’s indoctrinated from birth. It’s all about being tough, not showing weakness and getting the job done at any cost. It’s like a ‘Personal self-worth’ that includes as a well-rewarded job, large house, happy family, and flash car,  all signs of the success that will drive a career – and accompany life. So, reaching out when feeling overwhelmed when it gets hard or goes wrong has always been seen as being weak and for a ‘Real Man’s Man’ a complete ‘no-no’.

 

Well luckily, times are changing. The world’s a bit more forgiving and if you are feeling ‘lost’ there are plenty of resources to explore. Help is just a click or a call away. Having felt ‘lost’ I know how it feels and maybe that’s why I’m now helping so many people find themselves again.

 

You are not alone. There’s no reason to feel ‘lost’ anymore and if you are feeling ‘lost’ today – just click or call.

1,132 Marathons - 262 Marathons - 15 Marathon des Sables - 9 Guinness World Records

Clocks - Coldplay

'Tides that I tried to swim against' - Martin

I’ve been dry for 10,393 days, that’s 28 years to you, and it’s my proudest life-achievement to date. Ironically, the 28 years follows a10-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 club.

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 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 have and who would be part of my new world became a very exciting prospect.

When you are addicted it feels like there’s no way out, no escape and no future but on 5^th 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 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 10,393 days will be 10,394 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 gives everyone the opportunity of living a longer and happier life, addiction-free.

1,131 Marathons - 262 Ultras - 15 Marathon des Sables - 9 Guinness World Records

We are the Champions - Queen

Commitment comes from within and having the right positive mindset works wonders. Here are a few thoughts to keep you pointed in the right direction...

Train ‘Like a Champion’…

At the start of your training ask yourself, ‘Can I see myself sticking to it?’ and, ‘Do I have a clear picture of myself crossing the finishing line?’ Write it down the reason why you are training and put it on your fridge as it will let you and everyone else in your household know what you are letting yourself in for and stop you attacking the fridge at night.

 

Don’t ‘Eat the fridge’…

It’s hard to know what to eat when you are in training - The best approach to a cleaner diet is to try becoming ‘processed food free’. As an example, there are 35g (more than 8 teaspoons) of sugar in a 330ml can of cola. Reducing your alcohol intake or abstaining all together will also make you feel far more energised, reducing your calorie intake and maintaining your barriers to fulfilling your new cleaner lifestyle pledge.

 

Press the ‘Reset Button’…

Life gets in the way of training for everyone and if you miss a run don’t add it to the next one. Forget what you’ve missed, move on and concentrate on the session that you have planned for the day ahead. If it all gets too much, press your ‘Reset Button’. You’ll feel that initial burst of energy and excitement again and you’ll soon be back on course for the start line.

 

Give yourself ‘Some Time’…

Getting fitter, faster and leaner doesn’t happen overnight, it’s more of a journey. If you stick to your programme it will deliver the results you are looking for. There is nothing better than knocking a couple of minutes off your best 5km training run, friends saying you’re looking years younger and having to tighten your belt on your trousers. BUT, it takes time.

 

Who’s in ‘Team Me’?

Build your Team around you. Get your husband/wife/partner onside and they will be able to see your daily training commitments to your training - it really helps. If you have a friend or colleague they’ll help keep you motivated and committed to training dates and times. You will need properly fitting, supportive training shoes - your local running store will have lots of experience and knowledge you can tap into. Go for a health check at your GP Surgery, have your blood pressure and your weight monitored and any health issues answered.

 

Think positive, ‘Be Positive’…

It’s a great motto and one that really delivers as there is nothing worse than having to do something you are feeling negative about. If you are a social media user, post your fitness progress but only with positive comments and try to see the upside of obstacles you will encounter over the weeks ahead. Clean up your act - a cleaner car, house and workspace will make you feel a whole lot better about yourself and improve your outlook. 

 

Good Luck with your Training,..

1130 Marathons - 262 Ultras - 9 Guinness World Records - 15 Marathon des Sables

Today - Talk Talk

At ParkRun at the weekend, someone said to me, ‘Didn’t you used to be Rory Coleman?’ And at the time, between you and me, it cheesed me off to say the least. Rather than making it into a diplomatic incident where I might say a whole lot of things I’d later regret, I thought I’d walk away and consider the comment at leisure and try to work out why I felt so upset by it.

After some considerable metacognition, I concluded that of course I’m still Rory Coleman. Only not THE Rory Coleman that I once was. The intrepid record-breaking ULTRA marathon man. No, I’m a shadow of my former self in an ageing body that’s six years post major mega neurological trauma.

 

Luckily and I say luckily, I’ve managed to add 154 marathons to my tally since then. A remarkable feat for anyone to run at any pace I'd say. Completing my 100th ParkRun and achieving an age group win at the recent South Downs 50km has also brought me great satisfaction - but not the satisfaction of my earlier personal best times and races perhaps. And that's why I concluded I was so cheesed off - the truth hurts. Not by the remark - that was said in jest. It just hit a nerve.

 

You see, as you get older you need to realise that you're not the person you once were. And however upset you feel about that, there’s nothing you can do to wind back the clock. However, what you can do, is to enjoy the moment you're in and make the most out of who you are and try as hard as you can for as long as you can. And whatever you do, if you are giving it 100% (as I always do), then that's good enough.

Amen

1,130 Marathons - 262 Ultras - 100 ParkRun - 15 Marathon des Sables - 9 Guinness World Records