ULTRA-X Jordan 2024

My Race Report

As we fly over Istanbul on the flight to Amman Airport, I'm listening to David Gilmour's ‘Luck and Strange’, considering what lies ahead of me next week as I take on 220kms of ULTRA X Jordan for the third time.

 

I'm no stranger to Jordan and the Wadi Rum desert as I first raced here, way back in a race no one remembers called 'The Desert Cup'. Approximately 100miles (we'll never know as there were no way of tracking the distance) of sand and mountains that finished in a dark and deserted, and rather intimidating Petra.

 

Anyway, that was a lifetime ago and this is now. A million lightyears on from those analogue days of the 90s, and here I am twenty five years on, returning to experience living in the pink sand considering life and my very existence once again.

 

It sounds kinda dramatic and it is to a certain degree but it's also a time for reflection, gratitude and friendship. Here I'll be with friends and surrounded by positive people some of whom will become acquaintances perhaps, online I'll have other friends following my progress and of course my loved ones will be hoping that not only will I have a great time but also that I'll return safe and sound.

 

Jenny says the house is always quiet when I'm away. Maybe I'm just a noisy bugger eh? I know I'm missing the 106 King's Road soundtrack that accompanies my world already.

 

And it’s come at a time when I've never been busier and ironically I'm going 'dark' for a week as Wadi Rum is devoid of any phone signal whatsoever and my iMac is back home in Cardiff having a well-earned breather. Having that surgically removed earlier was quite painful I can tell you. Many tears…

 

However, a much needed 'timeout' will do me the world of good. Sure, I can jog along with some friendly faces and share life stories, but I'm also going to spend time in my own thoughts. It's something I've found extremely therapeutic over the years and hopefully I'll find some clarity in which direction to drive my energy when I return home.

 

I've decided I'm going to write each day I'm away not about the race, but about how it makes me feel and see where these emotions take me.

 

I know atm I'm feeling quite relaxed at 41,000 feet but that's probably the Diazepam speaking as I still need some help with my fear of flying and claustrophobia.

 

Tomorrow we head for the camp and the solitude - I mean, what's not to like eh?

My Rock...

Registration Day

 

I'm sat on a rock above the first ULTRA-X Jordan camp, just as the sun is setting, and the first heavenly body is showing itself in the night sky.

It’s Mercury. 

It’s the closest planet to Earth funnily enough (if you didn't know and I can explain) and a timely reminder that we are but a spec in the night skies ourselves, even though most of the time we believe the world revolves around us.

It's been a tricky day as it's the day we say goodbye to our connection with the modern world of telecommunications. A day where we lose connection with everything we hold dear and value. But then what are we really letting go of?

Sure my family will continue in its usual crazy way, schools will be attended, bedtimes evaded for as long as possible, and Jen will do all the parenting brilliantly without me.

My clients whom have let me into their world, will have to fend for themselves for a week until I return.

What am I really letting go this week is fatigue, familiarity and far too much white noise.

The simple things matter out here. I won't love my family any less, in fact it will underline just how much I need them, not how much they need me, and also how much I need to be needed by those that I coach.

Letting go of everything else isn't so hard as material things have no value in my world so being out here without them isn't an issue.

It's people that you miss - people that are part of your world - the only world that really matters.

 

Day 1 - Mercury Rising

 

Music has played a large part in my life and has accompanied every situation I've ever found myself in, including today of course.

As I covered the miles, my mind was a scramble of thoughts. There's a definite sense of privilege, not only in being able to come to Wadi Rum (which is highly recommended) but also to take part in this race.

And when Freddie and Queen, tickled my ear buds with 'Hammer to Fall' from the Live Aid concert some nearly forty years ago, it became the theme for many more hours of thought and mind unscrambling. I mean, when does anyone ever get an opportunity, such as this, to disconnect from their normal everyday life, to consider how they could system upgrade their future?

I know I don't - I'm always too busy to think about which direction I'm heading sometimes. The music helps though, and I love the creativity factor that goes into the songs. The multiple layers of instruments and voices that give the music depth and volume.

