Brain Damage - The Pink Floyd

I’ve heard many people over the years say they feel ‘lonely’, or they feel ‘alone’. Sure, the feeling of being on one’s own or removed from other people can make you feel very lonely indeed, but I can’t say I’ve ever felt that way myself as I’ve always had my inner self to explore and keep me company. Have you felt like that?

The feeling of isolation might become overwhelming for some, as not everyone’s happy living a hermit-like existence. You see, we’re pack animals by nature and need social interaction for mental stimulation and well-being. Historically where we lived, provided just that, in a community surrounded by family and familiar faces. People were more likely to live where they were born, and that was that for generations.

 

Fast forward to 2025, and however much the internet has opened the horizons to a much wider world to discover from the comfort of a keyboard, the Covid lockdown sent people searching introspectively onto a road of self-discovery, and into a period of inner thought.

 

I mean, you are never alone with your thoughts – that’s how I see it.

 

The beauty here of course, is that you only have yourself to please. One of the joys of running is the time it gives you for thought, or metacognition as I like to refer to it. Whilst running to Lisbon in 2004, I had 43 days on the road for thought and reflection. I can remember just about emptying my brain of all thoughts on that road trip and every year at the Marathon des Sables, I take time out to reconsider life, purpose and direction.

 

Clients often say, ‘What will people think?’ or ‘I’m tired of explaining myself’ – and I say, ‘As long as you are happy with what you are doing, then that’s all that matters.’ The ‘real’ people in your world will support you wherever you want your life to take you – it’s your life, it’s not theirs isn’t it? And if you don’t ask for comment or permission, then you won’t hear the words of doubt you don’t want to hear anyway.

 

And, if you are never sure of where the next turn will take you – take some time out for thought. Take your time and enjoy the thought process as sometimes that’s the best part of the journey.

1,205 Marathons - 285 Ultras - 17 MDS - 9 GWR - Single Minded