Wesley Chambers Personal Trainer

Please tell us about any sporting events you have taken part in/have coming up?

Having completed my first marathon in 2019 - Richmond Runfest - I have a renewed interest in long distance trail/road events. I also enjoy amateur boxing, however since the Coronavirus restrictions hit in Spring 2020 I haven’t been as active with training/bouts as I’d like to have been.

As 2021 approaches I hope to gain a place in the Virgin Money London marathon and compete in a range of running events and also have a busy boxing season with Sevenoaks Boxing Club.

Currently the highlight of my sporting calendar is looking to be The Ragnar Trail Forest of Dean event.

Tell us about your journey to fitness? Where did it all start?

During my school years I would compete in track & field events (1500m, high jump) and cross country, admittedly it was a case of almost making it as opposed to having a great impact on the events. It wasn’t until my time in the British Army between 2009 - 2013, I appreciated the opportunities to represent my regiment in basketball, and get back into football and athletics. These years were where I first stepped into a gym and felt the pull towards competitive individual events. I fell in love with weightlifting which led to a short spell as a powerlifter.

What are your training goals now?

My focus now is to decrease two things; my weight and running times in events from 5km to marathon distance. I have ambitions to run the World major marathons and also the MDS endurance race.

Tell us one unusual fact we wouldn’t know about you:

I'm an avid film fan and plan to produce, write and direct independent mircobudget feature films.

What advice do you wish you'd been given when you first started out?

The importance of consistency and logging my runs. I used to just run in a sporadic, capricious manner without structure or goals. I now appreciate the intricacies of training for specific events or target times.

Do you follow a specific nutrition plan? If so, what/when do you eat?

I have previously tried various nutrition plans and eating windows; however, these restrictions didn't work due to work or personal choice. I think if I manage the sugar and fatty foods then I can eat whatever and whenever I want. My weight tends to fluctuate depending on what I'm training for, an amateur bout or a running event.

These days I take vitamins and have increased my protein intake to aid muscle recovery, and that's about it. Everyone has different needs and varying regimes work for various people; I think we need to do what works/feels right.

Tips for clients/Do you have any top tips to keep motivated?

I previously gained an entry level athletics coaching qualification but chose not to pursue it further, choosing to focus on my career, however to keep myself motivated during sporting events or tough training sessions I think of my kids - how my achievements can inspire them, how showing grit, tenacity and dedication can enhance their young lives.

I also break up the challenge into achievable targets. One more round sparring, or another three miles along the road etc.

Talk us through your training regime.

I aim to run at least four times a week; hill sprints, Fartlek/intervals, and a steady state jog, culminating with a long run on the weekend usually a Sunday. Pre Covid I was training in the boxing gym Mondays and Wednesday evenings 19:00 - 21:00. with another hour session on a Friday.

How do you keep your fitness knowledge up to date?

I read what I can online, talk with coaches and fellow runners/boxers/athletes, I’m considering studying for further coaching qualifications, but I’m still considering disciplines.

What are your top 3 trainer tips?

There is no such thing as a bad training session, try to remain optimistic after the low days.

The only competition is yourself, focus on your own improvements, look for marginal gains to increase overall performance.

Don't be afraid to set crazy, big challenges, sometimes the people closest to you are your biggest detractors - find your support network and aim for those achievements together.

Due to work commitments I’m not always able to get out with others when I train, Lonely Goat Running Club offer great support on Strava, also the Oford Trail runners group are amazing. Go follow them both.

If you could only eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?

This would have to be bread, it's so versatile - cheese on toast, chip butties, ham, and lettuce sandwiches. Is that bending the question too much.

Why work with Sundried?

I love the passion and the inclusive ethos behind the brand, whether you’re just stating your running journey or a five time Ironman winner there is something for you at Sundried. It’s also great that the products are “all created ethically and sustainably” during these wild times it’s important to be conscious about the planet and the working conditions of others.

Favourite fitness quote:

During the tough training runs, those hot summer or equally tough cold wet Winter miles, I’m often drawn to thinking about one of my running heroes. The late great American long-distance runner, Steve Prefontaine (1951 - 1975).

He said “To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift.”

I’ve yet to give my best in any sporting event, the best is yet to come!