I finished the day off, with a Thomas Newman soundtrack, which made me think about life, its challenges and the films where his music has featured. Jen calls them depressing, I think they're a reflection of poor life choices. And I’ve made enough of them.

Life is all about 'choice' as I often say.

Away from the camp and I've found my familiar rock again, just where I left it in 2021 and 2022. Still warm from the days sunshine, marginally covered in sand, hiding some of its green hue, contrasted by the orangey-pink stone around it.

It's been here a long time, way before man probably and will remain way past no doubt, but for a few minutes of its existence it's had me in its world, sharing its welcoming heat as I look out from it across the landscape below.

My tea tastes somewhat better when sitting here than it does in the camp. The solitude and the silence are the perfect accompaniment for this desert song.

 

Day 2 - Talk Talk

 

In the late afternoon sun, the solitude and silence of my rock, is a welcome relief from the hustle and bustle of the race village. Strangers are becoming friends and the shared experience of the week so far is a good entry point to chat to new faces.

For someone that chats for a living, chatting seems a bit like a busman's holiday. But everyone has a story.

A few of the people here already know mine, but I love listening to theirs - some of which are truly remarkable, and far more interesting than mine could ever be. The simple thing is, we all need to talk. Talk about ourselves and talk about the things that we love as well as what we find challenging.

And sure it's challenging out here, but it’s not impossible - just like life itself. How many times have you thought, 'oh I can't do that! or 'that's impossible’ only to find that when you worked at the situation, things got sorted. It's the not asking for help, and endless procrastination that make things worse. And after having those inner-chats, the world feels a better place. 

My world feels quite a warm and fuzzy place today as I've been invited into some other people’s worlds for a few brief minutes. What a privilege eh? And hopefully there will be similar conversations out there in the sand tomorrow.

It's good to talk...

 

Day 3 - Why?

 

It's a question I've been asked many times this week already. 'What makes you keep coming back and doing these races?' And I wish I had some cool kinda slick answer, but I haven't.

Maybe part of me wants to relive the adventure of being here running in The Desert Cup back in 1999. A lifetime ago without Garmin watches to see how far you'd gone and no gels to keep you going. Running was simpler back then. But what I didn't understand at the time was that I was making memories that would last a lifetime.

Sure the nuances of that race are extremely fuzzy now, but I can remember how I felt and how I could then use the momentum of finishing as a driver for the next few months of that year. The race is long forgotten but the feeling remains. Being thirty-seven years old seems a long time ago,

I wonder in twenty-five years' time, if I'll think about today with a similar warmth. I did play 'Sunrise' by Coldplay at dawn and felt a few tears of gratitude trickle down my cheeks - I hope that feeling stays with me.

Let's face it, there's no point if you are making memories but then can't remember them. I made sure I made some time to remember them today.

Which still doesn't answer the why question but hopefully you can read between the lines and get the idea of how doing this makes me feel - and today it felt great.

 

Day 4 - Reconnect

 

As the race draws to a close, my mind has started to think about my return to reality in in three days’ time.

 

‘Tempus Fugit’ , and it certainly does when you are disconnected from reality and all you have to think of is looking after number one, eat, sleep, drink repeat and travel a set distance from A to B.

 

The desert has been kind this year. Whether the sand has been less, the weather slightly kinder or I've been better prepared - who knows. I feel very calm and as I have nothing to prove. There's nothing on my agenda, just peace and tranquillity in my heart of hearts.

 

Has it been hard? - well some might say so. It's certainly not an easy way of spending a week however it feels just like it did in 1999 - kinda awesome.

 

Words can't describe the topography that looks like it's been created by a Roger Dean and Gaudi collaboration. The sands a spectrum of oranges, pinks and whites that change faster than a chameleon as you travel along the way.

 

At least I have one more day to unscramble some more thoughts and ideas during the last day of racing tomorrow. Before my reconstruction begins.

