Corinne Ellison

I started 2012 with my eye very much on the big goal. As soon as the clock struck 12, I was on a mission to ensure I did everything possible to improve my chances making it. With a pretty rubbish month of training in December due to a lingering back injury, I was raring to go in the new year. Every so often, the enormity of the task that is Ironman dawned on me, usually when I had a less-than-ideal training session!

Like so many others making new year’s resolutions in January, I committed to a healthier lifestyle and a few tweaks here and there. I feel fortunate to to not have a lack of motivation to exercise, even in the middle of winter. It appears that I never struggle to get out of the door! I can only attribute this to one thing – my overwhelming desire to achieve my goal!

Looking back a few years, I’ve had my ups and downs when it comes to motivation. At university I was certainly more interesting in going out than going for a run. From around that age though, my family history of heart disease really did scare me. This fear of ending up with the same fate seemed to serve a purpose when it came to exercise. I wrote my nursing dissertation on the impact of having cardiac rehabilitation in community – ironic that I ended going through that myself aged 27!

More recently, my lovely 84 year old grandfather was taken into hospital with heart problems. Being faced with losing another loved person and watching all the intensive care that was required to get him back to health made me appreciate how precious both life and health is. My fighting instinct kicked in (not violence of course!) and I tried to do all I could to ensure my grandfather got the best care possible. I strongly believe in fighting for both health and life and in these circumstances, a positive outlook on life often directly results physical recovery.

Since my own dice with death, as it were, goals become prioritised, higher aimed even. The ‘do it tomorrow’ attitude now seems pitiful to me. Through recent events and previous experience, I have been inspired to do more, achieve more and encourage others to do the same.

So whilst injuries, the weather and other life commitments can try to get in the way of achieving your goals, remember to stay in control. I find it useful to regularly reflect on why I want to do Ironman, and as you can see, the list is endless!

So then new year has finally arrived – for me, 2011 signals the continuation on a journey to the ultimate physical and mental challenge of an Ironman. Reminiscing about 2010 today has made me realise the strength I gained from a trying year inspite of the obstacle of being diagnosed with a heart condition. The experience has made me even more grateful for the ability to exercise and the excitement of entering races to push my physical boundaries.

I started 2010 bursting with enthusiasm for exercise and had entered many races; running and triathlon. I was enjoying being part of the local triathlon club, had huge plans for new business and generally felt great…apart from a few nagging symptoms. I had been to see my doctor on new year’s eve as something told me that was a serious condition underlying. Lucky that I did as 2 weeks later, I was diagnosed with a hole in the heart. On new year’s day 2011, I sat discussing that year that has passed and tried to pinpoint the positive parts that stood out. I identified moving house, employing a first member of staff, enjoying having family over in the summer, signing up to a coaching course. I was a little sad to not have achieved the sporting and business aims I had set out in January 2010.

Aims from last year are now being carried over to 2011, with an added few, including a half Ironman in September. My journey to Ironman is not only following heart surgery but  also as a novice triathlete. I had just a year of training in the 3 disciplines before doctors told me to stop all exercise. This was a frustrating time, leaving me feeling helpless. My focus on the future kept me going, as it does now. When I lack the motivation to run, bike or swim, I imagine myself back in the hospital speaking to the consultant who told me my heart was failing. The previous day I had run 16 miles!

Speaking of heart failure, my grandfather has recently been diagnosed with this condition after a history of angina, heart attacks and coronary artery bypasses. We share stories of scans and consultant visits , laughing about the similarities. Coronary heart disease is all around and this makes me passionate about spreading the message about the importance of a healthy lifestyle. The cardiac history in my family has always been a concern to me, and maybe was one of the reasons I started running regularly. When studying to be a nurse, I chose to write  my dissertation on cardiac rehabilitation and found it amusing that I ended up attending these classes myself, age 27!

Now that 2011 is here, the long term goal of an Ironman in 2012 feels that much closer. I just can’t wait!!

Happy New Year!

Two and a bit weeks since my last post, my excuse? Life, work, stress… all reasons that prevent us from taking action towards important goals. I guess I have felt overwhelmed with urgent tasks involved with my business which resulted in November being largely unsuccessful. Yes I have earnt money, run a few times, been to the gym, seen a friend, written an article…. Ok, maybe unsuccessful is an unfair assessment. Urgent tasks persuade us away from the difficult jobs, such as finding time to write blogs, speak to that person or work towards a short term goal.

My lack of a November goal has had a huge impact on my exercise. I have lacked motivation to get out running regularly. My knees have started complaining when I did go out and I am seeing a chiropractor to get the aches nipped in the bud.

