Brighton Bootcamp & Personal Training

Tim is 78 years young and proof that strength training has no age limit 💪

He trains consistently, shows up ready to work, and regularly leaves people half his age behind in class.

Strength training isn’t just about building muscle. It helps maintain mobility, balance, bone strength and independence as we get older. It keeps you capable, confident and able to keep doing the things you enjoy in life.

Tim is a great reminder that it’s never too late to get stronger. Age is just a number — effort and consistency are what really count.

Keep leading the way, Tim 👏

For many years I’ve been fascinated by ultra endurance events, wondering what it takes and admiring those who undertake such a challenge.

Well this year I finally got to achieve my goal of competing in Ultra distance cycling.

In June I competed in the National 12hr TT with the goal of using it as a test run for my main event…the National 24hr HR TT.

This past weekend I finally achieved my goal and completed the 24hr TT, and boy it felt long 😂

This was by far the toughest and longest event I’ve ever competed in, even Ironman doesn’t compare. But it was also by far the greatest sporting experience I’ve ever had.

As I rode away from the start line on Saturday and 1.53pm, I was trying to get my head round the idea of cycling all day, all night and half of the next day before I could actually sleep 😴
Though I did close my eyes for 20mins at 4.45am after riding straight through the night.

I completed 333miles, not world beating but still the furthest I’ve ever ridden on a bike…yet 😝

Now I need rest 😂

This past weekend I attempted my first ultra distance cycling event, the National 12hr TT champs. Here is my race report…

National 12hr TT

Leading into the 12hr I had no idea or really any expectation of how the day would go, I’d never ridden a time trial before let alone something as epic as a 12hr TT.
But I have completed many triathlons, including Ironman…although that was way back in 2006. Plus I’d only been back on the bike 10 months after a 7 year lay off, still kept fit but no cycling.
Anyway that’s all the self limiting excuses out of the way, I’ll get back to the race…

As the timekeeper counted me off, I actually felt really happy to be at the start line as it’d been far too long since I last competed and doing a “12” had always been a goal of mine. As I rode off I started easy knowing it would be a long day and wanted to keep my energy reserves in check. I was advised the day before by Steve the race organiser to not go off too hot, so I settled into a steady 18.2mph which felt comfortable although my heart rate was initially elevated (due to excitement), it settled eventually.
First lap was really just to see how I felt and to check out the route, it was very flat, only a stiff headwind at certain parts of the circuit…which meant a lovely tailwind as well.

After the first lap I settled into my rhythm and started to really enjoy myself, pace was consistent as was confirmed by my girlfriend on my lap times.

Throughout the day the wind would gust stronger at times often in conjunction with some short downpours, but I didn’t allow any of that to “dampen” my spirits.
After approximately 8hrs my pace dropped a little, but I continued to manage my effort and keep a positive mindset.

At 10 and a half hours we were directed onto the finishing circuit which was wonderful as it meant more tailwind than headwind.

Looking at my Garmin I could see I was going to beat 200miles and as numbers slowly changed from 199 to 200 I felt a wave of happiness and emotion wash over me…then I shifted my goal to see how many more miles I could complete before 12hrs we’re up.

As the time was ticking away I rode past the start/finish lap Marshalls, they shouted out 3mins remaining, at that point I was mentally and physically ready to finish, at that point I knew I would be able to stop in about one mile as that’s where the next timekeepers would be.

As I rode that last mile I felt exhausted but also so very proud, this was the longest and most challenging sporting endeavour of my life, even more so than Ironman.
I crossed the finish having completed 210.1 miles, not world beating by any means…but for me it was everything.
Thank you Steve Burrows of Vive le Velo for putting on an amazing race and giving me an awesome day.

My stats of the day for those interested were -
210.1 miles completed of which 11hrs 55 were actual moving miles, yep only stopped for 5mins in total.
17.4mph average speed
139 bpm average heart rate
4188 total calories burnt
57,452 total pedal strokes

Please take a moment to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Lest we forget

1. Feel the Burn: Keep your muscles working with short breaks. Push until it feels tough, but stop before it gets too difficult to maintain good technique.

I’ve tried a few sports over the years, but my favourites will always be boxing and triathlons. Two completely different sports but both require full commitment and dedication if you are to succeed.
The boxing pics are from my army days, I was 18 (so young), the triathlons were from my 20’s and 30’s (can you guess my favourite?)
My biggest motivation to train has always been from setting goals and working towards them

How long should you be working out?

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How long should my workout be? How long should you be working out? This is an extremely popular question, and one I get all the time. One of the biggest reasons for not working out is TIME. Many people believe that if they cannot get in a 60-minute workout, they shouldn't even bother doing a workout at all. That said... But… so...

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While it is often seen as a desirable goal, it is essential to note that perfection is often unattainable and that the pursuit of perfection can sometimes lead to negative consequences, such as excessive stress and self-criticism.

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