Hello , My fellow brave human

Did you know that I’ve run 60 miles since I started training 9 weeks ago?

I’ve been musing on the Nike strapline this week and realise how apt it is for me just now. With the storms at the weekend, and the resulting sleet, snow and ice, I kept looking out of the window looking for excuses not to run. Too much ice, too windy, too dark. 

But in the back of my head was a little voice that kept saying “Just Feckin’ Do It”- and so I listen. And I do it. And I always feel amazing afterwards. 

So it made me think what are the things that are keeping me going. Other than the incredible support, sponsors and accountability, it is also the schedule provided by my “Runna” app. And the sense of achievement after I’ve finished.

I have a training session three days a week. A Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. The app has tailored all of my sessions so that I don’t even have to think about anything - other than just putting on the right attire and showing up.

And I’ve found in recent conversations that scheduling is a big barrier for others when trying to make things happen. What’s key is to develop a simple, manageable routine, and stick to it to develop the muscle memory.

My long runs start from this weekend, 9 miles over the hills is scheduled and then it goes up and up for the next 10 weeks til race day.

I’ve had my check-ups with the GP, who gave me acupuncture and was able to identify my headaches were a muscle and nerve issue rather than anything more insidious - so I have the all-clear for going for it.

So on the brave scales - I’m back to hope 8/10 and fear 5/10 - and that fear is primarily regarding injury at the moment. 

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What 3 words

What 3 words have you chosen for this year? Rather than a New Year’s resolution it is an intention to keep you on track as to the type of year you’d like to have. So mine are Fun, Freedom and Resourcefulness. (Last year’s were Surrender, Play and Growth).

So, what are your words for this year?

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Brave Collective Update

We have two new recruits about to join us and we are also about to change the business model and how TBC works. Given the way the world is going, it is vitally important to me that we have a safe space for people with a common purpose who want change their world for the better.

The Brave Collective is a space to critically think, to share and test ideas with each other. We want it to be affordable for all so the founding members are meeting next week to talk next steps and I will let you know what our next steps will be and what it will look like. And ultimately, how you can join us.

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Brave Conversations

I’m almost ready to release my first episode of Brave Conversations - a series of talks with people who have chosen to be brave and challenge the status quo.

Watch out for “Bringing Louis Home” with Kate Sainsbury whose son Louis has complex needs. It highlights Kate’s relentless efforts to bring him back home from a distant residential care facility, advocating for a more compassionate and individualised care approach. It explores love, devotion, and the challenges of navigating the care system, emphasising the importance of community, bravery and challenging the status quo to improve care for individuals with disabilities.

Coming Soon!

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Myths that prevent us from choosing brave…

With the madness of the world at the moment, fear is probably quite high on people’s emotion scales. I have theory that combatting this myth will help - challenging our assumptions that we are too [old, tired etc.] to change. But I don’t think it has to be like that. 

Read my Myth 4 here to find some practical ways to test your assumption. 

Read here ”Myth 4: I can’t… l’m too [old/tired/stuck] to change now”

Kirsty x

P.s. If you'd like to support Down's Syndrome Scotland or join me on the run on 20th March, here’s the link

P.p.s And if you’d like to join us at The Brave Collective for your own brave journey - we have a space waiting for you.