Trust the Process: How I beat Long Covid

Last week we launched the film ‘Head Above Water’ by Garth Dew which documented my journey with Long Covid, how open water swimming kept my head above water (literally), and the comeback to the adventures and challenges that define me. I was gratefully reminiscing how these hopeless days were now safely confined to a film…

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Head Above Water – New Film Launch

Very excited to reveal the trailer for ‘Head Above Water’, a brand new film by Garth Dew, brought to you by Ellis Brigham Mountain Sports! The film explores my journey of identity, mental health, adventure and discovering the healing power of open water swimming during Long Covid. It then follows my attempt at a comeback challenge…

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Aconcagua 2023: one mountain too many

Last Saturday 16th December I should have been jetting off to Argentina on a 3-week expedition to climb Aconcagua, the highest peak in South America, at 6,961 metres high. Sadly, I decided to pull out a week before. Quitting goes against all my values and messages as a motivational speaker, but this time a number…

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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…

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The 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…

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Losing 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…

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Embracing 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…

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How 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.…

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Be 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…

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