We're just normal men
Doing amazing things
I’ve always been fascinated by seeing ordinary people doing extraordinary things, especially when there’s a story behind their feats. Even in my own rudimentary experiences as an amateur runner, I pull motivation from the knowledge that there are other humans facing great challenges - and overcoming them - every single day.
Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t a “people are worse off than you” rhetoric; I absolutely disagree with the idea that we can negate our own struggles by comparing our lives to those in other places around the world.
Rather, what I am trying to say here is that knowing that a small number of people wake up every day and strive to achieve something absolutely superhuman gives me the perspective I need to run that extra mile, or lift that final set in the gym.
I don’t want to err on the side of inspiration porn here. You know as well I do that simply isn’t my jam. I am here for realism with a sprinkle of hope.
What got me thinking about reaching, and surpassing, our limits was the story of Russ Cook, also known as Hardest Geezer. Russ is a pretty average British lad, doing extraordinary things. In fact, as you read this, Russ is just over halfway through his mission of becoming the first man to run the entire length of Africa. Over 200 days ago, Russ started at the continent’s southernmost point and hopes to reach the Tunisian beaches for a cocktail with his girlfriend in early 2024. He’s got over 8,300km under his belt, with over 8,200km to go.
It’s not my usual style to dedicate a whole newsletter to one person’s achievements, but I have been really taken with Russ’s efforts. Not least because he’s so normal, the lad does not immediately come across as an ultramarathon runner - he really is a geezer. In fact, he didn’t run his first half marathon until he was 21. Ditching gambling and drinking, Russ set his sights on some bigger challenges, including running 71 marathons in just 66 days from Asia to London.
And now, Russ is raising money for The Running Charity, an organisation that “harnesses the power of running & fitness to support young people who are experiencing homelessness.”
What amazes me is not only the sheer physical burden of this challenge, but also the daily struggles facing Russ and the team as they navigate some of the most intense climates, unwieldy terrain and dangerous cities. The mission itself has been brought into question several times, as they’ve faced kidnapping, robbery, travel issues and, perhaps most significantly this week, Russ’s own health battle.
You might be sick of me going on about running, but the thing is… I can’t. Running, to me, is a core part of the human experience; it’s a basic instinct that our ancestors needed to survive. Now we don colourful vests and run from A to B to raise money for charity, or even just to get fit. Running clears my head, helps me rationalise worries, and brings my attention back to my body. It’s meditative.
As someone who consistently came last in PE cross country, it’s still crazy to me that running has become an integral part of my self-care routine. Following my second Great North Run in September, I’ve faced a few health issues as a result of training too hard post-partum and while this has sucked, what’s sucked more is that I have had to pare back my running routine and slow down.
Not one to turn my nose up at a challenge, I’ve returned to the gym to incorporate strength training into my running routine so I can enter 2024 race season in the best possible shape.
And, while I don’t intend to run the length of Africa any time soon, I do take inspiration from Russ and all the other ultramarathon runners I see on Strava daily. Next year, I hope to complete my usual Great North Run, plus my first attempt at the Edinburgh Half Marathon.
Perhaps, this issue of Conversations By The Sea has inspired you to check out your local Parkrun or even just have a Jeff around the block. Whatever you decide to do, remember that Russ is probably racking up those 1s and 2s on the African tarmac and, quite frankly, that’s one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen.
Just a quick one from me to say thank you so much for all of the kind words on last week’s newsletter, which was a vulnerable insight into the daily struggles of living with adult ADHD written by my husband, Craig. It looks like the ADHD medication shortage is set to continue for another few months, so he continues to take every day in his stride and make the best out of this absolutely shit situation.
Last weekend, I went to TedXNewcastle at The Glasshouse (previously Sage Gateshead) for a day packed full of inspiring and insightful talks. While the day itself was a logistical nightmare (the realities of having a baby and two dogs), I really appreciated having this opportunity to open my mind to new topics and ideas.
That’s all from me this week, see you next week for more discussions on mental health for the chronically online.
Ellen x
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Love this, Ellen.
The name alone, "Hardest Geezer" makes me want to check this fella out. Running is big for me too, for all the same reasons as you. I find stuff like this proper inspiring. Not to copy them, but just their love of running. It's infectious when it's people you can relate to.
I've not been able to run for most of this year because of a knee injury from overdoing it, so I feel you on that.
But thanks an absolute legend of a physio, a few weeks ago I managed to run 1km on the treadmill. Now I'm back up to 3km on the road - taking it slow, being kind to the knee, but getting back out there. It feels fucking amazing.
I need to make strength training a habit too. It's not something you think about at first, is it? But it's massive for preventing silly injuries.
Cheers for a top read.