Getting out of your Comfort Zone (Part 2)
- runfitfordingbridge
- Apr 12
- 3 min read
After completing the first marathon in the Wadi Rum desert, I faced the prospect of doing it all again the next day. One of the most crucial aspects of any training for anything is the ability to reflect, learn, and adapt. Day one hadn't gone perfectly—I hadn't taken on enough fluids during the run, which was something I absolutely needed to address for day two when conditions would be even more challenging: hotter temperatures, more sandy terrain, and definitely not on fresh legs.
This process of reflection isn't just relevant for runners It's the same approach I encourage in all my clients at Run Fit Fordingbridge—what went well? What didn't go to plan? What can you actually control and improve next time? It's never about dwelling on mistakes but learning from them to move forward.
Community Support in Challenging Moments
At the aid stations positioned at 12km and halfway through the course, I saw incredible resilience from the other participants. People sat hot and sweaty, having their blisters dressed by medics whilst taking on food and drink before getting back on their feet again. The remarkable thing was that every single one of them remained positive, encouraging others even as they dealt with their own discomfort.
This power of community is also something that we foster at Run Fit Fordingbridge. Sharing experiences with your fellow community members provides enormous support, both for you and for them—even when you've only just met.
Embracing the Difficult Moments
When taking on any significant challenge, you have to accept that some points will be difficult—it's no different whether you're running a desert marathon or working toward any goal in life, like establishing healthy eating habits or committing to regular exercise. The key is not to waste energy focusing on the difficulty or fighting against it. Instead, accept it as part of the journey and continue with your plan.
During difficult moments, you often have to dig deep and push hard to find that extra reserve of determination. Whether that's starting the second half of a desert marathon in the heat, or committing to attending class twice a week at the studio when there are so many other demands on your time—it's about making that commitment to yourself and following through.
The Final Push
After the last aid station, things got particularly tough. We faced more soft sand, higher temperatures, and a seemingly endless uphill stretch in the final km’s. But we kept to our plan and chipped away at our milestones. Like any goal, that last part before you reach your finish line can be the most difficult. The end is so close but sometimes feels further away at the same time. It's all about continuing to take those small steps, keeping doing the things that help you make progress, and having faith that you will eventually reach your destination. This mindset applies equally to finishing an ultra-marathon in the desert and to achieving personal fitness goals back home.
Bringing the Desert Lessons Home
Completing two marathons in two days through the Wadi Rum desert reinforced everything I believe in as a coach and share with my clients at Run Fit Fordingbridge:
Proper preparation sets you up for success
Community support makes tough challenges more manageable
Adapting to circumstances rather than fighting them conserves valuable energy
Breaking large goals into smaller milestones makes them achievable
Persistence and believing in yourself will get you to the finish line
Whether you're starting out on your fitness journey, training for your first 5K or pushing yourself through a marathon in extreme conditions, these principles remain the same. We are all capable of far more than we imagine—especially when we prepare well, support each other, and keep moving forward one step at a time.
