Icefall
Today’s post is a little bit different as it is sort of a
mini book review. I was first made aware of 'Icefall' by Alex Staniforth when my
Dad, sister Annabel and brother Scott (age 9 at the time) went to a book
signing in our village. I was away at university and had a nice conversation
with Scott on the phone who was very excited about having met a real-life
adventurer and author. This was quite surreal as Alex was in the year above me
at school, a peer, somebody who lives in my village. I was aware of Alex’s
adventures and expeditions but I didn’t know his full story.
I swiped away Annabel’s copy (sorry Annabel) and started
reading. I found it strange to read about events in Alex’s school life that I
can remember actually happening. In 'Icefall' he addresses the challenges he
faced, some of which I can remember, him speeding past the school bus on his
bike as I later learnt to escape bullying and taunting. Most days he beat the
bus to school, I always found that pretty amazing. I don’t want to spoil the
story so I won’t go into too much detail but Alex has gone on from school life
to become an adversity adventurer. Two trips to Everest, multiple challenges
that I can’t even begin to explain make for a very exciting and engaging read
for any age.
Reading about Alex’s achievements has shown me what we are
capable of as human beings. If we want to progress and develop as individuals
we have to set ourselves challenges. If we don’t meet obstacles, find things
difficult, feel out of our comfort zone then we won’t reach our goals. You can
apply this to anything in life, learning a new skill, getting a new job,
striving to become more active. You should never be embarrassed to struggle or
ask for help because if you didn’t struggle then you wouldn’t make progress, if
that makes sense?
Something I hear a lot is people saying that they don’t want
to do certain things in the gym by themselves because they are worried by what
people might think of them, looking silly or doing it wrong. People tell me
that they would never dare go for a run on the streets because of people
laughing at them or looking at them. Yes, there are a tiny number of people out
there who might judge you, make comments at you and this has happened to me but
you know what? I just don’t care because I managed to run a half marathon and I
managed to deadlift 70kg. I imagine that Alex wondered what people would think
of him when he set out to achieve his goals but did he care enough about what
they thought to just forget Everest? No. If Alex can get to Everest then you
can definitely get yourself outside for a walk, a run, a bike ride, get to a
high ropes course, go climbing, go for a swim and reach your goal to become
healthier, fitter and happy. You don’t have to aim for Everest, whatever your
goal is, as long as it challenges you then it is more than good enough.
On that note, if you are looking for a good read and you
want something to boost your confidence and give you some motivation then
'Icefall' is your answer.
Alex's Website
Comments
Post a Comment