Category: Male

Andy Raju

“It was actually being accepted via ballot entry for the 2014 London Marathon that got me into running. What I learnt over time is that no runner started off by being a runner, it takes time and dedication. As a runner you have to expect both good days as well as off days as it takes time, but like with any physical activity, you must never give up! I had to be patient, and explore and try different running routes until I found a few that I enjoyed.

You will have some aches and pains but you must always respect the distance whether it is 5k or more. I therefore realised that all of these reasons are all of what can be applied for not only in running, or in any other activity or sport, but in life. Another lesson learnt is that running can be a great stress reliever, and helps to keep your mind at rest, as well as keeping your body in shape. After the marathon, I really got the bug, and felt encouraged to sign up for more races of varying distance such as 5k, 10k, and half marathons in order to build up my experience as well as my confidence in running, and setting goals. This included beating my best times and in general aiming to better myself.

My motto is ‘make running and walking a lifestyle’ it is not just a motto, I really do try and live by that. The way I see it, is that physical activity is a necessity in life, and being active is also about being healthy and feeling better. I have always tried to make physical activity a fun habit instead of a chore, which is what I tell others too who walk and run with me. I feel by doing this, I will continue enjoying this healthy habit and maintain and build upon.

Since running became a big part of my life, friends and neighbours kept asking me to help them get started. I completed a Leadership in Running Fitness Course (LiRF) back in May 2017, and became a UKA Run Leader. I have since started and have continued my local walking & running group ‘Run with Andy®` where running sessions take place twice a month, and walking sessions take place once a week from One Tree Hill Recreational Ground, Alperton, Wembley.

My aim is not only to get people out and active, but to also help make physical activity enjoyable and rewarding. I provide various trail walking routes and on my running sessions, combine the use of the outdoor gym located at various parks in Brent to keep it interesting.

Since I first started my group we have gained recognition from Brent Council, Won our 1st award in 2018 as RunTogether Group of The Year, (London Region) which is governed by England Athletics, and in 2019 we gained further recognition for both RunTogether Group of The Year as well as Run Leader of the Year! This journey grows from strength to strength!

I feel a sense of responsibility in my neighbourhood to help people reach their fitness goals whatever they may be, and to give encouragement and to maintain, in a fun and meaningful way.”

Humans of HIIT Male Running

Mickael Boulogne

“Two years ago I decided to get serious about sports. After multiple health problems, exertional asthma, one leg smaller than the other is betting on running a marathon.

A 42 km course seems unthinkable for many people but not for me. The beginning is hard and it always is, but when you want it you can and everyone must have these sentences in mind.

1: Even go for a run if it’s only a mile. 2: Continue without giving up, after a month the progress is dazzling. 3: Prepare a plan for a 5km or a 10km 4: Continue training and prepare the future 42km plan which takes at least 12 weeks. 5: The important thing is to have fun and realize the efforts made and tell yourself that you will always be better than someone who does nothing!

Believe in yourself! Believe in your potential! If you want to follow my training and complete his 42km together: mb_running62

Good luck everyone”

Family Humans of HIIT Male Running Weight Loss

Brian Schembri

“6 years ago, I had a hard time keeping up with my kids playing in the backyard. I was tired and out of breath. I decided I needed to lose weight and I began running. I ran my first kilometer, and I was so tired, that I could not move off of the couch for half an hour afterwards. However, I kept at it, and began going for longer distances. I lost almost 50 pounds, and have since run many marathons. My goal one day is to qualify to run in the Boston Marathon, and I also want to complete a full Ironman. The most interesting thing that has happened to me on my journey, is how it ended up encouraging so many others, including my three sons. All three have run in various events now, and they are all continuously training for a better lifestyle.”

Cancer Humans of HIIT Male Running Sport

Rob McMurdo

“From being 5 For 22 years I played football, week in and week out. I started to lose the excitement that football gave me and so aged 28 I gave up. I searched for something to get me excited – swimming, cycling, rowing and nothing did..

Then aged 29 having started to get out of shape I was diagnosed with testicular cancer.. the NHS were amazing and within a week I was operated on, as I lay in the recovery room out of shape and blown away by what had just happened I decided at that point I would become fitter than I had ever been in my life.

After a couple of months of rehab and not being allowed to exercise I found Parkrun, the rest was history.. I increased my running until I was running every day, then I tried a half marathon, it never stopped and before I knew it I was signed up for a full marathon. Fast forward 3 years and I am fitter than I have ever been, complete 20+ half’s, 2 marathons, have a 5k time of sub 19 mins and have run circa 2800 miles.

I will always remember the time when I was rock bottom, unfit, unable to exercise and remember how it made me feel.. I run every day and Inspire others to do the same. The goal for the next 2 years is to complete an Ironman and complete the journey of Illness to Ironman.”

Humans of HIIT Male Mental Health Running

David Clarke

“As a boy growing up I was always fit, running around riding bikes and roller blading which I still do.

As I grew up the busyness of life started to creep in. Work more work, marriage and children. I then started a business.

Back in December 2018 I had my first breakdown. It was too much. I was stretched too thin. February 2019 I took up running.

I now try to run 3 days a week. I say try as sometimes I can’t do it. I blame my medication, or I blame my depression.