Business is so busy, I am working at least 12 hours a day when in the office and around 16 hour days when out at events (3 times a week). I am now very behind in my ‘to do’ list!

All in all, I just can’t wait until Christmas when I can stop and take stock. A recent email from a correspondent in the US made me stop my complaining and consider all that has gone well recently. Thanksgiving in America sounds a great idea to me. In the UK, we love to moan about the weather, the economy, the recession and anything else that depresses us. The power of gratitude is overwhelming. Comparing my life to others less fortunate, less healthy, really helped me gain perspective on my perceived problems.

Already, I am finding excuses about committing to a December goal. I am tempted to fall into the common trap of delaying action, until next month ‘when things have settled down’ or ‘when I am more financially stable’. Learning from November, I refuse to go goal-less again.

My December goals will be:

To complete my first module of reading for my coaching course

To get to the gym for core / strength training at least once a week

Complete a turbo trainer session at least once a week

I have now been home a week and getting better by the day! After a major operation, my ‘little book’ of common problems suggests it is normal to feel emotional for up to 3 months. I can certainly vouch for the emotions! Luckily, I am constantly surrounded with people who lift my spirit and keep me positive. It is all too easy to succumb to a gloomy stance of self-pity. Daily activities and long term visions are what keep me going through the boredom. Reflection has also played a large part of my recovery, as I have been dissecting my stay in hospital, the care given by the NHS and the good/bad points.  I have now drawn a line under that experience and am determined to move on with my recovery.

Many have asked me about my scar, a long straight scar down the middle of my sternum. To me, it is a symbol of what I have been through. I am proud of my scar and certainly don’t feel any need to hide it. ‘Aren’t you concerned about it fading, as a young women?’ nurses asked me. My reply was the same as before the operation when I opted for a straight scar as opposed to a horizontal scar which can be hidden more easily; the scar is the byproduct of the surgery that will improve my quality of life. Without the hole in my heart being closed, my ability to exercise was severely limited. My dreams of completing another marathon and gaining more experience in triathlon were unachievable. Now, with my thin, fading scar there is no reason why I can’t get back to my beloved training.

The second week at home has brought with with it frustration. Frustration at not being able to open doors, change position easily or walk as far as I’d like. Eagerness to progress seems healthy but I can’t let my frustrations lead me into doing too much. This week is still early days in my recovery, whilst my breast bone is healing and my heart settles down. Every so often, the fact that I had open heart surgery hits me and forces me to retire to the sofa with my feet up!  I have at least another 7 weeks before I can return to my office based work and 11 weeks until I can physically get cracking i.e. starting swimming, running and cycling. Can’t wait!

To anyone going through a similar time, my advice is the old cliche ‘patience is a virtue’!

After a long week in hospital, I am finally back home and happy to be feeling better by the day. Heart surgery took more out of me (and my family) than I expected. Pyschologically I took a knocking, by way of loss of confidence in the concept that I would ever get back to the same level of fitness. During my stay, I battled with post-operative pain and nausea which resulted in a 10lb weight loss. Not good when you need energy to recover! I struggled to keep my head focused on the long-term benefits of my surgery and I found it all too easy to concentrate on my latest symptom.

Positives included the surgeon and anaesthetist assuring me that I would not only be able to attempt the London marathon in April, but may even knock an hour off my best time! This cheered me up no end. Anything is possible, my family reminded me regularly, anxious for me to stay upbeat. My thoughts drifted back to ‘The Secret’ and ‘what you think about, you bring about.’ Enough with being sick, laid in bed and discharge date being postponed. What I needed as a hospital patient was to be able to visualise being well, painfree and at home in my own environment.

Now back at home, my recovery has come on in leap and bounds. Today I completed my first outdoor walk, a whole 7 minutes! I assure myself that little and often will pave the way for my running again, and eventually the start of marathon training. Once my sternum has healed, I will be able to get back on my bike and back in the sea / pool again – something that thrills me.

My thankyou list:

2010 may have been the year to focus on my health and to take stock. There is no point rushing into planning races, other than next year. Above all, I am grateful for the support of my family, so many of my friends and neighbours. I am also thankful for posts from women on a health forum who have gone through the same procedure.

I class this as week one of my recovery and the first week of 10 months of steady training towards 26.2 miles!

With the joys of Spring all around and the whiff of Summer oh-s0-close, it’s easy to get carried away with thoughts of holidays, lazy days in the sun and wishing time away until your next day off.

This time of year is the best time to spring clean your life. Start with your mind. I wrote a list of goals for 2010 on the 1st January and every month, I revisit this list, re-evaluate and reconsider. My life style has changed dramatically in the last few months, and hence my goals for the year have altered.

