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

Criticize - Alexander O'Neal

All you do is criticize - O'Neal & Johnson

‘Give me a child until he is seven and I will show you the man.’ Aristotle. Well, that’s the famous quote and I had it quoted to me many times during my own childhood and adult life by my own Mother. And I’m sure now as I head rapidly towards sixty-four years of age, and that she is no longer here, that it was more of a cry of disappointment rather than a celebration of my life’s direction.

 

You see, we can live a lifetime of feeling that we are a disappointment, not good enough and constantly in fear of those that are meant to love us. Maybe some of it can be aligned to the draconian ancestors that nurture their prodigy until they were seven and of those before. My own grandmother was born in 1899 and her grandmother in 1815 so no wonder their Georgian and Victorian ways were projected onto myself growing up in the sixties. A time long forgotten as we know as the world has changed so much even since then.

 

Luckily that fear no longer exists as I am now the eldest member of my own families generation, and even though I can hear the words I heard as a seven-year old child part from my own lips sometimes, towards my own children one of which is six, I try as hard as I can only to enthuse and encourage rather than criticise. Children should live guilt free.

 

And if you’ve had a similar experience all that I can say is to not wait until it’s too late to express how you feel and realise that actually you’ve turned out okay and can live life free from living in fear of constant disappointment and criticism as that sucks - I know.

1,233 Marathons - 290 Ultras - 18 MDS - 10 GWR - 0 Regrets

Enjoy the Silence - Depeche Mode

Just how noisy it can be...

Sometimes it’s good just to sit still and take in the silence. Ask yourself - when was the last time you weren’t caught up I the white noise of a busy life? Probably a long, long time ago, so long ago, you can’t even remember. Like me the stresses of health, wealth and relationships mean that we are constantly spinning to live a life we believe will make us, and those around us happy.

 

But does it? As often we hear ‘all I want is a quiet life’… Hmm, now I don’t think I want a quiet life. I enjoy noise. I’m a noisy person yet - I do enjoy solitude. The ability to decompress in my own space. That’s probably why I enjoy running so much. And it could be the reason why so many people are finding ultramarathons so good for the state of their mental health.

 

Personally, I’d find meditation difficult due to how my mind works but I’ve found I can be mildly dissociative in certain situations, such as during the World’s Deepest Marathon where my senses were challenged by the lack of mental and visual stimulation, meaning I could disconnect from the situation and have the feelings of being somewhere else. Deep in my mind – not the mine!

 

Don’t ask me where that was – it just wasn’t there - it was in the silence of my own thoughts. It might sound a bit strange but if you’ve experienced the same feelings, which can be overwhelming I add, I’d love to know, and in the meantime, try to turn down the volume on your life and enjoy the silence for once.

1,231 Marathons - 290 Ultras - 10 GWR - 18 MDS - 0 dB

One of these days - The Pink Floyd

A fresh month is more than just a date on the calendar, it’s a powerful psychological reset. It’s the perfect opportunity to start afresh, to put the past behind you and step forwards with renewed momentum. Unlike the pressure of a New Year’s resolution, the start of the month feels far more manageable, and brims with promise. It’s a gentle nudge to what you’ll make of the next 30 days or so?

Starting afresh doesn’t mean ignoring yesterday’s mistakes or struggles. It’s best to acknowledge and learn from them and then draw a line in the sand. Maybe last month didn’t go as planned. Your goals slipped; your self-discipline wavered. Well, the offer of a new month means you can start over, guilt-free.

 

Set some simple and specific intentions. Perhaps you’ll drink less alcohol, spend less time scrolling, exercise daily, or finally get that nagging life-task ticked off. Keep it tangible and remember to be kind to yourself. You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight; small, consistent effort develops real, long-lasting changes.

 

Most importantly, embrace the mindset that each month is a blank canvas. Don’t carry forward last month’s failures as baggage. The first of the month is a reminder that time is marching on, and you can march on with it. So, take a deep breath, write down what matters most right now, and step into July full of optimism. 

 

It’s yours to shape, one day at a time.

