Challenge

So, over the recent weekend to mark 6 years since the passing of my best friend who lost a battle with mental health and honour his memory Nick Carpenter and I decided once again to take on what is now the second of 24 hour workout challenges for our friend in the consecutive years. (This being my third completed in the past 3 years)- The 1.8.18.v.2!

Last year for the 1.8.18 challenge, Nick Carpenter and I completed 1.8km run and 18 chest to floor burpees every hour on the hour for 24 hours. However, this time to raise the bar with the challenge itself we decided to add in an extra movement, 18 over the shoulder med ball throws with a 10kg slam ball. Looking like this...

EVERY HOUR ON THE HOUR FOR 24 HOURS

* 1.8k run

* 18 chest to floor burpees

* 18 med ball shoulder throws (10kg)

After absolutely blowing last years targets out of the park and raising £6,216 we made a target of £2000. However, with the support received we raised over £4000!

So Why 18?

• 18 is for the number of mens suicides on average every single day in the U.K

• 1.8 x 24 = 42 (in km that’s just over a marathon)

• Plus the 432 reps for each exercise to add into to the challenge and fatigue!

This year was without a doubt the toughest of the two, but the motivation was too great to fail or stop during the mental exhaustion and physical fatigue along the way. A challenge is a test of will, requiring stoicism, discipline, resilience and showing yourself that there is so much more within your capabilities. This is something we should all remember, as we often limit ourselves whilst listening to our protective mechanism within the mind that is quick to jump towards stopping as the intensity or discomfort levels rise when we start to push our physical boundaries. Even if that means to adhere towards a simple daily activity or task.

I hold everyone to hold themselves accountable, to allow themselves to the opportunity to explore that boundary and experience the reward of self-achievement and realisation that can be applied not only to your health and fitness, but positively to mental health, careers, social relationships and the confidence in your ability to do more so that you can really set out and get what's yours in life.

Discomfort is a beautiful thing, as on the other-side is growth and the opportunity to develop, progress and learn!

Many thanks to those who contributed towards moral support and even a donation along the way!

Stay tuned for the next one ;)

If you really want to step up your game, improve your health, mentality and lifestyle be sure to get in touch!

KD.