My Passion With James Myescough

Working in the world of a high octane sales and extremely competitive environment of IT systems, I really do need to relieve the stresses of the day or if I have been successful and have clinched a deal with a new client, it gives me a great opportunity to let off some steam. 

The best and most effective way I find to do this is to test and push myself physically by undertaking a real variety of challenging outdoor training and sport. And I find that taking on this type of activity really does re-focus my energy on the following day at work.

From an early age, I have been involved with competitive sports and its associated training. Having represented the North of England Rugby Union team, I totally understand what it takes to maintain peak fitness and performance, and challenge my energy to get the best from both body and mind.

A few months ago I heard about an event called ‘Survival of the Fittest’, which is a series of 11km assault courses completed over four weekends this October in Cardiff, Edinburgh, Nottingham and London. Their website is full of warnings about pain, getting into shape, and advice that it is not for the faint-hearted. These are high-octane urban-based running events with obstacles designed to keep contestants on their toes, and described as an unforgiving course interspersed with obstacle zones, with either single or multiple obstacles. This unique format will challenge both seasoned athletes and rookie runners alike, so I am not taking it lightly.

My training routine has begun. I am currently undertaking a vigorous regime which includes parachute training, interval training, 10km runs, obstacle training, weight training and core conditioning. In addition I have now adjusted my diet to ensure that I am eating the right foods at the right time, and the results from this change have been almost instant. I am already feeling fitter and stronger than when I started.

Out of all the training disciplines, I’ve found the parachute training to be the most rewarding. This is a relatively new idea, and as the name suggests, you attach a parachute to your back with a harness, and then run. This improves stamina, leg strength and core strength, all of which are key elements to the events I am undertaking.  As long as you have a good open space to run around, and not too much wind, parachute training really gives you a rounded exercise experience. 

The parachutes themselves are around £25, so the total experience is a cost-effective way to get really fit. And I have found the dedication to training and the desire to win is translating into the workspace. I am much more focused, have more energy, and a real determination to win that IT contract for Claritas.