 

Day 5 - Completion 

 

The finish line of any race always provides a crescendo of emotions. There's a sense of completion, of satisfaction and of pure elation of in this case getting through 220kms of soft pink sand.

 

Although I've been here before in 2021 & 2022, and many years ago in 1999-01, I've felt very much at ease and have an overall feeling of tranquillity. Whether that's because my home life, however crazy that can be at times, or my coaching business is buoyant I'm not sure - it could be, but it could also be an age thing as I really have nothing left to prove.

 

Making time to enjoy one’s successes is possibly a good thought process to come from this mental running retreat in the Wadi Rum desert.

 

Can you buy this serenity? Hmm, I don't think you can, you have to earn this state of decompression. I'm not sure this doing nothing except running will catch on as it takes a huge amount of effort - however all I can say is that the results are worth it, and I feel a whole lot better for being here this year.

 

The bigger challenge now perhaps, is to get back to the UK.

 

Petra's Secrets

Petra

 

Today I'm dusting off my kit and travelling back to Amman after a quick visit to Petra. Not my first and possibly not my last visit but an opportunity to have a 'Far Away Tree' moment and think of the many times my journeys in Jordan have ended here.

 

Like me, the ancient city has grown and matured since 1999, but its main attributes and qualities are still plain to see and wonder at.

 

For Petra, it's a case of modern world meeting ancient world - a time of change in a very precarious part of the world. I too feel this state of change. Whether that's because I've had a week away from the real world and have reassessed my direction or because there's a tidal wave of a change that is about to hit my shores.

 

I felt this way in 2016 and was gifted a healthy dose of GBS reality, and I certainly wouldn't like that again.

 

However, I'm feeling good to take on whatever's coming my way good or bad as after a week in the desert I'm in a euphoric state of wellness and calm - I mean what can go wrong...

 

Thinking in Petra

And finally...

 

I'm leaving a beautiful country behind and finally heading home. What will become of Jordan with its dramatic landscapes and warm people God only knows.

 

All of us who made the flight out, are very lucky. We are lucky to be heading back to our future. And maybe that's been the theme of this 'timeout' in the desert. A time where I've only ever felt at peace.

 

I hope that peace continues to be with me as I return home to Wales and my loved ones.

 

I wish you peace. And do everything you can to make sure that when you look back at your future you, have given it everything you've got, I did and placed 1st in the Over 60 category. 

 

As-salamu alaykum

1,196 Marathons, 281 Ultras, 17 MDS & 1 Life

Photograph - Def Leppard

The Little Devils

Sometimes you get throw a ‘life moment’ when you are least expecting it. I’m referring to the by now famous, recent group family portrait ‘life moment’.

The whole ‘portrait experience’ as we’ll call it began in July when Jen turned 50 and said that she’d wanted a large format canvas of us all to adorn the lounge wall. Oh dear, was my immediate thought but I mean, how could I refuse? And what to you give to the woman that has everything.

 

Anyway, it was greeted with an extremely low level of enthusiasm from the Coleman children and following a disastrous boy’s haircut and then re-cut, many t-shirt options and dresses being bought, tried on and returned we were set for early morning appointment at the photographer’s studio in Cardiff.

 

The morning was like an average school day, you know the ones, no one moving, everyone tired, bedraggled and totally uncooperative – yep everyone was grumpy. And when we did finally get in the car, I asked everyone if we could start again – you get the idea…

 

We eventually found the place and the shoot began, the photographer giving it 100%, Charles 8 giving it about 99% less as he went into the ‘I’m-not-smiling-mode’ and nothing is gonna make him snap me out of it mindset. Threats of months and even years without electronic devices went unheeded and as I looked at Jen, our eyes lifted heavenwards, searching for divine intervention.

 

Following an excruciating twenty minutes of editing by the photographer, in a room away from the studio, he returned, and the results are projected onto a screen.

 

The room darkened, soft music played, and the family portrait was revealed.

 

And then there was the moment.

