Photograph - Def Leppard

RC, Bottom right corner...

The photo was posted on a Facebook Group for people who want to reminisce about the good old days of Shakespeare Country (me included) - when of course everything was a whole lot better, and life was a whole lot simpler. Now, I'm sure we all feel that way now and again, and there's nothing remarkable about the photo. One of the comments posted said 80's? another possibly 60's? - however I know it was 25th May 1970.
 
How do I know? - Well it looked like an uncannily familiar scene to me, and to my amazement there I am in the bottom righthand corner of the photo,  in a jumper knitted by my Nan - and to my left, in brown, my favourite Grandad Geroge (who drove one of the engines in the photo) and my older brother wearing a similar jumper.
 
A candid moment captured in a time long forgotten. Do I remember the day, well yes, well somewhat, and the photo is the only one I have of me and my Granddad together. However, we shared fantastic times with him and my Nan in their somewhat cranky cottage in Wilmcote, near Stratford-upon-Avon and even though it was the seventies at the time, they lived in a 40s time-warp without the mod-cons of the time. My Granddad of course felt VERY old to me but was only 52 at the time of the photo and never got to where I am now at 64 - smoking 60 Woodbines-a-day wasn’t good for his life-expectancy. He would have loved being a Great-Granddad for sure.
 
However, his memory lingers on in a single-snapshot taken a lifetime ago. Photography wasn’t cheap back then and of course we didn’t have the digital age to capture every moment of life. Those photos are precious, and in the future, they will be a reminder of happy times spent with the people you love.
 
Spend them wisely and capture the love.

1,241 Marathons - 292 Ultras - 10 GWR - 19 MDS - 1 Life

Big Time - Sir Peter of Gabriel

 Big Time – ‘Not me, I'm smarter than that, I worked it out’ - Gabriel

How do you measure success? By how much you earn? By where you live? By how little you have to work? Or by the size and make of your car?

 

Why are we programmed to see objects as a sign of success? And hey, before you say it, I’m just as ‘signs of success programmed’ as the next person.

 

I mean, the car thing always got me. And It’s possibly a young man’s game and like most, I was suckered in during my sales career where a ‘Ford Mondeo Ghia X’ was perceived as the pinnacle of car company hierarchy. On finally getting my career-eager hands on the keys I found it cornered like a shopping trolley and was really an old man’s car!

 

And when I reached the next level - BMW status – I found that everyone else on the road, even though they don’t know you, instantly thinks you’re a ****. It’s kinda sad that we mark success by the outward signs of wealth rather than by what we’ve achieved.

 

You see it’s the things you can’t see that really matter. It’s not where you’ve been, it’s how you’ve done it that counts. It’s experience that makes you smart and being smart leads to success. Success that you simply can’t buy and that you earn, over time.

 

Now, we are not all world beating athletes, but we can outplay our own dreams and succeed in areas we once thought were unachievable. I know – been there and got the T-Shirt, many times over.

 

I found that success comes from hours and hours of training, focus and determination and if you feel you have yet to succeed in life, make plans, and start to make it happen. You probably won’t get anything tangible to show for your efforts but inwardly you’ll know what true success feels like, especially when looking back in decades to come.

 

And for the record, if someone has already paid the price both physically and mentally in doing what it is that you want to achieve – listen hard - take it on the chin that you’ll have to go back to being a complete beginner that has to ‘wax on and wax off’ many times before you can call yourself even marginally successful at anything and be humble as real success takes a lifetime – I know.

 

1,240 Marathons - 292 Ultras - 10 GWR - 18 MDS - 1 Vision

Tomorrow Never Knows - The Beatles

Existence to the end - Lennon Mccartney

Training for an Ultramarathon challenge requires discipline, consistency, and mental toughness. Procrastinating during any stage of this preparation isn’t good practice as every missed session not only delays progress but can make the eventual challenge even harder. Unlike short-term goals that can be completed at the last minute, ultramarathon training depends on gradual improvement over weeks, months and in some cases even years. The idea being to build endurance slowly so one’s body can adapt safely. Delaying training sessions not only weakens physical preparation but also damages confidence and kills motivation.

