The Allycast

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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We change, and we evolve, and yet we seek consistency.

It really is the secret sauce to success, but we need to frame it in the right way. Being consistent doesn't mean doing the same thing forever. It depends on the season of life you are in.

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In this episode of AllyCast, I sit down with Tom Blakey, founder and owner of First In Events.

Tom is the man behind some of the UK’s most challenging and well-run endurance events. From ultras and trail races to multi-day challenges, First In Events has built a reputation for events that test people properly — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

We talk honestly about:

• What it really takes to build an events business from the ground up
• Leadership under pressure and decision-making when things go wrong
• Responsibility for athlete safety, logistics, and experience
• The mindset required to keep showing up when the work is hard and the margins are tight
• Why endurance events attract people who want more than comfort

This conversation isn’t just about running races — it’s about ownership, accountability, resilience, and doing things properly, whether that’s in business, leadership, or life.

If you’re interested in endurance sport, event management, or what it takes to build something meaningful without cutting corners, this episode will resonate.

Is a Former Para, Pathfinder, Display team Member ,and now race director, and entrepreneur. As the owner of First In Events, he oversees the design, delivery, and safety of demanding endurance events across the UK. His approach blends professionalism, attention to detail, and a deep respect for the athletes who put themselves on the line.

First In Events specialises in high-quality endurance and ultra-distance events. Known for excellent organisation, strong safety standards, and challenging but fair courses, they deliver events that push participants while putting athlete welfare first.

🔗 Website: https://www.firstinevents.com

🔗 Event listings & entry info: https://www.firstinevents.com/events

🎧 Listen to this episode on your favourite podcast platform

📩 Subscribe to AllyCast for conversations on endurance, leadership, resilience, and mid-life performance

If this episode resonates, share it with someone who’s building something hard — or training for something that matters

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This episode isn’t just about a race.

It’s about what happens when the structure disappears.

Ultra X Nevada was five days, 220km, brutal heat, isolation, sand, and self-doubt. But the real test didn’t start in the desert — it started long before, navigating unemployment, identity loss, and that uncomfortable question many men face in their 50s:

“Who am I now?”

In this episode, I talk honestly about:

• What Ultra X Nevada was really like — physically and mentally
• Being alone in the desert with nowhere to hide
• Losing work, routine, and professional identity
• The mental drift that comes when you no longer know where you fit
• Why endurance events become anchors during periods of change
• What rebuilding looks like when you strip life back to basics
• Why comfort is often the enemy of growth

This isn’t a highlight reel.

It’s a debrief — on endurance, transition, and learning how to go again when life doesn’t look like the plan.

If you’re navigating change, burnout, unemployment, or that mid-life “what now?” moment — this one’s for you.

If this episode resonates and you want structure, discipline, and momentum again, check out The Comeback App — built for men rebuilding physical and mental resilience during periods of change.

👉 https://the-comeback-app.lovable.app

🎧 Subscribe, share, and send this to someone who needs to hear it.

Sometimes knowing you’re not alone is the first step back.

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Your problem isn’t discipline.

It’s stress.

Long hours.

Poor sleep.

Constant pressure.

Your body isn’t failing — it’s protecting you.

Fix the stress first.

Then discipline sticks.

DM RESET if you’re done going in circles.

#BodyAndBehaviour

#WorkingMen

#MidlifeComeback

#BehaviourChange

#NoMoreExcuses

#JustGoAgain

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🎙️ The Long Haul Podcast – Episode with Louise Goddard

In this episode, I sit down with Louise Goddard, one of the UK’s most determined ultra runners — someone who perfectly embodies the spirit of The Long Haul.

Louise’s story is one of pure grit, growth, and perseverance. From her first steps into endurance running to tackling some of the toughest races on the calendar, she shares the mindset, motivation, and lessons that have carried her through the miles.

We talk about:

🏃‍♀️ What drives her to take on extreme challenges

🧠 How she builds mental resilience when the going gets tough

💬 The reality of training, recovery, and life balance as an ultra athlete

🔥 Her advice for anyone thinking of stepping beyond the marathon

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to keep moving forward when every part of you wants to stop — this conversation will light a fire under you.

🎧 Tune in, get inspired, and remember: it’s not about how fast you go — it’s about how far you’re willing to go.

👉 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

Follow @thelonghaulpodcast and @steveoconnorcoaching for more stories from the endurance world.

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