 

An overwhelming life moment. 

 

The one where your whole world is captured in a single picture. Jen looked stunning. The little Devils; aren’t little Devils. They look amazing. Me, I didn’t see myself through the tears, and I simply had to leave the room.

 

Yes, the ‘Snapshot of Life’ had got me in a moment. My world in one frame.

 

Enough said - apart from Oliver Jones who is an amazing photographer and if you need to see your world in one frame, then he’ll help you find it. 

He captured mine...

1,193 Marathons - 279 Ultras - 17 MDS Legendary - 9 GWR - One World

All Together Now - The Farm

I thought I’d share some thoughts about weight-loss in a group setting. 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.

 

Is it for ME?

 

Losing weight in a group setting works best because of the powerful combination of social support, accountability, peer influence, structured guidance, and emotional benefits that it provides. The sense of community, shared goals, and mutual encouragement found in a group makes the journey not only more successful but also more enjoyable. By capitalising on the collective strength of a group, people are more likely to overcome problems, stay motivated, and achieve lasting weight-loss results.

 

Does it really work?

 

Well, all I can tell you is that it does! And if you are trying to lose weight, control your drinking or run a PB - you’ll find it’s easier if you are part of a group. I’m consistently overwhelmed at the success of my simple Coleman Coaching ‘WhatsApp’ Group. It’s pinging a constant reminder of it’s part of my clients’ journeys to success.

 

Come and be part of it and see for yourself if you are still unsure and ask anyone that’s in there what they think…

1,192 Marathons - 279 Ultras - 17 Marathon des Sables - 9 GWR - One Life

King of Pain - The Police

How many times have you heard, ‘I’ve got a bad (insert the relative strain or injury here) but it’s okay to run on if I take some pain killers'. I've heard it said a thousand times and luckily, over my thirty plus years of running, I’ve been lucky enough to have survived injury free - well apart from a couple of life-threatening illnesses of course.

 

Now what to do when you are injured is one thing. How to stop being injured in the first place is another matter and far more important imho.

 

I’ve always worked hard on doing just this by concentrating my energy on the bio-mechanical aspect of my running. Coming late into the sport at 31, my bones were probably completely fossilised and following years of relative inactivity, I started my running career injury-free.

 

And very soon, I worked out that the type of running shoes that you wear make things a whole lot easier on the body. A boring mid-priced shoe that stopped my over pronation did the trick. I found that the flashier the trainer was, the less it helped, and I tried every brand back then, I can assure you. Saucony won back then btw.

 

Having the correct shoes has helped me and my clients until the past ten years or so when the lighter, less supportive foam soled trainers appeared on the market. IT Bands suddenly became hurty and knees ached.  Recently I’ve blogged on the New Balance and Brooks trainers I've been using and their potential injury issues.

 

With the right shoes, I believe in having some private health insurance if things do go wrong. Let's face it your GP and the local A&E dept aren’t really interested in running injuries. However, for £100/month private health insurance companies are all ears in providing MRI scans, specialist consultants and even knee clinics, with no expense spared.

 

So from now on, please take my advice and stop if anything hurts and pay for some private medical insurance - you are going to need it one day. And if you are stuck in a rut and don’t know what to do, then contact me as I'm sure I can help.

Enjoy your running, remember that? I mean, isn’t that why we started in the first place...

1,192 Marathons - 279 Ultras - 17 Marathon des Sables - 9 GWR - One Life 

New Life - Depeche Mode

Coleman Life Laundry: Decluttering for a Better Life 

In our ever-busy world’s, it’s easy to accumulate physical and mental clutter. This build-up can lead to stress, confusion, and a sense of feeling overwhelmed. To combat this problem, I have the ‘Coleman Life Laundry’ - a process of decluttering and reorganising to achieve a simpler, more fulfilling life. The practice, popularised by various lifestyle gurus and organisational experts, is about more than just cleaning up your space; it’s about creating an environment that supports mental clarity and emotional well-being with an added twist of Coleman knowledge and experience thrown in.

