After a lifetime of sedentary desk jobs I knew I needed to get fit. I started running on a treadmill with the simple goal of completing a park run and by the time I crossed my first finishing line I was hooked.
Over the years I slowly worked my way up to being able to run a marathon and then In 2019, after running several marathons I decided to run my first 100km ultra – the Race to the Stones. But, a series of minor injuries kept preventing me from running, sometimes for weeks at a time.
Working with professional trainers
A colleague recommended The Fitness Experts and thanks to their advice and training plans I’m about to take on the race of my life – running 1030 miles from Lands’ End to John O’Groats.
Firstly, I’m no gym bunny! In the distant past, I have paid for a year’s gym membership but given up after a few months as the coaching was very limited & I never really knew what I was doing. In early 2019, a work colleague had started at the Fitness Experts and recommended I try it. I was hooked from the start. Looking back, in the six years I’ve been going, I can honestly say I’ve never had a gym class I didn’t enjoy.
This is due to the expert & continuous coaching, my lovely fellow gym goers and the unique bootcamp offering from TFE. Gone are the weak ankles! Poor posture when fatigued is a thing of the past and I now laugh in the face of hills!
The Fitness Experts have been a key component to my ongoing success in Ultra running, allowing me to go longer & further than I ever imagined back in 2019. Like most ultra runners, I’ve never had a podium finish but I am quietly proud to say that I’ve never had a DNF. The Fitness Experts have introduced me to a vast array of exercises, encouraged me to push further & taught me a lot about how I need to train for my particular needs. I’ve even learned not to hate a burpee in the process!
What I’ve learned from running
1. There is no shortcut to success.
Real progress comes from consistent effort, dedication, and the willingness to push through challenges. Committing to the process, learning from setbacks, and steadily improving over time has worked for me, and is what will help me with running 1030 miles.
2. Building strength is vital.
Complementing running with strength exercises is vital to minimise injuries and become a better, all-around runner. Strength training has really helped to build my muscle endurance and improve my joint stability. I’ve now make sure to incorporate exercises like squats, lunges, and core work into my training so I have a lot more power, efficiency, and resilience which will be really important in avoiding any setbacks.
3. Eat the right foods
I’ve learnt not to underestimate the importance of nutrition and that its been a key element of in helping me improve my endurance and of course enhance my overall health. I make sure I eat a well-structured diet that includes sufficient protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates.
4. Not all gyms are the same.
The TFE gym is a great mix of expert coaching in a fun and inclusive environment that has made it a really enjoyable experience and a gym that I wanted to return too. Having knowledgeable trainers who can guide you, motivate you, and tailor workouts to your needs also made a huge difference in achieving my fitness goals.
To celebrate turning 60 this year Bob is taking on this challenge aiming to raise £10,000 to fund life saving and life changing operations for children who don’t have access to the medical care they need. To donate please Click Here.