On me and life lessons

As I approach 50, I’m physically and mentally the fittest I’ve ever been...stronger, faster, and more focused than I was in my 20s. While I’m proud of this, it saddens me to think about the wasted years when I slept in late, ate poorly, and neglected self-improvement. If only I had the knowledge and mindset that I have now!

But there’s no time to dwell. From this point on, I’m committed to making every day count. I hope that this plan inspires at least one person to live a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life.

But for young people, starting good habits early gives them a better chance of avoiding disease, staying sharp, and feeling confident as they age. And for those further along in life, it’s never too late to start making positive changes. If the Free Longevity Plan helps even one person, it will mean the world to me.

I was never a fit kid. In fact, at school, I came last in almost every cross-country run and had zero enthusiasm for sports or exercise. I was awarded “Least Enthusiastic Student” at our final assembly. My late teens and 20s weren’t much better...I worked nights in a band, drank heavily, ate whatever I fancied, and rarely cared about my health.

When I approached 30, I knew I needed to do something. I joined gyms on and off, but my efforts were half-hearted. I’d walk on a treadmill, dabble with a few machines, and then reward myself with a burger and beer at the gym café. Unsurprisingly, I saw no results and eventually stopped going. The Gym continued to take money from my account for many months until I finally quit.

Everything changed in 2014 when, at age 39 and drunk at a party, I impulsively signed up for a half marathon in Gothenburg, Sweden. The next morning, hungover and staring at the confirmation email, I had two choices: cancel or commit. I chose the latter and laced up my shoes for my first run. I barely managed 200 meters before stopping, gasping for air. But that moment sparked something in me.

Lesson 1: Set a goal.

I downloaded a running app, which laid out a gradual training plan. For the first time, I followed something with discipline. Slowly, I progressed to1K, 3K, then 5K.

To improve my overall fitness, I re-joined the gym, this time with a like-minded workout buddy who kept me accountable.

Lesson 2: Surround yourself with positive, motivated people.

A few months before the half marathon, I signed up for a 10K as a stepping stone. I struggled through the race but finished, which taught me an invaluable lesson:

Lesson 3: You can achieve anything with time, effort, and perseverance.

When the half marathon came around, I completed it...hungover, no less! Though my time wasn’t impressive, the sense of accomplishment was profound.

From there, I kept exploring ways to improve. I joined a small group training program at a local gym, where a personal trainer planned varied workouts. This taught me:

Lesson 4: Don’t improvise... have a structured plan.

Lesson 5: Accountability matters.

After the program ended, I discovered CrossFit. For two years, I trained consistently, learning new skills and seeing significant changes in my body. I also began focusing on nutrition, realising that:

Lesson 6: Consistency is key.

Lesson 7: Food is fuel.

Unfortunately, due to costs, I had to leave CrossFit. Over time, life disruptions and the pandemic derailed my progress, and I found myself back at square one... unfit, unmotivated, and frustrated.

Post-pandemic, I knew I needed to start fresh. I found a small community gym with structured, varied workouts and a supportive atmosphere. Simultaneously, I dove into learning about nutrition and wellness. The more I studied, the more frustrated I became with the misinformation and misleading health claims in the food industry.

So, I experimented with myself, cut through the confusion, and developed a 12 step plan based on everything I’ve learned. However, the 12 steps are not exercise heavy for reasons I'll explain as we go along and in the blogs. However, there will be an advance step plan that will start to incorporate heavy exercise. But one thing at a time. 

This plan isn't just for me. It's for anyone looking to live a healthier, more fulfilling life. Whether you’re young and just starting out or older and seeking a fresh start, it’s never too late to change. I hope this inspires someone to make those changes... and if it does, I’ll be truly happy.