I am thrilled to share with you all the story of a member of our community, Colin. Colin has been coming to 889 regularly for almost a year. Just last week, we were chatting and I found out a few things about him that blew my mind! Today, he is flying to Egypt to take part in one of the worlds most gruelling endurance races. A 250km unsupported run through the Sahara Desert, over 7 days.
Here is Colin’s story.
Many people have asked me why I have taken on this venture – the Desert Run Challenge , so I sat down and put some serious thought to it. I’ll be honest, some of these challenges I take on knowing it’s the right thing to do, but without really vetting out the reason why. I tend to trust my gut, which I have learned over time, takes into account all my senses. I think many of us can get stuck in our daily routines, moving from week to week, and month to month without looking at the larger picture, our community or things bigger than ourselves. That is the first tenant for me in any of these challenges. To be a part of a team goal, or something bigger than myself. In addition, the exposure it brings, gives us an opportunity to bring awareness to help people less fortunate, raising money for those in need appreciating that we are very fortunate.
Second, these physical, mental, cultural and logistical challenges allow you to stretch your abilities, getting out of your comfort zone and help you to grow as a person. This Desert Run Challenge is going to allow me to lay at the edge of fear, filling my life experience bucket, expanding my skill sets in dealing with adversity. Moreover, adventure challenges gives me the motivation and inspiration to push harder, learning more about myself or as I like to say move to the next version of me, Colin 2.0 or 3.0. Lastly, it’s very rare in life we get to experience something that takes us to the brink of failure, fills our mind with wonder, immersing in a new culture, meeting new friends along the way and providing us a magic moment in time as life progresses.
Third and a new component for me is in building brand. How do we differentiate ourselves in work and life from our friends, colleagues and those we compete against to get ahead in this new century? We are in an age of collaboration. In this race, everyone is there to finish and some to place. However, it’s a community of people with similar goals who will together, raise each other’s standards and support one another through completion. This is why, different from my Kilimanjaro adventure, I have banded together with some friends and acquaintances, to build the bonds of friendship through struggle, supporting each other, persevering on a common objective.
Lastly, that community comes in many forms. With this race I will be with ten friends (some old, most new) in a field of 160 global competitors, who by the end I will have built strong experiential ties. In addition, I am supported in this endeavour by my close circle of friends, my work colleagues and my health community: Naturopath, Chiropractor, Nutritionist, Massage and Athletic Therapist, trainer and my Zen/Spiritual/Life Balance teachers, and Yoga Instructors at 889. I try to get to Yoga once a week throughout the year and when I complete the class I am always at peace with renewed energy. I took the advice of a fellow competitor and alum of these Ultra Marathons when he said “Yoga twice a week, will save you lots of time and money at the chiropractor.” Not only has it improved my flexibility, balance and stabilizer muscle strength, it provides mindful and restorative energy that is otherwise hard to come by in the pace of world we live in. Moreover, it teaches discipline in leaning into what is difficult, (your “Nemesis Postures” as one of my favourite instructors Nicky Poole would say). In the desert, complete focus, balance, flexibility and a calming energy will be invaluable in what will be one of the most challenging adventures in my lifetime.
Colin, we wish you all the best wishes on your incredible journey and look forward to you sharing your stories with us once you are back!
Follow Colin on his blog here
Colin is $86,000 towards his $100,000 goal. Support him here
