Come together - The Beatles

 

200 Days to MDS Legendary 2027 - Your journey starts in London.

In 200 days’ time, runners from all over the world will stand on the start line of MDS Legendary 2027, ready to take on one of the greatest endurance challenges on the planet – the Marathon des Sables, widely known as “The World’s Toughest Footrace.”

If you’re one of them, your preparation starts now.

And there could be no better place to begin than at the MDS EXPO in London on Saturday 26th September, at the Victory Services Club, starting at 9am.

The MDS is about far more than simply learning to run across the Sahara.

It’s about understanding the environment. Learning how to manage your feet, your food, your hydration, your kit and your pace. It’s about knowing what happens when the temperature rises, your shoulders hurt, your feet are sore and you still have hours ahead of you.

Most importantly, it’s about arriving at that start line believing that you belong there.

That’s exactly why the MDS EXPO is so valuable.

For one day, you can completely immerse yourself in the MDS Experience and meet people who really understand the race.

I’ll be there sharing my own experience from a lifetime of endurance running and numerous journeys across the Sahara, helping future competitors understand what it really takes to prepare successfully for the Marathon des Sables.

You’ll also have the opportunity to hear from MDS Race Director Cyril Gauthier, who can give you a unique insight into the event, the organisation and what awaits competitors in Morocco.

Joining us will be comedian and MDS finisher Paul Tonkinson, who knows first-hand about the highs, lows, humour and emotion that come with taking on the desert.

And BBC personality and accomplished endurance runner Sophie Raworth will bring another fascinating perspective on running, challenge and pushing personal boundaries.

Between us, there will be an enormous amount of experience in the room.

And that experience matters.

Because one of the biggest mistakes people make with the MDS is waiting too long before getting serious about their preparation.

200 days sounds like a long time. It isn’t.

The next few months will disappear incredibly quickly. Training needs to build gradually. Kit needs testing. Shoes need choosing. Nutrition needs practising. Pack weight needs managing. And your confidence needs developing alongside your fitness.

You don't want to arrive in Morocco hoping you've got it right.

You want to arrive knowing.

That process can start on September 26th.

Come along, ask questions, meet previous competitors, meet the experts and surround yourself with people who understand exactly why you've decided to take on this extraordinary race.

The Marathon des Sables can change your life.

For many people, the journey towards that finish line becomes every bit as important as the race itself.

200 days to MDS Legendary 2027.

Two weeks to the MDS EXPO.

Your Sahara journey starts now.

See you at the Victory Services Club in London on September 26th from 9am.

Book your place here.

Raise your Average

Born to be Alive - Patrick Hernandez

I’ve spent a huge part of my life in and around Marathon des Sables events. I know the excitement before you go, the nerves at the start line, the doubts when things get tough and the incredible feeling when you realise you are capable of far more than you thought.

My Happy Place - Why the MDS 120 Morocco rocks.

In October, I’ll be heading back to Morocco for the MDS 120, and even now, after all these years, there is something about the desert that still gets me.

People often ask me why I keep going back. The simple answer is - it’s my happy place.

There’s something about the Moroccan desert that strips everything back. No noise. No distractions. No nonsense. Just you, your kit, the terrain, the heat and the people around you.

Life becomes very simple, very quickly. You eat, move, recover, sleep, survive, and then you do it all again the next day.

The simplicity is incredibly powerful.

I’ve spent a huge part of my life in and around Marathon des Sables events. I know the excitement before you go, the nerves at the start line, the doubts when things get tough and the incredible feeling when you realise you are capable of far more than you thought.

That’s what keeps bringing me back. MDS isn’t just a race. It’s an experience. It changes people.

You arrive thinking about the distance, kit, food, feet and temperatures. You leave having learned something much bigger about yourself. That’s exactly why I love coaching people to do it. There is a massive difference between simply following a generic training plan and preparing properly for an MDS event.

You need to understand how to train with a pack. How to move efficiently when you are tired. How to manage your feet. How to eat when you don’t feel like eating. How to cope with the heat. How to recover between the stages. How to choose the right kit and how to avoid carrying half of your house across the desert.

Most importantly, you need confidence. Confidence comes from preparation.

