Motivation

Q&A with Mark Peart

Ex-RAF Firefighter and former SAS: ‘Who Dares Wins’ TV series contestant, Mark Peart, knows a thing or two about challenge and survival. Here, he shares his positive outlook on life and explains how exercise can help to improve motivation and our physical and mental health.

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Hi Mark! What motivates you to keep moving/ working out?

The happiest people don’t have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything.

For me what life is really all about and what motivates me is happiness. It’s not money, or stature, or the amount of cars you have.

Life means different things to different people. For some, life is all about achievement. For others, it’s all about experience.

Life is incredibly malleable. You can shape it, mould it, guide it and channel it to the direction you want to head.

It can mean something at one point and then change to mean something else in the future.

It is entirely in your hands. Life, truly, is whatever you make of it.

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How do you like to incorporate your sport into your everyday life?

I think it’s more just taking any opportunity and making time to get out and run. Taking a bit of time to plan and get my kit together and making the most of whatever I get the chance to do. 

How has your fitness/ active life changed over the past 12 months? How have you had to adapt?

Luckily for myself, the way I train hasn’t been overly affected. I managed to create a home gym about 5 years ago to make training easier. The main thing that has changed is that I’ve explored and discovered so many new and amazing routes to run right on my doorstep. 

How do you see the world of fitness evolving over the next year, particularly to your sport?

I think this period in time has given everyone a chance to explore new methods of keeping fit and looking after their own well-being. It’s been great to see more people getting involved with home workouts and exploring local trails. I believe that this will be something that stays afterwards and people will second think joining gyms.

What’s your number one thing you need/ have to do for your mental wellbeing/ wellness?

I believe there is a massive link between running and mental health.

For myself this is one of the key reasons I run and benefit from it so much. Running 100% changed my whole outlook on life and has and continues to help improve my own metal health issues.

I have listed below some of the key benefits from running which will directly influence and improve your own mental wealth.

• Reduction in the symptoms of depression and anxiety

• Improves memory and focus

• Improves sleep

• Increases appetite

• Increases mindfulness

• Reduces stress levels

• Raises self-belief

• Increases productivity

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What’s your number 1 fitness and wellness tip?

Enjoy and embrace the elements - Sun, rain, wind and snow can all bring their own hardship when running. My top tip is to ensure you have the right clothing for each element - this can help you embrace and enjoy running in any conditions.

I`ve learnt that there is nothing I love more than lacing up and heading off down the road in a storm. I find it meditative and believe it refines the senses. There’s something about the rain and wind hitting you that makes you feel alive.

Running has taught me to enjoy the freedom I have. Mainly, it gives me the opportunity to break away from life sometimes. Allowing me to rationalise events that are occurring in my everyday living.

You can follow Mark and read about more of his adventures here.

Interview by Ben Mounsey

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And for more inspirational tips to become stronger, better and happier, then check out our Motivation category. Because it’s no fun standing still.