If any obstacles present themselves through out the year, it’s not time to sling in the towel and give up the fight. It’s time to take action and kick start the fire you felt in January when setting new year resolutions with passion. The example in my life is my health, my heart problem and the impact that has had on my ability to work and exercise. Since the deterioration of my health, I have actively taken steps to make positive changes in my life. These have included: attending a personal coaching course, spending time with friends and family, moving to a more suitable property for our lifestyle and business, employing a new member of staff and finding new enthusiasm about getting better as quickly as possible.

To spring clean your life, sit down and analysis where you have come in the first 3 months of this year. Where you want to be in 3 months, 6 months and by the end of December? How will you take steps to reach these goals ( adding in positive actions)? What can you remove from your life that is hindering you in some way? This may be removing yourself from difficult family member, non-helpful friend, seeking helping to change a negative mindset about a certain aspect of your life e.g. work stress, exercise or a relationship problem. Indulge yourself with some counselling, coaching, yoga or find a partner to take up a new hobby. April is perfect for getting out and blowing away the cobwebs of the British winter.

Dust off your pride, clean out the cupboards within your mind and give your body a blast to set you up for a wonderful 2010!

The Keyboard of Positivity

Earlier today I made a flippant comment about how I wish I could press a button to ‘refresh’ people and make them rethink some negative comments. After this, I came up with a concept of using different ‘buttons’ on a keyboard to banish unwanted or negative thoughts.

Consider the following buttons found on the standard computer keyboard:

Refresh
Control key
Tab
Space bar
Backspace
Return
Caps lock
Escape

We can learn to associate each of these keyboard ‘buttons’ (amongst others) with certain activities that will help you implement positive thoughts.

Here are some examples:

Press ‘Refresh’ when work is getting on top of you –  associate this button with 10 minutes of yoga or an activity which relaxes your body whilst meditating your mind.

Press ‘Control’ to control feelings of hunger, shopping or nicotine cravings, by distraction therapy such as playing with a pet, writing a diary.

Feeling lazy? Not motivated to attend a planned exercise class, press ‘Tab‘ and spend 15 minutes  slowly counting to ten to regain your focus  or reason for wanting to keep fit.

Use ‘Space bar’ – take yourself physically away from a person that is irritating or upsetting you.

‘Backspace’ – apologise for something you said or did that you didn’t mean. Avoid angering or upsetting others, by taking back an action or hurtful words.

Unable to gain perspective on a current problem or are you overrun with negative emotions? ‘Return’ – return to a happy memory, with a person you love, a holiday destination,  a happy time in your life. Remember to lock these memories as they happen. Positive thoughts are much stronger than negative. ones

Having a disagreement with someone? Press ‘Caps lock’ to stand up for yourself and your beliefs. If anyone attempts to bring you down, stand true to yourself and protect yourself against unconstructive criticism.

‘Escape’ – if all the above fails, ave a back-up plan to remove yourself from your current situation. Have a weekend away planned, a spa day, massage, gym session with a friend – anything that helps you escape an overwhelming situation. Come back to the situation relaxed and rested, with a new focus.

Regular pratice of a variety of coping techniques can build up your confidence to cope with whatever difficult situations life throws at you. Every technique takes time to learn. Compare the above ‘buttons’ with learning and then perfecting a swimming stroke.  At first, you may believe the stroke is impossible to master. You learn the basics and, with practice, your technique slowly improves. Practice everyday and you can become a master, having the ability to call on coping strategies in any situation.

Without realising it, this is something I have been practising over the last few months. I can honestly say I have never felt so positive, despite many recent setbacks. Try it!

Seven Secrets To A Rich and Successful Life

1. Positivity

Be positive in all you do, all you think and all you say. Be careful what you tell yourself, your inner voice is often the most influential. Take time to consider your thoughts and feelings. These tell you how you are affected by the world around you. Control your actions by learning to focus on positive thoughts everyday. This takes time and practice, but is worth every minute.

2. Negativity

Remove negative aspects of your life. If friends or family members provide unconstructive criticism, ignore this advice. Block out your own negative voice, problems with self-confidence and replace with positive thoughts. Try to avoid using excuses, either to yourself or spoken outloud to others. Above all else, ban the word ‘can’t’.

3. Get Inspired

Read inspiring books by authors in a field that interests you greatly. Watch films that will cause a stir in your beliefs, research your choices carefully. I can recommend several great films to make a difference in your life. Consider a lifecoach to help with your success planning and to evaluate your progress to obtaining the happiness you deserve.

4. Environmental Factors

Surround yourselves with people who have qualities you aspire to. For example, if you desire riches, work in a high-end market in business, move to the best house or flat you can afford in an area you know to be affluent. This will have the effect of raising your standards and, before you know it, you’ll be earning the riches you surround yourself with.