And that’s where I come in. I don’t coach MDS from a textbook. I coach it from experience.

I’ve completed MDS events again and again, and I understand what happens out there physically, mentally and emotionally. I know what works, what doesn’t, what people worry about unnecessarily, and where the real problems tend to appear.

Whether you’re doing MDS 120, MDS Legendary, MDS Trek or another event in the MDS family, my job is to get you to the start line knowing you’ve done everything you reasonably can to succeed.

And I want YOU to enjoy it.

Because despite the heat, the sand, the aching legs and the occasional dark moment, these events can become some of the greatest experiences of your life - I know, Morocco has certainly given me some of mine.

So, in October, I’ll be back where I feel completely at home.

Back in the desert. Back at MDS. Back in my Happy Place.

And if you’re thinking about taking on an MDS event, don’t leave your preparation to chance.

Come and work with me. I’ll help you arrive ready.

The Rory Coleman Method.

Raise Your Average.

I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For - U2

Have you ever reached a point in your life that you’d been working towards for years, only to find yourself asking, ‘What now?’

For a long time, I thought life was about reaching a destination. Get a good job. Build a career. Find happiness. Create a comfortable life. I believed that if I worked hard enough and kept moving forwards, I’d eventually arrive where everything would make sense.

 

Every milestone I reached brought me joy, and I’m genuinely grateful for each one. But after the excitement died down, there was always a quiet voice asking, ‘What’s next?’. It was an uneasy time for sure

 

Now I think it was just part of being human.

 

And the truth is, I’m still searching. Not because my life’s empty, but because I’m still growing.

 

I’ve realised that what I was looking for in my twenties isn’t the same as what matters to me now. Back then, success looked like achievement and recognition. These days, it’s more like peace of mind, meaningful conversations, time with the people I love, and waking up with a sense of purpose.

 

Life has a way of changing one’s priorities over time.

 

If I’m honest, some of the biggest turning points in my life didn’t come from success at all. They came from hating myself, disappointment, uncertainty and those moments when I genuinely wondered if I was heading in the right direction. At the time, it felt uncomfortable. Looking back, they were my greatest lessons in life.

 

It’s incredibly easy to scroll through social media and believe everyone else has found the secret. Everyone seems happier, more successful, more certain. But I’ve come to believe that we’re all carrying questions we don’t like to share. We all have moments when we wonder if we’re good enough or if we’re on the right trajectory.

 

Maybe it’s something we have in common more than we realise.

 

These days, I’m trying to notice the ordinary moments a little more. A good cup of tea in the garden. A conversation that stays long after it’s ended. A message from someone saying how I’ve helped them. These moments don’t seem extraordinary at the time, but they’ve become the moments I treasure most.

 

And I’ve stopped waiting for one big moment that will make everything click into place. Instead, I’m learning that purpose isn’t something we stumble across once and keep forever. It’s something we discover again and again in the way we live, the people we love, and the courage we need even when we don’t have every answer.

 

So yes, I’m still searching.

 

But these days, the search doesn’t feel frustrating anymore. It’s hopeful.

 

It reminds me that there’s still more to learn, more people to meet, more stories to hear and more of life to experience. And perhaps that’s the point. Perhaps we’re not meant to have all the answers.

 

Perhaps we’re simply meant to keep on living.

 

If you’re reading this and feel like you’re still searching too, you’re not alone. I think most of us are. The difference is that I’ve stopped seeing it as a sign that something is missing.

 

I’ve started seeing it as proof that the journey isn’t over yet.

 

And, somehow, I find that really comforting.

1,244 Marathons - 292 Ultras - 19 MDS - 10 GWR - 1 Life

Lost - Coldplay

As a child, I often felt like I was on the outside looking in - I saw how other people seemed to find their place in life whilst, I was left wondering where mine was. I never did quite fit in. I spent my years at secondary school trying to keep up academically. I tried, but it was never enough – I was told I was ‘thick’. I should have asked for, or have been offered help, but then this was the 70s and that just didn’t happen back then.

I now realise that I wasn’t thick or lost because there was something wrong with me - I was just trying to fit into a world that was simply not right for me.

