"Don't aspire to be average"

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Training - the foundation of success and survival.

Making sure that I reach the peak physical and mental condition at the start of the expedition is essential for success, and could be vital in survival in such harsh conditions as the south pole.

I've been training, in one form or another, for pretty much 22 years (I started when I was 14 - do the maths!)My first job was as a "gym rat" on Saturdays and after school at the age of 14, and I went on to build a career in the fitness industry as a personal trainer, trainer of trainers, motivational speaker, and presenter. Most of that was before my car accident of course, and now, due to other business interests, most of my involvement comes in the form of training courses and consultancy.

Last year, I did virtually nothing. A few teams sports, the occasional walk with a pack, and a few very short runs - just enough to keep the Doctor away. The idea was to recouperate, to let my body have a rest after so many years of punishment, and give my mind a "rest" before I embarked on the toughest physical and mental challenge of my life so far.

Earlier this year I started to exercise regularly again. A few sessions in the gym each week, then a few friends and I created our own "gym" in a workshop ( www.unitedtrikes.com )where I've had some of the best workout fun in my life!

Now the mission is set, and I have a definitive start time, it's time to get serious.

I'm in the middle of constructing my training plan for the next eighteen months. Talking to lots of people who've done extreme challenges like this is an absolute eye-opener.

I need to think about core fitness, explosive strength (for pulling my 400lb sled up and over obstacles), endurance, and above everything else, mental toughness (although that's fairly well developed having had to learn to walkk and talk again at the age of 26!).

If any readers have any suggestions to keep things interesting and productive do feel free to chip in - new ideas are always welcome!

	Author:	justin-miles (justin-miles's profile, justin-miles's blog)
	Posted On:	Saturday, 6th June '09, 10:59am
	Tags:	Biomechanics, Bodybuilding, Circuit Training, Coaching, Conditioning, Cycling, Diet, Distance Running, Endurance, Exercise, Fitness, Flexibility, Genetics, Injury, Interval Training, Marathon Training, Nutrition, Overtraining, Physiology, Plyometric, Power, Proprioceptive, Psychology, Rowing, Rugby, Running, Skiing, Speed Training, Strength Training, Stretching, Supplements, Team Sport, Testing, Training, Training Programs, Triathlon and Weight Training
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