I write this week’s column from Santiago de Compostela in northern Spain, having just finished another one of my Camino walking trips. One hundred and fifteen kilometres over five days. Uphill, downhill, open road, covered forests and everything in between, the Camino has it all. I am sitting here pretty emotional, I won’t lie.
To watch what started as 100 strangers taking on the unknown and finish as 100 comrades, after tackling something they never thought they could, I am filled with emotion. They worked together, encouraging, cheering, helping and becoming an incredibly powerful force of nature. Together, they conquered the challenging Camino trails before finishing in the incredible cathedral square in Santiago de Compostela.
Why am I emotional? Well, it is the power of people. It is because of what a group can achieve together. I have taken over 300 people on three different Camino trips, and every time I bawl my eyes out crying, watching what they can do. With a little push from me, some encouragement and belief, the groups flourish over the course of the five days. By surrounding themselves with like-minded individuals who want to take on this challenge too, even though they are scared, they do just that; they conquer the challenge.
Stand taller
Every single trip proves to me the power of the group and the people you surround yourself with. By surrounding yourself with the right people, you will be amazed at what can happen. Seemingly insurmountable tasks become doable; you get it done. This, in turn, improves your self-belief, your sense of self, your sense of pride and your confidence.
As a person, you stand taller, prouder and happier. It is something I have not only seen in my Camino groups; my friends do this for me too, and I hope I do it for them. They make me a better person. A better athlete. They help me reach for things I never thought I could do.
My wife does too. Jean never tells me that I can’t do some event or swim when I contemplate it. She backs me all the way, and I do the very same for her. We try to help each other flourish, even though that can come with its own challenges too.
This week’s column is very much about that: the power of those around you and the power they have to help you be well, be epic, be the best version of yourself that you can be. They say that if you want to be an eagle, then fly with the eagles. When I want to get better at something, I train with those who are better than me. I immerse myself in their company, the WhatsApp chats and the banter, all to learn and to try to make myself a little better.
Look around
This doesn’t just apply to sports. It applies to every aspect of your life. The network you surround yourself with will have such a huge impact on the person you want to be. I always use the drinking-culture analogy with groups. If your friends spend all weekend in the pub, where will you spend all weekend? If your friends hillwalk at the weekend, that is where you will be.
Now, I am not suggesting you drop all your friends, but take a look around and see whether you are creating the best version of yourself and how you might be able to change that a little by being part of a different group or activity group.
Find those eagles and fly.
Next week: It is time to bring you my favourite core exercises and lots more.