The hardest part is getting out of bed, putting on clothes and getting started.

My best runs are the ones that I find takes the most effort to start. They end up being the most rewarding.”

Humans of HIIT Male Sport

Gareth Mate

“My name is Gareth, I’m English, but live in the Netherlands.

I have always loved sport and continually enjoyed being outdoors. Sport and the outdoors provides a hobby and a release from the daily grind and demands of working life.

It regulates my mind, makes me happy and can de-stress my body and mind.

It provides me with the challenges in life I need and hopefully allows me to inspire others to get outdoors and share their passion too!

I cycle 52 km to work daily, run regularly. I helped others to set up and run Parkrun in Rotterdam and love to hike mountain trails whenever and wherever I can.

In the past I have run many marathons, competed in triathlon events and played a variety of team sports at a good level.

I write through my website all about the outdoors and actively encourage others to follow my lead and use the outdoors as a learning tool and a way fulfilling and more enriched lifestyle.

I have the philosophy of doing as much as I can while I can. Making the most of my days and living life to the full.”

Family Gym Training Humans of HIIT Male Running School Sport

Ryan Harris

“I was an athlete throughout my childhood up through high school. Played multiple sports. Even after high school I stayed active for several years playing flag football. It wasn’t until my late 20’s when I got married and my wife and I started our family that I found every excuse to not be active.

Then about 5 years ago when my son started playing youth soccer and I realized I was so out of shape I could not keep up with 5 & 6 years old on a soccer field. This is when I decided it was time for no more excuses. I just needed to find something that would keep me motivated.

A good friend of mine introduced me to obstacle course racing. I looked into it and thought oh this looks fun. I soon realized that I needed much more in the way of fitness to be able to run these races. I started working out and training at a local gym 3 to 4 days a week and also running several times a week. Once I realized how much better I felt physically and the benefits I would see from a healthier lifestyle it lit a fire in me. I soon found that my passion was running.

I set a goal this year of running 1000 miles while also maintaining a balanced life with my family! My wife has also joined me in the fitness journey of life and we workout together several times a week doing her beach body programs.”

Humans of HIIT Male Mental Health School Sport

Paul Nicholson

Throughout school I was obsessed with sport, I played as much as I could, my whole life was consumed with playing some game. I was immensely competitive and still am today.

From 11 I played for 2 rugby teams, ice skated 4 to 5 times a week, If not we played roller hockey or football. After leaving school this huge void opened up, I began a career in hairdressing and it was a party lifestyle, I gained weight, drank too much, smoked too much and dabbled in recreational drugs.

I started to realise that I was struggling with drink and I couldn’t just have a few, I had to shut the lights completely out. This took its toll professionally, physically and mentally. I hit rock bottom and was around 112kg, so unhealthy and something snapped and I became suicidal.

One day my best friend decided to take me for a game of squash, I can pinpoint that session in summer 2009, as the beginning of my recovery, it awoke my physical side and my competitive nature. We played more and I found new partners, eventually I started at the gym and since 2009 it’s become an integral part of my life. I wanted to end my life and now I wake up earlier every day to be more proactive, I train to be obsessive and it keeps me on the right path.

The knock on effects it has, my productivity stoked by endorphins and the positivity, I’m almost coming up 40 but I feel younger and more energetic now than when I was 27. Never underestimate the mental health benefits physical activity can yield, it takes time to get there but you’ll never look back.”

Humans of HIIT Male Sport University

Kenna Selvalingam

“From playing U10 football to starting skateboarding at the tender age of 28(!), I have all always been an active person. A lot of my fond childhood memories are of times when my brother, friends and I were outside the house being mischievous little rascals and having a lot fun.

I can’t quite pinpoint what exactly has fine-tuned my mindset to keeping me stay active – it may have been the fat jokes aimed at me when I was younger, or it could just be for the pure joyfulness. Whatever it was, I am super thankful for it as it had positively impacted my life physically, mentally and spiritually (!)

At the time when I was starting a new job following my graduation, I don’t think I quite expected the transition between university and work to be this steep and I struggled a bit at the beginning.

If I hadn’t stuck to my fitness routine, I would certainly have carried on struggling for a longer period of time – Working out at the gym, going for walks/jogs or playing 5-a-side football gave me the break I needed to space out and briefly forget about what’s going on in life.

I am by no means a competitive person and so don’t really set myself targets that I want to accomplish. I guess my main target now, and always, is to enjoy myself whatever it’d be – football, working out, cycling, long walks and now skateboarding. Maybe by the end of the year I’d be able to pull off a kickflip.”

Humans of HIIT Injury Male Sport Workouts Classes

Ross Simpson

“I started training for my sport when I was 14 years old and I’ve enjoyed it ever since. Due to my sport being high risk, I’ve had different injuries and through my course at university I’ve learnt how to overcome them and different ways to prevent them.

I love exercising and mixing up my workouts from doing strength training, cardio or HIIT sessions. I enjoy seeing results and looking for ways to progress every week. Since starting my university course two years ago, I’ve learnt different exercises and workouts that has allowed my training to expand, and my passion for exercise and keeping healthy has grown. Exercise is the one thing I always look forward to each day, as it always makes me feel good after every session and my enjoyment always allows me to keep motivated.”