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Triumph Over the North Atlantic Ocean : a Monumental Rowing Adventure
Rowing the North Atlantic is a monumental feat that requires incredible physical and mental endurance. The North Atlantic is known for its challenging weather patterns, strong currents, and unpredictable conditions, making it one of the most demanding bodies of water to cross. On 28th Jan 2016, approaching midnight – I was sitting in my rowing position on the “Toby Wallace”, a light-weight ocean…
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My Ultimate Kayaking Adventure : Crossing The English Channel both ways
I embarked on the ultimate kayak journey across the English Channel, paddling from Dungeness, UK to Boulogne, France. Discover tips, routes, and the adventure of a lifetime! BBC . South East Today – Evening News 25.6.2021 – I’m on the Telly!!! On the 3rd February 2021, I completed my chemotherapy treatment for Cancer and rang the Bell. Six months later…
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A Trek into the World’s Largest Hot Desert: The Sahara
Discover the Majestic Beauty of the Sahara Desert: To me, the Sahara displays an awe-inspiring uniqueness as did the North Pole. They share extremes of contrasts yet alike in so many ways; legend, mystery and raw beauty. Both can and will kill you if you don’t respect them. The Sahara is the largest non-polar desert on our planet; 3,320,000 square miles…
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Trek to the Highest Mountain in Africa
My Journeys to the Summit of Mt Kilimanjaro: Highest Mountain in Africa Kilimanjaro demands respect, this mighty dormant volcano, soaring from the African plains, stands as the tallest freestanding mountain globally, reaching a staggering 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level. I have climbed to Uhuru Peak, the Summit of Kilimanjaro Twice: Conquering Africa’s Tallest Freestanding Mountain- the second time…
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Highest Rugby Match Ever Played on Mount Everest
In April 2019 we trekked in the footsteps of Mallory and Irvine, up the Magic Highway’ to Mt Everest’s Advance Base Camp (ABC3) 6,500m/ 21325ft ; which is just below the North Col to play two games of Rugby on a glacier. Myself and Lesley, trekked and played alongside, Rugby stars Lee Mears, Ollie Phillips, Shane Williams, Tamara Taylor plus 20 inspirational…
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Man Overboard: The Most Feared Words in Ocean Rowing
The Toby Wallace Atlantic Rowing Tragedy – January/February 2016 The Toby Wallace Atlantic Row – January/February 2016 Tragedy struck in the night of February 14th. Location close to 18 29′ N 039 06′ W. over a thousand miles from land. https://my.yb.tl/oceanusrowing Simon gave a loud warning shout, “big wave”. I looked up to see a monster swell coming at us fast…
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Adventures, Camping / Equipment & Accessories, Expeditions, Hiking / Trekking, Hiking / Trekking, My Blog, Speaking
The Polar Race: 648km to the Top of the World
On April 9th, 2009, I faced an extraordinary challenge— “Probably the World’s Toughest Race” At 61, with 28 years of sobriety strengthening my resolve, I stood alongside my 34-year-old teammate, James Trotman. Embarking on the Race to the North Pole was more than just a contest; it was a daring expedition and the ultimate test of survival in one of…
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How to Use the 24-Hour Plan in Recovery : Overcoming Addiction, Trauma and Chronic Illness
The 24-hour plan is a fundamental principle in addiction recovery, trauma healing, and managing chronic illness. It emphasizes focusing on one day at a time rather than becoming overwhelmed by long-term concerns. This approach is commonly used in 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and can and is successfully applied to trauma recovery and chronic illness management. How to Use…
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Simple and Effective How To: Breathing Relaxation
When I’m feeling stressed or shaken by a nightmare, I turn to a simple mindfulness technique: a calming breathing exercise that helps soothe my nervous system while also benefiting my physical health. One of my go-to methods is Box Breathing, also known as Four-Square Breathing. This practice, rooted in pranayama, an ancient Ayurvedic breathwork technique invented by “Shiva” about 7000…
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Mental Resilience in Healthy Recovery
Mental resilience refers to our ability to adapt and bounce back when faced with stress, challenges, or adversity. Activities like cold showers, holding a plank pose or other discipline-building exercises can be surprisingly powerful tools for strengthening this resilience especially in Recovery whether that be from addiction, mental health challenges, or physical injury. Exposure in small doses, like taking…
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The Forearm Planks: Simple Routine for Maximum Fitness Gains
My recovery is a continuous journey and this simple yet powerful exercise routine plays a vital role in strengthening my mindset, keeping me focused and resilient every day. Holding a plank for two minutes as part of my daily routine does more than just build core strength, it reinforces my mental discipline and determination. Physically, this exercise activates my abs,…
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Swimming: It’s Low-impact is great for Recovery
A 77-year-old swimming 1,800 metres in an hour daily is a fantastic level of fitness, endurance, and discipline. Breakdown of His Performance: Health Benefits: Things to Watch Out For: **I am excited to share the captivating story of my extraordinary journey with you. Also my How-To Becoming a Fearless Adventurer
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Boost Your Morning: The Best Ways to Kick-Start Your Day
Starting your day right can have a massive impact on your productivity, mood, and overall success. Here are some practical ways to elevate your morning routine and improve how you kickstart your day: 1. Wake Up Early 2. Hydrate First Thing 3. Move Your Body 4. Fuel Your Body with a Healthy Breakfast 5. Set Clear Intentions 6. Practice Mindfulness…
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Useful Guide for Setting Boundaries in Recovery
Boundaries in Recovery are essential for protecting your mental, emotional, and physical well-being as you heal from addiction, trauma, or any form of personal growth. They help you establish what is and isn’t acceptable in your relationships, behaviours, and environment. Healthy Boundaries Creating distance is one of the healthiest ways I can protect myself and nurture my growth without compromising…
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Breaking Old Patterns: From Setbacks to Growth
There have been countless moments in my recovery when I’ve felt stuck, as though I were trapped in an endless loop, going around in circles. I’d catch myself slipping into the same familiar patterns, repeating old habits, and reacting to the same triggers that once held me captive. It was frustrating, even disheartening at times, to see myself standing on…
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Practical guide How to Thriving in Recovery
How-To From Surviving to Thriving Professional SupportI’ve found that working with qualified professionals is incredibly helpful. Whether I’m exploring therapy approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), or trauma-informed counseling, having a trained guide allows me to process my emotions in a safe environment. In addition, staying consistent with my medical or addiction care team…
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How Resentment Fuels Addiction: How to Overcome It
Resentment is the number one offender, wreaking havoc on the lives of those struggling with substance use and addictive behaviors. When you let myself get stuck in resentment, the chances of recovering from addiction diminish significantly. Resentment often feels like a wave of anger, bitterness, or dissatisfaction when we believe we’ve been wronged, treated unfairly, or disrespected. This emotion usually…
