How I Handle Criticism While Running Barefoot Around the World

(and Raising £1M for Children)

On a relentless mission to smash Day 4,292, run the whole circumference of planet Earth, and raise £1,000,000 to save children’s lives. But let me be brutally honest: no amount of kilometres, charity work, or fancy stats shields you from criticism when you live your life out loud online. Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on exactly how I process negativity, transform harsh feedback, and stay focused on my mission—even when the world seems determined to pull me off course.

Criticism: The Hidden Hurdle in Every Public Mission

If you think running ultra-marathons every single day is tough, try subjecting your every move, word, and video to the whole internet. Trust me, criticism hurts—whether it’s a silly jibe about my running style (“You run like a girl!”) or a more personal attack on my mission. Every negative comment can feel like a punch, especially when you’re already tired from running halfway across the globe for something you truly believe in.

But here’s the secret: Even the most successful people feel it. The ones who seem 'unbothered'? They’re just masters at processing negativity. I’ve learnt, with every step and every vlog upload, that pretending it doesn’t sting is pointless. We’re all human—and admitting how feedback affects us is step one to real resilience.

The Mindset Shift: From Negative Energy to Growth

Here's what I do when criticism hits:

1. No Such Thing as (Purely) Negative Feedback
   Easier said than done, right? But if I get a negative review, I force myself to look for hidden gems. Can I tweak my content? Was something unclear? Feedback, even brutal, is data. Sometimes it’s a silly comment—easy to ignore. But if it’s a genuine concern? That’s gold dust for growth.

2. Compartmentalise and Categorise
   Not all feedback is created equal. I’ve learnt to separate thoughtless insults from useful criticism. If it’s just noise—like someone bored and venting—it doesn’t deserve my energy. But if someone feels strongly enough to type out their thoughts about my project, I owe it to my mission to listen.

3. Respond with Purpose
   If a genuine point is raised, I engage and thank them—no matter how tough it feels. An apology or a simple “we’ll do better” not only puts things right, it builds trust. Silence or defensiveness does the opposite.

Why Handling Criticism Matters for the £1M Mission

It’s simple: the more positive, open, and authentic I am with feedback, the more people engage and the more children’s lives we can save—because trust fuels support. Every day I put myself out there, not for ego, but so that you feel connected to this mission. Every comment, share, and interaction helps us step closer to the ultimate goal: 4,292 consecutive running days, 40,075km, and £1,000,000 raised.

My Challenge to You: Turn Negativity into Progress

So, if you’re on a mission (whatever it is!), and you start getting pushback—don’t run from it. Use it. Learn, tweak, apologise or ignore as needed, but always keep moving. Let’s make online spaces about growth, not just noise.

Let’s keep this conversation going:

• Have you faced criticism that nearly knocked you off your mission?

• What’s your best tip for handling negative feedback online?
  
  Drop your storey or advice in the comments—I reply to every relevant post!

And if you want to join my mission to raise £1M for children through the most epic daily ultra-marathon challenge ever attempted, hit subscribe, like, and share. The more people we reach, the more lives we save. That’s why I run, every single day.

Stay positive. Stay happy. And remember: every tough comment is just another step on the road to greatness.