Hello ,

Last week I wrote about my Theory of Brave. And what better way to test a theory than to put yourself squarely in the firing line?

Last week I signed up to do a marathon stretch of Run Across UK in aid of Down’s Syndrome Scotland in March. My stretch is from Yetholm to Byrness across the Cheviots on the Pennine Way.

I jumped on this opportunity because:

• I’m 51 years old, and feeling it
• Wine and roll-ups are my weak spot
• I’m tired of being tired all the time
• I need something to work towards that isn’t just work
• And I need a step change in my life

Quite frankly, I’m terrified. For some this is a walk in the park.

For me this is Everest.

My theory? Choosing to be brave is the hardest type of brave - because unlike knee-jerk brave or reluctant brave, you can back out at any moment.

It's a constant dance between hope and fear, possibility and loss.

So let me show you what this dance actually looks like in practice:

My biggest fears in running across part of the Pennine Way in March are:

• I might give up (particularly if I listen to the voice in my head that says I can’t do it)
• If I give up, I’m likely to just continuing to become substantially more unhealthy as time goes on, and be stuck in a rut
• I might get lost up there in the Pennines - there aren’t many landmarks
• I’m too old. 

However, my biggest hopes are:

• I kickstart a new regime of fitness in my life
• I will feel amazing! I will have achieved something that I’ve never believed I could
• I don’t become one of those who says ‘I nearly did that once…but didn’t’

The biggest loss is:

• My ability to party, having a good time (and I know this is false, but it feels real)

The biggest possibilities are:

• Well - these are endless - if I have proved to myself I can do this, where could it take me next?
• My mental state and perseverance can only do me good in business as well as personally 
• Charting this journey, I can properly test my theory of brave - and then what?

I’m telling you all this because one of the things I’ve learned most about choosing brave is that once you’ve taken your first step you need regular accountability, as well as a reminder of what your hopes and possibilities are for when you are at the point of giving up.

And I’m sure I will be tempted to give up once the snow starts and I have to up the miles I’m running in training. 

Also, because I need community, to not to do this in isolation. So I’ve brought you along for the journey. I have two running mates so far, Anna and Katya. So, this is also an invitation to anyone else who would like to join me.  

Over the next little while I’ll update you on progress and also what my reflections are in this dance in my theory of brave. 

I'd love to hear: what's your 'Marathon'?

What's that thing you know you should do, but fear is keeping you dancing on the spot? Sometimes naming it is the first brave step.

As ever, here’s to your brilliance

Kirsty x

P.S. If you'd like to support Down's Syndrome Scotland or join me on the run, drop me a message.