1,218 Marathons - 289 Ultras - 9 Guinness World Records - 18 Marathon des Sables

Tomorrow Never Knows - The Beatles

Ah it's far too easy to do things tomorrow, and if you are one of life's procrastinators then please read on without delay!

I believe if you say you'll do it tomorrow, well it'll never get done. You are only prolonging the agony of ripping off the sticking plaster. Be it a tricky conversation, doing some much needed DIY or going out for that run/walk/crawl/swim/cycle/gym session - you'll know that IF you do get off your arse and go and do it, it'll make you feel a whole lot better about yourself.

I mean if your car is broken or a delivery is late, I'm sure, like me, you are the first one to pick up the phone and grapple with the person at the other end in playing your 'speedy boarding pass'.

So why aren't you doing this, with yourself?

It's just excuses. A get-out-of-being-active-card, played over and over again. When in reality, you KNOW you are letting yourself go or down, or go and down perhaps.

In this world, my friend, nothing gets done if you don't make it happen.

There's no divine intervention and no lottery ticket prize - it's your world and your world to be disappointed with, unless you make a conscious decision to change it.

Start by getting out of bed - early - super early and use some of the time you say you haven't got to spare. Write down some actions as bullets - (at least three) and put them on the fridge - as that will stop some of the other nonsense you give into too. 

Then see how far you can go, find out where the limits are and enjoy the process. And after a while you'll be someone that dislikes procrastinating and procrastinators just as much as I do.

C'MON - Let's go...

1,205 Marathons - 285 Ultras - 17 MDS - 9 GWR - 1 Direction

Magic Bus - The Who

‘You can’t do your homework on the bus’. It’s one of my stock sayings and if you’ve ever worked with me, you will have probably heard me say it on more than one occasion.

Looking back at my school days and my homework assignments, I did them on the bus or not at all on many occasions. Luckily, I had an elder brother that had already completed the homework brilliantly a few years previously which I could copy to escape the threatened corporal punishment. Funnily enough though, his marks were always higher than mine.

Anyway, luckily learning is a far kinder process nowadays and on googling ‘preparation points’, the following bullet points appeared. In my case points one to three were often ignored. I certainly didn’t understand point four and overlooked five, six and seven, putting most of my energy into the eighth praying that everything would turn out right on the day.

Make a realistic revision schedule

Find a revision style that suits you

Customise your notes to make them more personal

Make sure you understand everything

Look at past exam papers

Take regular short breaks

Reward yourself

Do something physical.

No wonder I failed miserably - Maths, Science, Languages and Literature became a lost cause to me. Yet forty-four years on, I use these lessons every day, so my education can’t have been all that bad. I just lacked the right preparation. Trying to blindly achieve when you are battling in the darkness, as I did with my education, is a sure way to fail - especially if the process doesn’t match your ambition, ability or in my case, one’s way of learning.

Come 2025 and I’m in a different situation and have a different understanding of the world gained from varied life-experiences and years of ‘Autodidacticism’. A great word, meaning the process or practice of learning a subject without a teacher or formal education. Autodidacticism – it’s me all over!

With this in mind, I’ve converted the revision planning timetable above to fit how I see things today and I’ll explain the reasoning behind each point.

Make a 12-week training plan

Make sure it suits your ability

Make your training very personal

Understand everything

Read some reviews

Take regular rest days

Get regular massage

Find an adventure.

Make a 12-week training plan.

No plan means no direction – it’s simple. It’s like setting off on a journey without a map, blindly hoping you’ll find the right destination. I like to know what I am doing, and when I’m going to be doing it. I like to know where I am in my 12-week macrocycle and mark my progress. I choose 12-weeks for my macrocycles as I’ve found it provides a suitable period for focus. Keeping my focus and momentum for any longer proves difficult for my attention span, however, signposting and knowing future events are planned into my year means I can plan life around them and give myself a fresh plan, 12-weeks out from the next adventure.

ATM I have MDS in April and ULTRA-X in October so I’m training hard for Morocco with Jordan in mind.

Make sure it suits your ability.

