25/08/2026
Then vs now, these pictures are exactly 13 years apart.
On the left is 31 years old within a couple of years of finishing Royal Marines training, and arguably the fittest and strongest version of myself:
63kg, 8–9 hours sleep every night, training 4–5 times/week, and these were my numbers:
5km Run: 18:49
Bleep Test: 13.6
Bench Press: 97.5kg
Back Squat: 115kg
Deadlift: 140kg
Pull-ups to beeps: 12
Push-ups to beeps: 64
And the ability to yomp for miles carrying approximately 60lb+
Fast forward to today and to the picture on the right taken just last week, 44 years old, 67.7kg, 5-6 hours sleep on a good night, training 2-3 times/week, 2 young children, a subsequently lot less energy and motivation. Here are the numbers I have achieved in the last 12 week:
5km Run: 22:45
Bleep Test: 11.7
Bench Press: 93.5kg
Back Squat: 107.5kg
Deadlift: 155kg
Pull-ups: Untested but likely 12, especially given that I can perform weighted pull-ups with +25kg
Push-ups to beeps: 36
Bleep Test: 11.7
The 31-year-old me was clearly impressive, and he might think he’s safe because he’s got youth on his side. He’s not. I’m coming for his fitness, strength, endurance and work capacity 🤣
44 vs 31 = Different body. Different life. Very different circumstances, but underneath, the same competitive athlete always competing with myself. Eventually I’ll hit a point where are my numbers inevitable decline, but I’m going to delay that day for as long as possible, not just for myself, but for my family and those around me who depend on me being my best and setting the standard 🚀