 

The Concept of a ‘Life Laundry’

A ‘Life Laundry’ involves systematically evaluating and removing unnecessary items from your life, both physical and mental. The term itself combines the routine nature of laundry with the transformative effect of decluttering. Just as doing laundry cleans and refreshes your clothes, life laundry cleanses and revitalises your emotions.

 

The Benefits of Decluttering

 

Physical Space

One of the most immediate benefits of a ‘Life Laundry’ is the transformation of physical spaces. Cluttered environments can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety. According to research, unorganised spaces can negatively affect our ability to focus and process information. By decluttering, we create a more organised, efficient, and visually appealing living or working environment. I always ask people what the interior of their car looks like - if it’s a farmyard, it speaks volumes.

 

Mental Clarity

A ‘Life Laundry’ also extends to mental decluttering. Our minds can become cluttered with unnecessary thoughts, worries, and mental to-do lists. By organising our thoughts and prioritising tasks, we can achieve far more. Techniques such as mindfulness, walking and meditation are often incorporated into ‘Life Laundry’ practices to help clear the mind.

 

Emotional Well-being

Letting go of things that no longer serve us can have a profound emotional impact. Sentimental clutter, in particular, can weigh heavily on our emotions. By addressing and releasing these items, we can process and move on emotional baggage free.

 

Steps to Life Laundry

 

Step 1: Assess and Plan

The first step in life laundry is assessment. Take a thorough look at your possessions and identify areas of clutter. This includes physical spaces like your home and office, as well as digital spaces like your computer and smartphone. Planning is crucial; set realistic goals and create a schedule to tackle different areas one-by-one.

 

Step 2: Sort and Categorise

Once you’ve assessed your spaces, begin sorting items into categories: keep, donate, recycle, and discard. This step can be challenging, especially when dealing with sentimental items. A helpful strategy is to ask whether an item is useful or brings joy. If it doesn’t, discard - simple.

 

Step 3: Organise and Store

After sorting, organise the items you’ve decided to keep. Invest in storage solutions that work for your space and lifestyle. Clear containers, labels, and shelving can help maintain order. The goal is to create a system where everything has a designated place, making it easier to find and return items when they’ve been used.

 

Step 4: Digital Declutter

Digital spaces are often overlooked in the decluttering process. Start by organising your computer files, emails, and smartphone apps. Unsubscribe from unnecessary email lists, delete unused apps, and back up important files. A streamlined digital space can significantly reduce stress and increase productivity.

 

Step 5: Maintain

The final step in life laundry is maintenance. Regularly review and declutter your spaces to prevent the accumulation of new clutter. Establish routines that incorporate tidying and organising into your daily or weekly schedule. This ongoing process ensures that your environment remains supportive and conducive your new positive lifestyle.

 

‘Life Laundry’ Beyond Physical Spaces

 

Time Management

A ‘Life Laundry’ also involves decluttering how we manage time. Evaluate your commitments and activities to identify what’s truly important. Learn to say no to obligations that don’t align with your goals and values. Prioritise tasks that contribute to your well-being and personal growth.

 

Relationships

Our relationships can benefit from a ‘Life Laundry’ approach. Reflect on the people in your life. Do you really love/like them? Do they love/like you? Or is your relationship and love-life boring or even worse non-existent? Do you wish you were with someone else?

 

Hold on to relationships that are supportive and fulfilling and distance yourself from ‘Energy Vampires’ and ‘Mood Hoovers’.

 

Financial Decluttering

Financial ‘Life Laundry’ involves organising and simplifying your finances. Review your expenses, create a budget, and eliminate unnecessary spending. Simplify your financial accounts and cash up daily knowing exactly what you are worth to the penny. I have done so for years now, and it’s amazing how year-on-year you can see growth and financial stability. A clear picture of what you have in the bank and invested can reduce stress and help you feel more positive about the future. Debt isn’t a bad thing if it’s reducing you’ll find. Cash up daily and it will disappear far quicker.

