Stonehenge - Spinal Tap

In the world of Rock 'n' Roll, few phrases are as instantly recognisable as 'These go to eleven,' coined in the 1984 cult classic film 'This is Spinal Tap'. (Stonehenge, is still one of my all-time favourites btw). Anyway, the phrase has become synonymous with pushing past the maximum, and let's face it when things are tough, being able to go one louder certainly helps.

While the scene is played for laughs, it's always struck a chord with me. Turning it up to eleven represents a defiance of convention, a refusal to be limited by the boundaries of what is considered normal or acceptable. 

It's about pushing beyond the ordinary to achieve something extraordinary. I love going to eleven.

But the appeal of turning amps up to eleven goes beyond just the absurdity of the concept. Turning amps up to eleven is about more than just volume – it's about attitude. It's about refusing to be confined by the constraints of the mainstream. It's about embracing the chaos and unpredictability of life. 

In many ways, turning amps up to eleven is a metaphor for living life to the fullest. It's about seizing every opportunity and making the most of every moment. It's about pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo (no pun intended). It's about refusing to settle for mediocrity and instead striving for greatness in everything we do.

So, the next time you need go one louder, remember the spirit of Nigel Tufnel and Spinal Tap. Embrace the madness, defy the odds, and go one louder. Because in the end, it's not just about the sound – it's about the journey, the passion, and the sheer exhilaration of rocking out like there's no tomorrow.

1,184 Marathons - 277 Ultras - 9 GWR - 17 Marathon des Sables - 1 Life - Amps at 11

F.E.A.R - Ian Brown

Forget Everything And Remember.

The BIG question this week as we head towards the 38^th Marathon des Sables (starts a week today btw) is, ‘What are you afraid of?’ Are you afraid of the adventure? Afraid of the heat? Afraid of the blisters? Afraid of the distance? Afraid that you haven’t done enough training? Or just simply AFRAID?

 

Well, I’m not surprised if you are frightened, especially if this is your first venture into multi-stage marathon running. It’s only natural to feel that way about such an undertaking. Even if this isn’t your first rodeo in the sand, it’s only natural to feel afraid about what will happen as the race week unfolds. As I head into my 17^th MDS – I have my own fears to conquer – if I wasn’t afraid, I just wouldn’t be human, would I?

 

You see, ‘fear’ is a primal, evolutionary response ingrained within the human psyche and it serves as a survival mechanism against perceived threats. And boy, this race is certainly threatening. Fear manifests in various forms, from rational fears like the fear of danger or death to irrational fears such as phobias. The flight and the claustrophobia of the sleeping bag are two of the biggest hurdles that I must conquer during my MDS. Some light medication helps minimise those I’ve found that dampen my amygdala.

 

The amygdala, a region in the brain responsible for processing emotions, plays a pivotal role in initiating this response. When confronted with a perceived threat, the amygdala sends signals to the hypothalamus, triggering the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones elevate heart rate, increase blood pressure, and sharpen focus, preparing the individual to confront or evade the threat - just what you don’t need in the heat of the desert. Fear is not solely a physical reaction; it also profoundly influences cognition and behaviour. Chronic fear can impair decision-making and lead to avoidance behaviours, and a state of hyper-paralysis. I’ve witnessed that at the start of the race where one guy didn’t even cross the line to start and once at the top of the jebel when the person wouldn’t run down the sand through his fear of heights.

 

However, the race can cultivate courage and resilience, essential for navigating life's challenges and pursuing personal growth. Courage does not mean the absence of fear but rather the willingness to act in spite of it, embracing uncertainty and vulnerability as opportunities for learning and growth. Building resilience involves developing coping strategies and reframing adversity as an opportunity for resilience-building.

 

Am I afraid of the race? Well, reacting to heat, blisters, dehydration and whatever the race throws my way? I hope I’ll deal with these using previous experience, combined with a level of problem solving and if needed and a dose of common sense - as it’s easy to say that understanding fear is all about delving into its psychological, physiological, and sociological dimensions. 

 

Hmm…

 

In reality it’s about taking a huge dose of ‘Man the f@ck up’ tablets and getting on with it.

 

See you out there in the sand. You’ll survive and enjoy the ride.

1,182 Marathons - 276 Ultras - 16 MDS - 9 GWR - One Life