I’ve lost count of the times I’ve been asked if I’ve ever done an Ironman. I once considered entering one but my inability to front crawl more than fifteen metres limited any thoughts of swimming the further 3,785 metres to keep me from drowning.

Anyway, I found running suited my needs completely, both physically and mentally so I didn’t really need or have the time to swim and bike. Early on I discovered that the more miles of long-slow distance I did, the easier and faster I could complete in races – a real win-win as I loved the feeling of freedom that running gives..

Make your training very personal.

Seeing the days planned out in advance really helped and if printed out and displayed clearly at home it broadcasts one’s workouts to those we cherish. It negotiates normal life-events such as work, family celebrations and holidays quite nicely. It makes training very personal and acceptable to those around you.

Downloading a universal training plan doesn’t allow for the nuances of life and its everyday hurdles. And writing a plan is actually a very exciting thing to do as you plan your future. I find and as the days click by, being able to adjust and edit really helps, especially if things are going better than expected.

Understand everything.

This is where I went wrong at school, all those years ago, as I didn’t understand anything, let along everything. Life was a bit of a magic-eye picture where there were only flashes of moments when I could understand what everyone else could clearly see. It became years of head scratching and apathy as I drifted along blagging my way through the educational maze unaided.

However, in the early days of my marathon and ultra-marathon career and I worked tirelessly to find out everything I could about the terrain, the distance, and the highlights of any mega-distance challenge I considered. Having a framework really helped me to shape the rest of the race around a series of landmarks that I would tick off as the miles unfolded.

Read some reviews.

I always say it’s best to ask someone else who’s ‘paid the price both physically and mentally for what you are trying to achieve’, rather than view blogs and YouTube as generally I’ve found that there’s a subliminal message behind them that adds a level of drama for effect, that some folk get frightened by.

You’re not buying a toaster here. Where there are hundreds of online reviews to consider written by people with far too much time, praising or bemoaning the ability of a simple machine to burn bread. This is real life. Life and death in some cases.

This is about gathering sensible feedback, knowledge, and insight into the task in hand. I can remember ‘learning’ I all could about the Grand Union Canal before I even ran a step on its 145-mile 706-yard towpath. It made the race unfold perfectly I ran along, reaching highlight after highlight, all the way to the finish line.

Take regular rest days.

At the height of my running, (a weekly 100 miles and never less for many years), I still took one day a week to rest completely. It gave me the opportunity not only to rest my tired-out body but time to catch up on some well-earned sleep.

Over the years, and even though my weekly mileage is far more conservative these days, I still have at least one if not two days of complete rest from pounding the streets – it’s possibly why in nearly thirty years I’ve never suffered from any major injuries. And if I’ve ever felt them heading my way, I’ve stopped running completely until I felt totally repaired. A week off now could save a month off later.

Get regular massage.

Finding the right expert to manage your skeletal as well as muscular aches and pains is the same as needing a good mechanic to look after your car. Running blindly on, ignoring injuries on a poor diet in clapped out trainers is like running your car ignoring the oil warning light, with dirty fuel on bald tyres. It’s something you simply wouldn’t do to your car yet do to yourself.

Your own MOT encompasses everything about you. Shopping around to find the right person is the key to success - they are few and far between you’ll find so take your time and enjoy the process of looking after looking after yourself.

After all, it’s a reward for all your hard work and much better for you than beer and cake.

Find an adventure.

I’m good on adventure. I’ve had plenty of them too. I found that after running a few big-city marathons and improving my personal bests, that races weren’t enough for me. Firstly, they didn’t last long enough as my time out from the real world became less and less as my times got faster and I found I was limited by other people’s idea of what a race should be.

So, I searched for events that would not only last longer but would also test my inner limits of endurance. The Marathon des Sables hit my radar some five years and 158 marathons into my running career. It really ‘floated my boat’ as they say. And of course, I immediately immersed myself in the race and found someone that had actually run the race (rare in those pre-internet days) listened to their experience and preparation and honed my training accordingly.

Nowadays, there are hundreds of adventures to choose from to go and experience and to go achieve. I mean what’s life without adventure? Testing yourself and finding out what you are really made of, there’s nothing better IMHO.