 

The Psychological Impact

The psychological impact of a ‘Life Laundry’ can be profound. By creating order in our physical and mental spaces, we can reduce anxiety, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being. The process of letting go can also be empowering, helping us to build resilience and adaptability.

 

Stress Reduction

Clutter is often associated with increased stress levels. A study by the University of California found that women with cluttered homes had higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Decluttering can create a sense of control and calm, leading to reduced stress.

 

Improved Focus and Productivity

An organised environment can enhance focus and productivity. When our spaces are clutter-free, we can concentrate better on tasks and projects. This can lead to improved performance and a greater sense of accomplishment.

 

Enhanced Creativity

A clean, organised space can also boost creativity. Without the distraction of clutter, our minds are free to explore new ideas and solutions. Many artists and writers advocate for a tidier workspace to assist with creative thinking.

 

A Cleaner Future

‘Life Laundry’ is more than just a trend; it’s a holistic approach to living a simpler, more intentional life. By decluttering our physical, digital, and emotional spaces, we can create an environment that supports our well-being and personal growth. The process of a ‘Life Laundry’ encourages us to evaluate what’s truly important, let go of what no longer serves us, and make room for the things that bring us joy and fulfilment.

 

Incorporating a ‘Life Laundry’ into our routine can lead to significant improvements in our quality of life. Whether it’s reducing stress, increasing productivity, or enhancing our emotional well-being, the benefits are plain to see. Try embracing the principles of a ‘Coleman Life Laundry’, and together we can cultivate a lifestyle that is not only organised and efficient but also rich and meaningful. Just send me an email rory@colemancoaching.co.uk and we can wash away your past together and make the rest of your life DAZzle.

1,192 Marathons - 279 Ultras - 17 MDS - 9 GWR - 1 Life

Echoes - The Pink Floyd

Music that defined the 70's

There are certain bands, albums and tracks that have accompanied my life’s ups and downs. No doubt you have your own back catalogue but here I’m going to tell you mine. And if you are a regular reader of my blog, you’ll know that the music of messers Gilmour, Mason, Waters & Wright aka ‘The Pink Floyd’, has topped my charts more times than any other band and I featured the tracks ‘Time’ or ‘Sheep’ on many occasions.

However, trying to pick one’s ‘Desert Island Discs’ from the bands peak period - that’s Meddle ’71, Dark Side of the Moon ’73, Wish you were here ’75, Animals ’77 and The Wall ’79 is a challenge too far I’m afraid and if you are a Pink Floyd fan of a similar age to me you’ll understand the impossible equation. You see, their music has played a huge role in developing my ‘Coleman-world’ and it’s the simple complexity of the music combined with acidic lyrics that I’ve always loved. Yes, the Gilmour Waters duo and their love hate relationship that’s given their music the edge. 

 

I first heard Dark Side at my friend’s house in 1973 (he had an older sister with a record deck) and I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve bought ‘Wish you were here’ on tape, CD, Album, MP3, Apple & Spotify formats. Sadly, I missed the Animals tour in 1977, but I did buy The Wall on its release in November 1979 and saw their much-acclaimed world tour at Earls Court in August 1980 - where they only played thirty nights worldwide.

 

No wonder the band’s music is embedded in my DNA.

 

It’s permeated its way into my life in countless ways. It’s served as a backdrop to fifty years of life experiences. It’s shaped my moods, enhance my memories, and provided comfort during difficult times – (and boy I’ve had my fair share of those).

 

Jen calls it ‘depressing’ and says it’s ‘wrist slashing music’ but I think that’s what I like about it. I love the darkness, the anger, the pure vitriol but I also admire the unbelievable musicianship that shines out from every song. The two, yes two, guitar solos in Comfortably Numb will never be surpassed.

 

During the Marathon des Sables, I have a ‘Pink Floyd Day’ where I play the above albums in order in their entirety and listen deeply to the music as I wonder at the scenery around me in a complete-surround-sound-world. I’ve shed many tears in this heightened-state and I’d recommend this to anyone that wants to experience a special out-of-body audio-experience.

