Running Cross Country
What we can learn from Nedd Brockmann; the Aussie superhero’s resilience and tenacity
When we hear the term cross-country run, we typically envision a cold, windy trail run from our high school years. Until recently that is, when Nedd Brockmann gave the term a new meaning, after running 3,953 kms across the country of Australia. The 23-year-old sparky from Forbes, New South Wales was touched by stories of homeless people living on the streets in Sydney and set out to make a difference. Running across Australia from Cottesloe beach in Perth, to Bondi Beach in Sydney in 47 days- the equivalent of almost 100 marathons. Nedd said he was disheartened when he went to Sydney and saw the amount of homeless people on the street; “If it was just a couple of homeless people, it might be another issue, but when there are tens of thousands of people sleeping on the street every night it makes you stop and realise there’s a bigger problem here.” He wanted to find a way to raise more money to help as many people as possible.
“If it was just a couple of homeless people, it might be another issue, but when there are tens of thousands of people sleeping on the street every night it makes you stop and realise there’s a bigger problem here.”
– Nedd Brockmann
Nedd finishing in Bondi after 47 days of running. Image: News Corp
Let’s take it back to 2020, where Nedd ran 50 marathons in 50 days and raised $100K for the Red Cross for homeless people. Following this, in an effort to do more, he set out to break the Guinness World Record of running across Australia in less than 43 days; a previous record set in 2005. Nedd aimed to raise $1 million for the Australian Charity We Are Mobilise; he far exceeded this goal and has currently raised $2.5 million.
Get comfortable being uncomfortable
Capturing the nation’s attention and igniting amazement, Nedd navigated tendon injuries, cortisone injections, a suspected stress fracture, knee pain, blisters, swollen feet, reflux, even bicep pain from holding his arms bent to run the gruelling stretch across the Nullabor from Western Australia to New South Wales. He completed the stretch on 17th October 2022 arriving in Bondi to an enormous crowd of supporters after 47 days of pushing his body to the ultimate limit. Nedd’s well know phrase “get comfortable being uncomfortable;” a quote we can all learn from.
Navigating the Nullabor and long lonely roads laden with road kill and flies, Nedd’s display of what is humanly possible illustrates that lofty goals can in fact be achieved with a whole lot of grit, resilience, determination and unrelenting tenacity.
Nedd’s famous tagline “get comfortable being uncomfortable” featured on many of his Instagram posts documenting the hard days of running anywhere from 50 to 100km. However, as Nedd has shown, achieving success certainly does not come without an element of discomfort; “Very successful people don’t seek comfort; they seek success and are willing to do what is most uncomfortable,” as popular author Grant Cardone writes.
Although we may not all set out to run across the country, people like Nedd who achieve greatness can inspire us to work hard, be diligent and consistent in working toward our goals. Whether your goal may be to return to the footy field following an injury, do a 5km Park Run, try a new Zumba class or do an ocean swim at sunrise, perhaps you too can employ some Nedd Brockmann style grit and resilience when you are facing discomfort.
“Even if it gets someone up off the couch, or starts that new job, I just want people to have a crack at whatever it is that they’ve always wanted to do, because you never know when you might not be able to do it. I don’t want to be preaching down anyone’s neck, but our days are numbered so go out and have a red hot crack at it.” – Nedd Brockmann
“…I’m an intrinsically motivated person, all these external motivators are great but they don’t get you through the Nullabor when you’re injured and everything is just in pain.” – Nedd Brockmann
Image: @neddbrockmann
1. Motivation
Firstly, a word on motivation. Nedd spoke of the importance of intrinsic motivation in his achievement of what some thought was physically impossible. When setting goals, it can always be useful to first consider your motivating factor; is it an intrinsic or extrinsic drive pushing you to achieve?
So then, once considering our motivating factors and what ignites our drive to achieve our goals, how do we employ some of the tactics Ned used in running across the country? Honestly assessing where you are now in relation to where you need to be to achieve your goal may be a start. Are you showing up for the required training sessions? Exercise? Are you putting in the extra effort required to stay on track in achieving your goal? Are you being intentional with your time, actions and are you taking responsibility for your choices and behaviours? Nedd undertook three to four intense strength sessions per week and averaged 110 kilometers in his early base phase of training for his run. He planned out his nutrition, had the guidance of physiotherapists and sports doctors on board; he planned and prepared for months to give himself every chance of succeeding. On days when he was fatigued, injured and tired, he knew he needed to be up at 4.30am to be on the road running up to 100km each day by 5am. For 47 days.
2. Mindset
Secondly, consider your limiting beliefs and what may be restricting your mindset in achieving your goals. Maybe your beliefs need an audit to reassess what isn’t working to make way for new thought patterns. As Jamelle Sanders writes; “The muscles of the mind will require reprogramming, renewal and resetting on a consistent basis.” When talking about his run and the pain endured to continue through discomfort, injury and pain, Nedd said “it’s all in your mind and your ability to not give in.” Having a strong mindset will guide your success in achieving. Listed below are some great books on mindset you may find inspiring.
3. Support
Finally, surround yourself with people who support your goals. Nedd had a formidable team of his coach Matty Able, mum and dad Kylie and Ian Brockmann, his girlfriend Jemma Griffin, physiotherapist Alex Bell, alongside sports doctors who were by his side throughout his journey. Without a cheer squad, backing you, holding you accountable and supporting you, you can only do so much.
Nedd’s incredible perseverance, tenacity and endurance has garnered the admiration of many Aussies now calling for him to be named Australian of the Year. The incredible achievement of running 3,953 kilometers across Australia and raising over $2 million for charity has shown us all what is possible when you consistently show up and achieve small steps on the way to bigger goals. Whatever your goal, regardless of how big or small, maybe Nedd can serve as a source of inspiration for you, and a testament to the power of commitment and perseverance, a strong mindset and supportive team.
Books on resilience, motivation and mindset:
Be Your Future Self Now, by Dr Benjamin Hardy https://benjaminhardy.com/
Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth https://angeladuckworth.com/grit-book/
The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone https://store.grantcardone.com/
Atomic Habits by James Clear https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits
For a list of sponsors and partners who helped make Ned’s run possible, or to donate to We Are Mobilise, visit Nedd’s website at https://www.neddsrecordrun.com/
Disclaimer: as a physiotherapy clinic, we do not advise that you set out to run across Australia. Please seek advice from your healthcare or medical professional prior to undertaking an increased training program.
