Posts by Alex
Feeling overwhelmed? You’re not alone.
Last month I was grabbing lunch at Pret in London Euston before a speaking gig, when the inevitable suddenly hit me. It was coming faster than the overpriced cinnamon syrup in my latte. … Christmas music. Yes, it’s that time of the year again. A joyous time of celebration, rest and recovery. And a time…
Read MoreThe Benefits of Being a Beginner
Nobody wants to look like a beginner. In a world of experts, there’s something scary and vulnerable about making ourselves appear foolish or asking an obvious question. Once we leave education, we tend to focus on getting better at the things we’re already good at and leave our naïve optimism behind. Fear of failure or…
Read MoreLosing My Religion: How to Re-define Yourself
Most of us define ourselves by something. Whether that’s our job, family, hometown, or sport. Being in a box feels significant. It’s a human need to belong and fit in. For at least 14 years and more than half of my life, I’ve been defined by the outdoors and endurance challenges. Running in particular is…
Read MoreEmbracing the Storms: How to take advantage of life challenges
After what felt like storm #306 in the last month alone, many of us probably started to ask: “what next?” The First World problems of rubbish weather, my email server going down and a delayed train were suddenly paled into insignificance when I checked BBC News and heard of the Ukraine invasion last week. Right…
Read MoreHow to Stay Committed to Your Goals
Try not! Do… or do not. There is no try” – Yoda You’re probably wondering where this is going… but with me, you must bear. Many of us set ourselves New Year resolutions. Maybe it was cutting out sugar, to stop wasting time on social media, or spend more time being present with the family.…
Read MoreBe Bold, Start Cold: Tips for Staying Motivated through Winter
The clocks going back can feel like an ode farewell to those long, midsummer nights of feeling like you could run forever, and send us reaching for the long sleeves faster than you can say ‘pumpkin spiced’. The fact it happens every year offers little consolation. Some people will find it easier than others, whilst…
Read MoreRunning on Empty: a race against post-pandemic burnout
Petrol stations across the UK have been running dry. But are we running low on fuel too? In the last month I’ve completed two ultra-running challenges: the Bob Graham Round – the classic fell-running challenge to run 42 fells in the Lake District over 66 miles and 26,000ft of ascent within 24 hours. Everest is…
Read MoreImpostor Syndrome: the challenge of being good enough
‘Impostor syndrome’ refers to feelings of doubting our ability, not being worthy of one’s achievements and the fear of being exposed as a fraud. This inherent failure to internalise success and accomplishments, shrugging them off towards luck or someone else’s credit, often stems from our childhood and is disproportionately common amongst high achievers in sport…
Read MoreTrusting the Process: 42 peaks in 24 hours
‘Trusting the process’ first rose to fame within the NBA Philadelphia 76ers basketball team and their manager Sam Hinkie, who used three years of intentional failure to rebuild the team. But what is the process? Generally, it means letting go and having faith that things will eventually work out in their own time. Whether that’s…
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