 

Could you get this listening to Genesis or Coldplay? - perhaps. There’s certainly not enough depth of field with these or other bands as it’s the whole Pink Floyd  emotional atmosphere that provides the ‘Ingredient X’, the catalyst to a higher state that makes the ordinary, feel extraordinary.

I recommend a good pair of headphones and listening in ‘Lossless’ studio sound quality for the full effect. 

 

Try, ‘Welcome to the Machine’ for an amazing sonic experience where you’ll be able to hear the full range of sound effects that a Pioneer CTF4040 Cassette Deck couldn’t deliver back in 1980. It still feels strange to hear this minus the added tornado of hiss that Dolby couldn’t suppress.

 

And for the record (no pun intended), I’ll be listening to Echoes when I’m at the gym - where twenty-two minutes of their amazing music, might just redefine my future once again. 

1,192 Marathons - 279 Ultras - 17 MDS - 9 GWR & Comfortably Numb

Red Shoes - Kate Bush

Saucony Grid Courageous

I’m always being asked the question, ‘what’s the running shoe’ and until recent years’ this has always been a relatively simple choice. However, running shoes are changing.

Companies that have previously made bombproof high-mileage shoes, are now following the trend of now making high-stacking unstable shoes with low heel drops. Painful knees, strained Achilles, aching IT Bands and even stress-fractures abound.

 

And with thirty years of trouble-free running with over half of that being a running coach; I believe these problems have become more prevalent over the last ten years or so, possibly since having lightweight training shoes became the fashionable option.

 

My own running shoe history…

 Thirty years’ ago, I was advised to buy the rather underwhelming Saucony Grid Courageous III at a running store by a well-seasoned runner. It was possibly the ‘uncoolest’ running shoe ever produced but I was advised it was the right one for me. And it did ‘what it said on the box’ and proved to be a great running shoe that could cope with my 100 miles of weekly running, and it was indestructible - they literally didn’t wear out. And neither did I, as they were so stable none of the above injury problems occurred.

 

Asics DS Trainer

Then in the late 90’s ASICS produced the DS Trainer and DS Racer. Both lightweight trainers, that I used during my marathon PB and the 55-mile London to Brighton Road Race. I loved them but the soles didn’t last, and they were soon super-ceded by their Gel Kayano shoe, which has never been very good imho.

 

So, I moved back to Saucony using the Grid Stabil. I brilliant stability trainer I used to run 2004km from London to Lisbon quite comfortably until the materials in the shoes were changed and a less supportive model was introduced. Bah…

 

Brooks Adrenalin GTS6

By 2006 I’d looked around and found the Brooks Adrenalin GTS 6 that fitted the bill. I used them in their various upgrades until recently. Some years, the Adrenalin GTS 13 and the GTS 20 being excellent versions, others such as the Adrenalin GTS 16 and GTS 22 less so. I’ve recommended them to 000s of people for training and used them for the Marathon des Sables in their 4E width form for years.

 

Until 2024.

 

The problem is, they’ve gone and changed the design and made them far less stable. They just feel really clunky and a common trend in the people I coach, (me included) are Plantar Fasciitis issues, when using them for high-mileage training or in Ultra-distance races. There are just too many occurrences now for it not to be an issue and I’ve stopped using them as my go to running shoe.

 

So where now?

Well, I’ve been using the New Balance 880 v13 in it’s 4E width form which fits the bill quite nicely BUT is a ‘Fresh Foam’ shoe which with continual use will only lead to knee issues I believe. But what better high-mileage option is out there? I’m very unsure. And right now, I’m juggling hurty knees and plantar issues until something better comes along, OR one of the above brands go ‘old-school’ and make a what I call, decent running once shoe again.

 

Anyone feel the same? And no HOKA and Altra, aren’t better options.

1,192 Marathons - 279 Ultras - 9 GWR - 17 MDS - 1 Life