Endurance isn’t built overnight and the body needs repeated practice to strengthen muscles, lungs, and cardiovascular system. Every training session contributes to stamina and resilience. When you skip a workout saying, ‘I’ll do it tomorrow’, the opportunity to improve is lost and can never be recovered. Missing one long run may not seem important at first, but several missed sessions can seriously reduce fitness levels considerably. Preparation works like building a house - if the foundations aren’t there, the entire structure becomes unstable and falls apart.

Procrastination also increases the risk of injury. Many who delay training try to make up for lost time by pushing themselves too hard too late. Sudden increases in mileage place stress on the knees, ankles, and muscles. Proper preparation follows a balanced schedule with gradual progression and recovery days. Ignoring this process can lead to exhaustion, muscle strain, or more serious injuries that prevent training altogether. Procrastination doesn’t save energy or effort; it creates even bigger setbacks.

Delaying workouts causes guilt and stresses people who constantly worry about falling behind schedule, which in turn reduces enjoyment and motivation. Over time, procrastination makes an exciting personal challenge a major source of anxiety.

People training for Ultramarathons have to balance work, school, family responsibilities, and social activities. Procrastination wastes valuable time that could have been used more productively. Instead of completing a planned workout, people may spend hours scrolling through social media, watching TV, or making excuses. And once that time has gone, it’s gone forever. 

Completing an ultramarathon is a major achievement that requires commitment and perseverance. Those who train consistently learn self-control, patience, and determination. By procrastinating, people deny themselves the satisfaction of knowing they gave it their best shot. The finish line feels far more rewarding when reached through steady hard work rather than last-minute panic action.

Ultramarathon success comes from consistent effort and smart preparation, not excuses or postponement. Every training session matters, and the sooner you start, the stronger, and more prepared you’ll become.

Training with @TheRoryColemanMethod increases your chance of success and if you want to stop the Procrastination Rot – give me a call and #RaiseyourAverage.

1,240 Marathons  - 292 Ultras - 10 GWR - 18 MDS - 0 Procrastination

Begin Again - Knife Party

Photo - Ian Corless

Completing the Marathon des Sables Legendary is a life defining achievement. It’s the ultimate test of physical endurance, mental resilience, and the ability to persist through extreme personal discomfort. After such an intense and all-consuming experience, it might feel only natural to rest, reflect, and even step away from running for a while. However, planning another adventure soon after is not only beneficial - it’s essential for maintaining psychological momentum.

One of the most important reasons to plan another adventure is to preserve the mindset that carried you through the MDS. Training for and completing such an event requires months, sometimes years, of focus and commitment. You develop habits, routines, and a strong sense of identity tied into pushing your limits. Without a fresh goal, that structure quickly dissolves, leaving a sense of emptiness or loss. I call it Post Traumatic Race Disorder (PTRD) – a psychological phenomenon often experienced after major achievements.

You see, after the high of completing something extraordinary, everyday life can feel flat or uninspiring by comparison. Planning another adventure provides a forward-facing perspective. It shifts your focus from ‘what I’ve done’, to ‘what’s next,’ which is crucial for maintaining motivation. As humans are inherently goal-driven, and having something to strive towards helps sustain that sense of fulfilment.

The MDS teaches valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and self-belief. However, this shouldn’t stop at the finish line. New adventures present different challenges - perhaps a colder environment next time, or a jungle adventure or even a multiday mega-day marathon. These experiences build on what you’ve learned, whilst pushing yourself into new areas of discomfort and development. Without continued challenges, the lessons from the MDS fade quickly rather than evolve.

Planning another adventure also reinforces identity. Completing an extreme endurance event changes how you see yourself. You’re no longer just someone who wondered if they could do it; you’re someone who did. By committing to another adventure, you solidify your identity as someone who seeks challenge and embraces discomfort. I mean, you are now a Desert Warrior!

Additionally, having a future goal can make recovery more purposeful. Instead of drifting after the event, your rest, nutrition, and training help regain direction. Recovery becomes part of preparation rather than an endpoint. 