So, here’s the big question. How’s your life-preparation going? And when is your bus leaving or has it already left?

I’d love to know.

1,205 Marathons - 285 Ultras - 17 MDS - 9 GWR - 1 Life 

Stop - Spice Girls

The Eight Stages of Addiction Escape…

Addiction is always a hot topic this time of year, and escape from its claws can be a lifelong trial for some. Being somewhat of an addict myself, I didn’t actually know that these stages really existed. I just did what most folk do when they are in ‘Addiction Hell’ - namely pack up, mess up and then try again.

Now, I’ve seen some very promising and talented individuals end up becoming all consumed by their dependence on a spectrum of booze, drugs and behavioural traits. Even the acknowledgement of their situation can be too much to take on board, which takes me nicely onto stage one.

1.     Denial

We all know folk that are in ‘Denial’. Yes, acquaintances that have no idea that they are out of control or endangering themselves and the lives of others. Their once-a-month occasional-blow-out, has spiralled into a daily need. It’s a process that happens all to quickly and It’s amazing that ‘a-once-in-every-28-days-kinda-thing’ can become an all-consuming ‘28-in-28’ necessity. I’ve been there myself, fingers in my ears, blocking out the observations of my nearest and dearest as I continued my self-destructive behaviour. Put simply, some folk are quite happily killing themselves.

2.     Acknowledgment

Becoming aware of an Addiction takes time. It feels like the Addiction has slowly crept up on you - kinda when you weren’t looking. The glass of wine after work to unwind has become two, three, a bottle - two bottles, every day. Every morning has become a bit of a battle to get out of bed and the first few fuzzy hours are hastily coffee-filled as the day finally clears around lunchtime to start the whole process again. When I speak to daily one-bottlers about seeing three and four bottlers, I always find it amusing when they say, ‘I’m not that bad’, but they are - they just haven’t ‘acknowledged’ their precarious position, as yet.

3.     Not Today

When they have, well that’s when the ‘Dithering’ starts. Do you know an ‘Addiction Ditherer’? Yes they’ve ‘fessed up. Come clean. Acknowledged their situation but are really nowhere nearer sorting it out. This stage can last the longest and I’m sure we all know serial cigarette smokers for instance that say ‘I’d love to give up’ yet really you know they never will as they love smoking too much or feel like they’ve smoked for so long that there wouldn’t be any health benefits to be gained. How wrong they are and at £20 a packet - how much poorer they are too. I remember being at stage three for some time before plucking up the courage to attack Stage Four as that, takes balls.

4.     Next Week

Yes, pick YOUR day, the day that can change your life forever. I remember mine most clearly - the 5th January 1994. It took a huge amount of strength and personal realisation that I needed to change. Realising my ‘Self-failure’ and ‘Weakness of Character’ was a bitter pill to swallow. Admitting to myself was one thing, admitting it to someone else - well that was another matter, so I spent a fair bit of time in the ‘Next Week’ stage as there’s nothing more frightening than standing on the edge of a new future minus your best friend - Addiction.

5.     Action

But then you take a deep breath and jump, it’s exhilarating. It’s fun to be free. Full of Adrenalin and positive thoughts. Well for a few days anyway, until the cracks start to appear and the hunger pangs of addiction start eating away like worms into your brain - consuming your inner resolve and goodwill. And don’t get me wrong, some folk grab freedom at the first opportunity. One short, sharp shock being all that’s needed to reverse the addiction tailspin in a single dose. If only it happened like that for everyone.

6.     Failure

On average, it takes four times through the ‘Action-Failure-Cycle’ - an average. The ‘F’ word of Addiction is so condemning. For those looking for eternal abstention we’ll say from booze - the day count is there as an incentive as well as a final condemnation of defeat as the clock resets to zero and the whole process starts over. Food Addiction? Well, that’s more of a ‘Grey Area’ as even the mighty weightloss success stories I’ve helped to create will admit to a few sins along the way. Some folk take failure as a given when setting out on achieving their goal - I’ve always been mindful that any hint of failure must be put out of mind for success to happen and the ‘F’ word to happily ‘F-off’.