 

Growing older didn’t suddenly make everything any easier, but it gave me something I never had as a child - perspective. Slowly, I began to understand that my differences weren’t flaws to fix, they were parts of me that deserved to be nurtured. 

 

Finding my direction happened in one dramatic moment. It brought me closer to the life I wanted, instead of the life I thought I was supposed to have. I’ve learned to trust my instincts, stop comparing my journey to everyone else’s, and to accept that there is no deadline for finding your purpose in this world.

 

Today, I can look back at that younger version of myself with compassion rather than sadness. I wish I could tell that child that they didn’t need to spend so much time trying so hard to be someone they never could be. 

 

The years I spent feeling lost have taught me resilience. They’ve taught me empathy for anyone who has ever questioned where they fit in. Most importantly, they’ve taught me that belonging doesn’t come from changing yourself to meet other people’s expectations. 

 

It comes from having the courage to become the person you were always meant to be.

 

Sure, my journey hasn’t been perfect, and I still have moments where I question myself. But I no longer see these moments as failures. They are reminders of how far I’ve come. The child who once felt stupid has grown into someone who understands that purpose isn’t found by fitting in, it’s found by being yourself.

 

And funnily enough my secondary school, where I was considered ‘thick’, has just asked me once again to speak to their Sixth Form and say that it’s okay not to know where life might take you, but that it’s more important to be the best version of yourself and follow one’s interests and dreams 100%.

 

Amen.

 

1,244 Marathons – 292 Ultras – 19 MDS – 10 GWR – 1 Life

Am I Bovvered?

Each day we undertake a huge number of personal tasks and challenges that we call ‘Life’. We are living that ‘Life’ as a result of options and choices that we believed were right at that particular moment in time. And, as a result, where we find ourselves at any one time, is of our own doing and we have no-one else to blame.

It’s far too easy to become a victim and say ,‘why me?’ Or as in my case self-loath and head into a darkness of depression and use alcohol to mask the pain of failing. ‘Point Zero’ as I call it, isn’t somewhere you reach overnight. It’s a gradual thing that slowly creeps up on you. It speeds up the more helpless you become, and before you know it has you firmly in its grasp. If you’ve been there yourself, you’ll understand where I’m coming from.

 

Back then, the only way out was to toughen up as reaching out was a sign of weakness not strength as it is today. At 64 years of age, I’m in a much wiser position looking in life’s rear-view mirror. I can admit that by the time I was 31, I’d created a huge mess that was not only challenging me mentally but physically too. That’s why I decided to make some changes, massive changes in fact and ‘getting fit’ quickly became my salvation and foundation for a ‘New Life’ where I found the ‘New Rory’.

 

I know personally that it’s a huge step to stop drinking, smoking or over-eating.

 

It took me six months to reverse my very poor levels of health and fitness. And crossing the finish line of my first marathon is one of my life’s greatest achievements. Accomplishing a further 1200+ marathons, an impossible feat to my own previous incarnation.

 

Now, I’m not saying that you have to run 26.2 miles, be an Ironman Triathlete or become a bodybuilder but whatever life choices you make now or in the future, be it starting a new job, a new relationship or over-coming an illness or accident - fitness REALLY helps.

 

I know I’m far from perfect, but I was lucky enough to be able to make positive changes to my behaviour that have given me huge satisfaction and a career where I can now help other people to reach their own fitness and life goals.

 

You see it’s far too easy to say, ‘Why bother?’… but actually you must. Because if you do, you will be pleased you did. Now I’m always happy to be bothered and please reach out if you want to bother right now or in the future.

1,244 Marathons - 292 Ultras - 19 MDS - 10 GWR - 1 Life

Adventure of a Lifetime - Coldplay

Scared of signing up for the Marathon des Sables? Join Team Coleman and take the first step…

Each year, I speak to hundreds of runners who have the same dream - to take part in ‘The World’s Toughest Footrace - The Marathon des Sables.

And every year, I hear the same worries. ‘I'm not fast enough. I’m worried about getting lost. I’ve not even run a marathon before. And what if I fail?’

The truth is everyone who signs up for the Marathon des Sables has these thoughts. Even experienced runners wonder whether they’re capable of taking on one of the world’s most iconic endurance events.

