Linda Donaldson: Why Inspiration Should be in your Training Plan

Linda Donaldson discusses the importance of being motivated and inspired.

I have been asked a lot recently about what motivates me to continue training, to continue taking part in races and challenges, and it really got me thinking. Initially I always undertook a challenge to fundraise for charity, that drive not to let down the friends and families who had pledged money in support of my antics was in itself enough to get me over the finish line. While I still do a lot of fundraising it is less linked to my ongoing fitness challenges, or what motivates me to continue doing it. I suppose I have found that by regularly training and having goals in place, I have a focus that makes me feel more fulfilled in my life, less stressed, and more capable of doing my job well. 

My inspiration comes from all sorts of places; watching my club mate’s achievements, listening to my personal trainers, reading books (and not necessarily those written by professional athletes or world champions) by ordinary people setting out to achieve a goal, which on the face of it may seem mountainous but they achieve regardless. I find that in those people doing extraordinary things it ignites a deep seated desire in me to do something similar. Undoubtedly what inspires one person to do something is a very personal thing, however the will to actually achieve it requires endurance, and endurance is more about a state of mind. If you think you can't you won't, if you believe you can you will. Saying that, it's not all about how far you go, or how fast you go, it's how far you push yourself.

Regular cyclists think nothing of going out for a 50 mile spin, which to some people sounds like a lot, but it's not when you are used to it. Watching endurance athletes and seeing what they put themselves through is eye-opening. Richard Parks (@richardparks) deserves a mention here - a former Welsh international rugby player turned endurance athlete. His achievements are astonishing, more so when you realise the injuries this man has overcome. He’s an immensely inspiring character whose advice "never give up, you will get there in the end" is a great mantra to have.

Two friends of mine that are testament to that mantra are Stuart Doughty (@stuartdoughty) and former rugby player David Barnes (@dmbarnes1). Together they have completed the Marathon Des Sables, and in a few days they will embark on the Grand to Grand Ultra which will see them run 170 miles in 7 days while carrying their kit in temperatures ranging from 35 degrees in the day, to 0 at night at an altitude of 2500m. Last December I joined them for part of a 100 mile non-stop run/walk from Twickenham to Bath. When I joined them they were 62 miles in, Stuart was hobbling quite badly and struggling but still smiling, chatting through the pain and enjoying what he called "a beautiful moonlit walk under the stars." He was completely focused and inspirational all rolled into one.

Accomplishing a feat is easier if you enjoy it; smile, relax, focus positively on your end goal and you will achieve it. So whether you go to the gym, cycle to work, run a marathon or take part in a challenge that will take you right out of your comfort zone, my advice is to make sure that you seek inspiration along the way, absorb the experiences of others, and then just do it!