7.     Action

And back it’s back to Stage Five, well Stage three really if you really need a run up to tackle your obsession once again. I get the ‘Learning from Failure’ analogy and as a nation we love someone winning against the odds - succeeding after a making a complete balls-up the first time round. Only too often, this becomes the norm and folk become Yo-Yo Slimmers, Drinkers and worst of all Negative-Thinkers. My advice is always to look ahead with a blue-sky attitude - where the possibilities of life far outweigh the Kryptonite that’s attacking your inner resolve. Only thinking about successfully completing the next 24hrs in your quest to become the ‘Real’ you. The one that isn’t distracted, behaviour obsessed - one that feels calm and liberated.

8.     Termination

And when you are free, you’ll look back and wonder why you ever got so addicted in the first place. Why Booze, Drugs or Food became such an emotional crutch and such a problem. You might not even know you are a ‘Terminator’ - I didn’t. I set off on my journey just seeing if I could complete just one day, then a month and then a year. My obsession to do something has become an obsession not to do the same thing. A positive outcome from a dark time that’s now hidden in the vaults right at the back of my mind that’s now covered in a layer of positivity and achievements. It masks any notion of a Stage Six Failure and continues to encourage me to help those who find themselves in a similar predicament.

So, let the battle begin. Addiction or Compulsive Behaviour of any kind eats away at the soul. Each morning, we get up with the best of intentions accidents happen, things go wrong, don’t go to plan or we plainly have a shitty day. Staying strong in these moments, well that’s the key to success as it’s easier to live life clean when things are going well.

And if any of the above rings true, well it’s time for a change. Time to be free of the ‘Burden of Addiction’ and time to be AWESOME - Come and join me and let me help YOU to a better life - Amen.

1,204 Marathons - 284 Marathons - 17 Marathon des Sables - 9 GWR

Adventure - Television

Ain't that nothin'

Adventure is a concept that has captivated the human spirit for centuries. It calls the brave and the curious, urging them to step outside their comfort zones and embrace the unknown. And whether it’s a physical journey, an intellectual pursuit, or a personal transformation, adventure delivers the desire to explore, get challenged, and discover new horizons. It’s a dynamic force that has shaped history, culture, and individual lives. It continues to inspire countless people to push their boundaries, take risks, and redefine what’s possible. Adventure is life defined.

Adventure’s about embracing uncertainty. It’s the act of stepping into a situation where outcomes are not guaranteed, where risks are left behind. This uncertainty is what makes adventure so compelling, as it offers the possibility of both danger as well as discovery. It forces individuals to confront their fears and test their inner limits.

 

In its many forms, adventure often involves elements of excitement, exploration, and exhaustion. It could come from climbing a mountain or conquering a desert. The thing that unites all forms of adventure is the willingness to embark on a journey where the end is not predetermined, and where the process itself holds as much value as the destination. Read some of my other blogs for the my thoughts about ‘the journey’.

 

Historically, adventure has been at the heart of many of humanity’s greatest achievements. 

 

The age of exploration, for example, saw adventurers like Christopher Columbus, Marco Polo, and Sir Francis Drake charti new territories and expand the boundaries of the known world. These explorers, driven by curiosity and the desire to discover new lands and riches, encountered immense challenges, from treacherous seas to hostile encounters with natives. Their adventures, however, paved the way for the exchange of cultures, ideas, and goods that would shape the course of history.

 

Similarly, the spirit of adventure is deeply embedded in the history of human civilization. The exploration of the North and South Poles, the ascent of Mount Everest, and even the recent missions to Mars are all manifestations of humanity’s unyielding drive to test the limits of what’s possible.

 

Adventure is not just an external pursuit; it is also a psychological experience. The act of embarking on an adventure forces folk to confront their fears, uncertainties, and limitations. It requires a willingness to embrace discomfort. For some, this can be exhilarating, as it taps into deep-seated desires for novelty, excitement, and the thrill of the unexpected. 

