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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