The Marathon des Sables has a reputation that can be intimidating. Six stages over seven days in the Sahara Desert – self-sufficient – in extreme conditions. It sounds like something reserved for elite runners and hardened adventurers.

But after nineteen MDS Legendary finishes, and thousands of miles in deserts around the world, I can tell you something that might surprise you. The biggest challenge isn't the desert. It’s taking the first step and believing you can do it. That's exactly why my ‘Team Coleman’ exists.

You don't have to do it alone…

One of the biggest mistakes people make is thinking they have to figure everything out themselves. What shoes should I wear? What food do I need? What backpack works best? How do I train? How do I cope with the heat? How do I avoid the dreaded blisters?

These questions can feel overwhelming, especially if you've never done a multi-stage race before. But when you join my team, you aren't simply entering a race. You're joining a community of people who are on the same journey as you.

Some are experienced runners looking for a fresh challenge. Others are complete beginners who never imagined they would one day cross a desert. What connects them all is a willingness to challenge themselves and a desire to achieve something extraordinary.

Over the years, I've helped thousands of runners prepare for desert races. I've seen people arrive with doubts, fears and uncertainty, only to leave with memories that last a lifetime. The transformation is wonderful to be part of.

Why people succeed…

People often assume success in the Marathon des Sables comes from natural talent. It doesn't. Success comes from preparation, consistency and mindset.

I've seen elite runners in their twenties struggle whilst people in their sixties smash it. I've seen people who considered themselves average athletes complete the race high up in the field.

The common factor isn't speed. It's commitment. The runners who succeed are the ones who trust the process, prepare properly and refuse to give up when things get tough. That's exactly what Team Coleman is designed to help you do.

From training plans and equipment advice to race strategy and mental preparation, I’ll guide you through every stage of the journey. By the time you arrive in Morocco, you're not wondering whether you can do it.

You're ready to prove that you can do it.

The Adventure of a Lifetime…

The Marathon des Sables is far more than about running. Sure, you'll see incredible landscapes. You'll experience vast dunes, rocky plateaus and unforgettable desert sunsets.

But the real magic happens between the checkpoints. It's the friendships you’ll build. The shared experiences with people from around the world. The moments when you discover what you're truly capable of.

Years later, most people don't remember their finishing time. They remember the journey. They remember the challenges they overcame. They remember becoming a stronger version of themselves. That's what makes the Marathon des Sables so special.

You see it changes people. It changed me. And that’s why I'm going back for my Twentieth Marathon des Sables.

People often ask me why I keep returning. After nineteen finishes, surely I've seen it all? The answer is simple. The Marathon des Sables keeps on giving. Every edition is different. The route, the weather and the people change, year-on-year.

And I continue to be inspired by the incredible individuals who take on this challenge.

Watching someone who once doubted themselves cross the finish line is every bit as rewarding as finishing the race myself. The event has been a huge part of my life for decades. It’s introduced me to lifelong friends and allowed me to help others achieve goals they once thought impossible.

Returning for my twentieth Marathon des Sables isn't about adding another finish to the list. It's about celebrating a race that has shaped my life and continuing to support the people who are beginning their own desert journey. I mean, not many people have met their lifelong partner at the race, like I have. Or had the pleasure of running the race with one of their children, twice and soon to be third time! And had a daughter be a race Blue-Jacket.

There's something incredibly special about standing on that start line and seeing a Team Coleman runner who once said, ‘I don’t think I can do this. And then watching them prove themselves wrong.

Your journey starts Today…

If you're reading this and wondering whether you should sign up for the Marathon des Sables, let me tell you something. The fear you're feeling is normal. The uncertainty is normal. Your doubts are normal.

What matters is what you do next. The Marathon des Sables isn't reserved for superhuman athletes. It's for ordinary people willing to take on an extraordinary challenge. You don't need all the answers today. You simply need the courage to begin.

Join Team Coleman, and I'll help you with the rest.

Together we'll build your confidence, prepare you properly and guide you every step of the way until you stand on that start line in the Sahara. Let's make your desert dream a reality.

1,242 Marathons - 292 Ultras - 10 GWR - 19 Marathon des Sables - 1 Vision

 

 

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