MICK HENDERSON
ME.
Fairly fit(ish) 44yr old who loves trail running and generally getting outdoors. I'm currently fitter now than I was in my early 20's and early 30's but for me that’s only half the story. I feel I have come quite a long way from my younger days where the thought of running a 10k would be an insurmountable task and frankly terrified me, to where I am now (running the odd Ultra and completing SAS test week marches). However, all that aside, as I get older I'm becoming acutely aware of the need to "look after myself" better. I simply can't get away with eating rubbish, training whenever then rocking up to the events I want to do. Living at the foot of the Mendip Hills has made me realise my outdoor passion - trail running!! I have completed quite a few trail runs and a couple of Ultra's (30mile distance). I can usually be found dodging angry cows while running around the beautiful Mendip Hills, and while it may sound melodramatic, I know my running days may be limited so I want to cram as much as I can in while I can. For me, middle age does not mean sitting on my arse every night watching mindless telly, drinking beer, getting fat and slowly slipping into old age. There are still many things to be completed by this middle aged slightly angry northerner!
WHAT DO I WANT TO ACHIEVE?
The plan for this year is a few more ultra's with a few "fun" events thrown in, building up the mileage and training for a 50mile (or maybe even more) race next year. The big challenge in order to do this is that I need to start looking after myself better, eating better, losing some weight and generally being the best version of myself that I can be. The other main reason I want to do this is because, being an older dad, I still want to be able to go running about the mountains having adventures with Lucas as he grows up - he will be a moody teenager before I know it!. I love spending time outdoors with Sheena and Lucas and as long as I can combine my love of the outdoors with them two as well as participating in various challenges then I'll be a very happy man.
WHAT CHANGES AM I MAKING?
The hardest changes I'm making is to cut out eating rubbish and starting to think about what I'm putting in to get the best out. This might not seem hard but believe me I'm a man who loves crisps, chocolate and most of all beer! Getting the right balance of eating right, looking after myself and training to my maximum potential is my main goal going forward. If I look after my body, it looks after me and then I can be the best dad / husband to Lucas and Sheena. That’s a complete win-win in my eyes and remains foremost in my daily thoughts and plans.
MY PLAN FOR 2018 AND BEYOND.
Watching my diet (my biggest struggle)!
Training well and looking after my body.
Balancing my trail running and outdoor activities with Sheena and Lucas.
As many outdoor adventures with the man cub as possible!
Being the best dad and husband I can be (main goal).
EVENTS.
Big Cheese fell race: 11th March 2018
Battle of Lansdown (OCR) 15th April 2018
Endure 24 (Team Bawbag) - Reading 9th June 2018
Ham Hill to Lyme Regis Ultra 7th July 2018
Mendip marauder Ultra (West Mendip Way) 4th August 2018
Dartmoor Marathon 1st September 2018 (TBC)
TWAC (Trail Weston Athletics Club) events:
Trig Point bagging in Western Beacons. Leading a day out bagging as many trig points as we can in the Brecon beacons. Self-supported and self-navigated.
Trail Days out:
Dartmoor
Exmoor
Brecon Beacons
Dorset Coastal Path.
