Darren’s Story Training for Longevity, Not Just Finish Lines
As I’m finally getting over this horrible flu that’s doing the rounds, I’m finally sharing with you one of my client’s stories.
I’ve worked with many clients returning from injury or preparing their bodies for the long game of life. Darren’s journey stands out because it perfectly captures what training for longevity really means adapting, rebuilding, and continually setting meaningful goals while respecting the body’s history.
Darren’s story began in his mid-thirties, when what should have been a simple movement changed everything. As he puts it, “a simple task of picking up a dog lead, led me to experiencing chronic back pain which ultimately lead me to undergoing surgery and discectomy to herniated discs to my lower back.” Thankfully, surgery and recovery went well, but it sparked a deeper realisation. Darren recognised that he wasn’t preparing his body for an active future and that midlife was approaching faster than expected.
Like many people, Darren started with cardio-based goals. Couch to 5k became 10ks, which then escalated into challenging events like the Coniston 14 miler. He admits, “I thought I would be able to do it without much preparation,” only to realise how unforgiving the body can be without structured training. Despite going on to complete a marathon, coast-to-coast cycling, and even ultra marathons, Darren felt something was missing. Fitness alone wasn’t enough.
When we first met, the focus was clear: protecting his back while allowing him to continue doing what he loved. Darren describes this period honestly: “Although my back was ok, I always had in the back of my mind a ticking time bomb.” Our early work centred on core strength and mobility, foundations that are often overlooked but are critical for long-term health. The changes came quickly. “The outcomes were startling for me… I could see actual progress, more so than in the many years behind me when I didn’t train to a structure.”
Once those foundations were in place, Darren’s training became purpose-driven. Surfing was next on his list, so we tailored exercises to support balance, rotation, and shoulder strength. The result? “The results are that I can now surf.” From there, the focus shifted again, this time to cycling, preparing for iconic climbs like Sa Calobra, while always respecting his back and mobility needs.
Perhaps the most impressive chapter came as Darren approached 50. Despite never having completed a triathlon, he signed up for a half Ironman. The training demanded careful programming, balancing swimming, cycling, running, recovery, and ongoing mobility work. Darren doesn’t sugar-coat it: “The training was hard and intense.” But consistency, accountability, and teamwork paid off, and he successfully crossed the finish line.
Now, as Darren looks toward some downtime at the end of 2025, his journey continues. His next goal isn’t set yet, but his mindset is. As he says, “Whatever it is… it will get me to the finish line.” For me, Darren’s success isn’t just about races completed, it’s about building a body that’s resilient, capable, and ready for the years ahead.
I you want to read more about Darrens journey head over to me success stories to hear exactly what he has to say about training with me and if you’re ready to kick start your training with me message me and we can have a chat.