 

Psychologists have long studied the human desire for adventure and risk-taking. One theory, known as the ‘sensation-seeking hypothesis’, dictates that some individuals are biologically predisposed to seek out novel and intense experiences. This drive for stimulation can manifest in a variety of ways, from seeking physical thrills like skydiving to exploring new ideas and ways of thinking. Adventure, in this context, is a means of satisfying a deeper psychological need for variety and excitement. The thrill of the chase perhaps.

 

Moreover, adventure offers the opportunity for self-discovery. When faced with challenges or adversity, folk often learn more about their own strengths and weaknesses. They gain a sense of self-reliance, resilience, and confidence as they overcome obstacles and adapt to new situations. 

 

In today’s world, adventure may seem more accessible than ever, thanks to advancements in technology, transportation, and communication. Yet, the nature of adventure has changed in many ways. The physical frontiers of exploration may have shrunk, but the realms of intellectual, creative, and virtual adventure have expanded. With the internet and global travel, it is now possible to embark on adventures that span the globe or delve into new dimensions of knowledge without ever leaving one’s home.

 

One significant aspect of modern adventure is the rise of experiential travel. Many people now seek out ‘adventures’ that involve more than just sightseeing - they are looking for immersive, transformative experiences that challenge their perceptions and expand their understanding of the world. 

 

Similarly, adventure is increasingly being embraced in the context of personal development. More people are exploring the concept of ‘adventure in everyday life,’ seeking to cultivate a mindset of curiosity and exploration in their daily routines. This might involve trying new hobbies, engaging in unfamiliar social situations, or tackling personal fears. For some, adventure becomes a way of breaking free from the monotony of routine and embracing the excitement of the unknown, even in the most mundane of settings.

 

While adventure is often associated with positive outcomes - discovery, growth, and excitement - it is also important to recognise the risks involved. Many great adventurers have paid a heavy price for their pursuits, whether it’s physical injury, emotional trauma, or even death. The dangers of adventure are part of what makes it so compelling, as it forces individuals to take risks and make choices that can have significant consequences.

 

As individuals we are continuously drawn to the spirit of adventure because it embodies our deepest desires to transcend the ordinary, to face challenges, and to embrace the possibilities that life has to offer. In this sense, the call of adventure is timeless - it beckons us forwards, urging us to venture beyond what we know, and to explore the boundless frontiers of the world and of ourselves.

 

How’s your sense of adventure looking?

1,203 Marathons - 284 Ultras - 17 MDS - 9 GWR - 1 Life

Photograph - Def Leppard

A day in July 1970...

Most of my blogs are about running however, I wanted to share a moment that happened to me the other day. Now, as you know I live in Cardiff, but I grew up in Stratford-upon-Avon and lived there for some 37 years and have very many fond memories and am still in touch with many old school-mates and friends.

 

Feeling nostalgic, I joined the, ‘Stratford-upon-Avon Now and Then’ Facebook Group’ where folk post old photos of the town, people comment mostly on how much it was better in the ‘old days’.

 

Anyway, the above pretty innocuous photo of the Railway Station was added with the caption ‘Lots of people mingling for a railway special at Stratford. Now, I don’t know what made me look closely at the picture, my inquisitive nature or that it felt kinda familiar BUT when I looked at the bottom right corner, I saw myself at 8 years of age, next to my Grandad with my elder brother next to him.

 

A cold shiver down the spine moment. You see, the photo shows a moment in time, of a day I’d forgotten. A day in July 1970, spent with my Grandad seeing the Castle Class 7209 Clun Castle (which he fired) come into the station and for him to excitedly take his Grandchildren on the footplate and relive some of his memories too.

 

It got me thinking about the memories we make, and then simply forget. If we had an iPhone back in 1970, no doubt we’d have documented the day and would have photos and videos of the whole experience rather than this one random photo.

However, memories are made in the soul as well as in the mind perhaps and I’m endeavouring to hang on to as many as I can, so when I’m much older I can replay the memory in my mind just as I have with this one brief snapshot.

1,197 Marathons - 281 Ultras - 17 MDS - 9 GWR - A Life FULL of Memories

 

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