5. Passion

Focus on something that you are passionate about. Whether a job, business, sport or family, do what makes you happy and tell the world about your passion. You never know where this may take you, humans are drawn to passionate people and listen to sincere advice from experts in their chosen field. Instead of chasing money, let your enthusiasm for a subject you love lead you to riches.

6. Your Plan

Make a clear list of your life goals and break these down into yearly achievements to aim for. Create a plan with quantitifiable and specific targets, implement this plan and make continued commitment to all it entails. Develop a strategy to help you pick yourself up when life throws you off course. Everyone has a bad day or troubled chapter, this is when trusted friend, supportive family and a mental strength can keep you focused on success. Commitment, dedication and determination are essential for a rich and successful life.

7. The Power Of A Smile

Smile. Everyday, when alone, to friends, and to strangers in the street. Sounds simple but oh so effective. Remember, you get one shot at life so make the most of your talents, gifts and passions. You have the power to create the life of your dreams, a smile will make this all the more easy!

The above seven secrets have enabled me to work towards a rich and successful life. This means different things for different people. ‘Riches’ does not simply apply to financial rewards. Effective relationships, a happy family, a fulfilling career; these are all aspects to add richness to your life.

To be successful is to achieve your goals in life, personally, professionally and psychologically.

For further information on motivation and success, follow me on Twitter

Women in sport intrigue me. When pushing your body to it’s limit, how does this make you strong mentally, what lessons do you learn about yourself and how can you apply this knowledge to other challenges in life?

Two women who inspire me:

Chrissie Wellington.

For those who don’t k now, Chrissie is three time world champion Ironman. In an interview, Chrissie expressed how women with body issues depress her. Her mission is to inspire others to unlock their hidden sporting talents.

“The gender boundaries that exist in other sports don’t exist in triathlon. And I love that.” Chrissie always portrays an image of positivity, smiling, enjoying her job, never complaining. How many people do you know like that? I can think of 2 or 3 and they never fail to make me smile. Surrounding yourself with optimistic people really does have a profound influence on your own well-being.

Chrissie has recently become patron of the Jane Tomlinson Appeal, which leads on to my next inspiring woman.

Jane Tomlinson

“Jane raised over £1.85million through a series of gruelling challenges including several long-distance bike rides, marathons, triathlons and a full Ironman triathlon. Since her death the charity that she founded has announced a new fundraising target of £5million.” Wikipedia

Marathons and triathlons are part of my life, therefore I relate to Jane’s focus on these athletic challenges. I think of Jane whenever on a particularly difficult run or race, each thought of Jane’s strength against such adversity propels my legs further.

 These are just two women who I aspire to. Many of my friends and family cause me to stop and question a natural instinct to think negatively. I cannot stress enough the important of keeping inspiring figures in mind and surrounding yourself with the kind of person you’d like to be. In my case, this doesn’t necessarily mean world-class athletes, but local triathletes and friends, business people, those who have achieved in life or those working towards success.

Simple, but effective!

Watch the video below - it’s release is spookily relevant to my life at the moment!

Hole in my Heart

A cheesy, Alphabeat tune, but made me laugh when  I heard it on the radio. Do you know those moments when coincidence catches you by surprise. This is one of those moments for me.

Music has always been a huge influence on my life, as it does for many. Whether a positive period or difficult chapter in my life, music always tells the story. The song above played on the radio a couple of weeks after I was diagnosed with a hole in my heart. Just a simple coincidence that made me laugh. Funny how circumstances makes you more aware of certain phrases or a little more sensitive to comments from others.

With any kind of bad news, it’s important not to dwell on the negative aspects. I have been through a range of emotions very quickly, starting with humour, moving to sadness, then anger and now determination. With anything, positivity is VITAL to remain both mentally and physically strong. Fair enough, if you get battered down continually, it’s increasingly difficult to pick yourself. This is all the more reason to get a strategy in place for mental strength during the tough times.

My strategy is my focus on races – running and triathlon. I have entered three races this year and although I won’t be able to do the London Marathon in April as a result on my heart problem, I fully intend to compete in two triathlons later in the year. My support system includes writing about my feelings (e.g on here, in a diary), speaking to trusted friends and family and focusing on what I CAN do rather than what I CAN’T (remember this word is banned!).

So it might sound dramatic – a hole in the heart requiring surgery – but I remain positive. In some ways, I’m almost grateful as the time spent having hospital tests and consultations has given me new insight into my life. The break in training has meant I can step back and review what it is I really want. And that is, to help others, to motivate those who think they’ll never achieve. I also want to help myself achieve my goals in life, whatever is thrown at me.