19/07/2026
Last month I completed the Classic Quarter - 44 miles along the Cornish coast with over 5,500 ft of elevation.
Looking back, the race became a mirror of the past year.
Training never really went to plan. Life threw up many challenges and got in the way more than once, including most significantly the lose of my dad. Rather than following the programme I’d imagined, I adapted to training whenever and however I could.
Race day seemed determined to reinforce the lesson. 30mph headwinds, rain, blazing sunshine and being sand-blasted along the coastal paths meant adaptability mattered just as much as fitness.
On receiving my 8th degree black belt around the start of the training year, my Sensei Brinley Morgan, reminded me of the Japanese saying Nanakorobi yaoki – fall down seven times, stand up eight.
That idea has stayed with me all year.
The race also reminded me that no one really achieves these things alone. Although I spend much of my training by myself, I was fortunate to have an incredible support team made up of a family (the Leyshons) from my personal training community. Their encouragement made difficult moments feel manageable and reminded me how much we rely on others when pushing beyond what we thought possible.
One unexpected lesson came afterwards. My own coaching philosophy centres on adaptability, resilience and helping people navigate challenges rather than simply becoming fitter. I was pleased to discover that approach held true for me too. Recovery was remarkably smooth, and the next day I was back to work including beginning a three-week rebuild of my training studio.
And perhaps best of all, together we raised over £1,000 for K9 Crusaders Dog Welfare Charity, which made every difficult mile worthwhile.
This weekend I entered the 2027 race.
I have no idea what the next year’s training challenges will bring… but I know I’ll keep standing up to them.