Experiences like the MDS remind you that life is more than routine and comfort. They expand your perspective, connect you with other like-minded people, and create life-lasting memories. Planning another adventure ensures that this spirit of exploration remains a consistent part of your life rather than a one-time event.

So, think of the MDS not as just a finish line - it’s a launching point. And where to go? Well, there’s a lot of events out there to take you to the limit of your endurance and raise your average.

Why not give me a call and we can look at where to head to next – I know where I’m going.

1,240 Marathons - 292 Ultras - 10 GWR - 19 MDS - 1 Big Life-Adventure

www.theRoryColemanMethod.co.uk

 

Start - Sir Peter of Gabriel

The Marathon des Sables Expo on Saturday May 30^th is far more than just a pre-race get together; it’s an essential part of the whole Marathon des Sables experience. And, if you have been thinking about entering any MDS Event or even going back to relive the ‘Legendary Dream’ in 2027, attending the Expo can help you shape your year ahead.

It’s where your preparation becomes real. At any MDS Event even the smallest detail can make or break your race. The 40^th edition of MDS Legendary, highlighted just how hard the race can be, but with the right knowledge can be achieved by most.

At the Expo, you’ll have direct access to expert advice on training, gear, nutrition, hydration, and race strategy. You’re not just reading tips online; you’re engaging with ‘The people that have and that know’, and who truly understand the unique demands of multi-day racing in deserts. This is the practical, experience-based knowledge that’s invaluable to getting you to the finish line.

Equally important is the opportunity to checkout and refine equipment choices. The desert is unforgiving, and any oversight, whether it’s poorly fitting shoes, inefficient pack weight, or inadequate nutrition planning, can have serious consequences. The Expo allows you to see, test, and adjust your approach in a focused environment.

 

The Expo is also a hub for building our 2027 communities. Endurance events like this are as much about connection as they are about competition. Friendships formed at the Expo often carry through the race and beyond. These connections can provide emotional support during the toughest stages and when physical endurance alone isn’t enough. Knowing you have a network of people facing the same challenge can be a powerful resource of resilience.

Finally, the Expo captures the spirit of the Marathon des Sables. It’s a celebration of human endurance, determination, and adventure. From inspiring talks to key kit suppliers, it immerses you into the culture of the MDS itself. Even if you’re not competing, attending offers a rare glimpse into what drives people to push their limits in extreme environments.

The Marathon des Sables Expo isn’t optional - it’s integral. It’s the ideal opportunity to become part of Ultra-Running folklore and join a very select number of people that have conquered ‘The World’s Toughest Footrace’. It’s also a great opportunity to meet me and become part of ‘Team Coleman’ the largest group of competitors at the race this year.

Venue - Victory Services Club - 63-79 Seymour Street London W2 2HF – Starts 9am

See you there… Register here - https://waaultra.typeform.com/to/n3u508it

1,240 Marathons  - 291 Ultras - 10 GWR - 19 Marathon des Sables

19 - Paul Hardcastle

Well, my nineteenth Marathon des Sables is complete. And 'The World's Toughest Footrace' had a bit of everything if I'm being honest, even a few drops of rain on the last day plus a sandstorm that would take any Polar Explorer clean off his feet.

It also had the longest ever stage, some 100km, which sent most of the camp limping off to the medical tent, but apart from that I'd say it was 'Middle-Par as far as the race went as the top temperature was 37c on my wrist. Which made it doable by most with only 85 DNF from 1430 starters.

Anyone there for their first desert outing would have got a good impression of what running or walking in the desert for long periods of time does to one's feet. There were so many people hobbling backwards and forwards to the medical facilities. Yes sand really sucks!

Best part for me was completing the race for the second time with son Sam, and having daughter Pearl helping as a Blue Jacket all week. A proper family affair. Priceless moments.

To those that made it - a big well done, and to those that didn't - well maybe next time. And to all my people in Team Coleman - thanks for working with me and speak to you all soon.

1,240 Marathons - 292 Ultras - 10 GWR - 19 Marathon des Sables

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