The test showed a double red stripe. It was positive. In a little less than 270 days I was to begin the biggest endurance event I had ever entered, setting out on the ultra-distance challenges of fatherhood. With my pregnancy test ticket in hand, I felt like an imposter. Very little attention seemed to have been given to the curriculum of the applicants. Entry, at least, was initially free. Once it began I was assured there would be regular installments for its duration. The course length was unspecified. Time spent participating was rewarded far more highly than setting a new course record. And there were no drink stops. No medals. No sponsorship. Just relentless rounds of broken sleep, early baths and an “I love daddy” t-shirt decorated with tears and a sprinkling of vomit.
It sounded akin to the kind of stoic next-level endurance feats I would scroll past on social media. So impossibly long and hard that I might linger to press like, but quickly shake my head and assure myself it couldn’t possibly be good for you. But here I was. My double red-stripe ticket in hand and the countdown clock already ticking. Training needed to begin fast. Luck was on my side, though. Like any future-father fanboy, I had reached out to three experts, and they had taken me under their paternal wing. If there was any hope of maintaining fitness whilst being a good dad, I would need every time-bending tip they could spare.
THE JOURNEY TO THE START LINE
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 2019-Ausgabe von Men's Fitness.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 2019-Ausgabe von Men's Fitness.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
DOUBLE TROUBLE
Get race-ready with this two-part session from HYROX master trainer and Represent 247 athlete
NEED-TO-KNOW NUTRITION
From sugar intake to gluten intolerance, performance nutritionist Dr Laurent Bannock gives the no-nonsense answers to your food-related questions
"I DON'T GO CHASING PBS AT MY AGE-THERE'S NO POINT"
England and Harlequins legend Danny Care talks rugby fitness, the power of positivity, and the one session he never wants to do again
FILL YOUR BOOTS
Hyperice's Normatec Lower Legs offer instant relief for sore calves. But with an RRP over £400, are they worth the punt?
BUILT TO LAST
If you're looking for a military-grade bag that can withstand some rough treatment, the KNKG Everyday Tactical Backpack is worth its weight in dynamic durability
FINGER ON THE PULSE
Pulseroll's premium massage gun is a smooth operator but does it do enough to sway Theragun fans?
TAKE YOUR TIME
Maximise muscle gains by leveraging the concept of time under tension
WALK & TALK
A new wave of outdoor therapy services are transforming how we look after, and discuss, our mental health. Joe Minihane heads to the Peak District to find out more
Beach Body BLUEPRINT
Thought you'd blown your chance to shore up your physique before summer? Think again. We've got a clever plan to help you get fitter and leaner in no time
20 WAYS TO BURN BELLY FAT
Ignite fat loss and maintain your newly sculpted physique with these expert strategies for lasting effects