Reward The Journey

From the moment I lost considerable weight, I have been approached by people and companies looking to align my success with their products.

Despite lucrative promises, I have always politely declined. Yes, I have partnered with organisations to promote campaigns and I do have very close ties with people who have supported me, but I have always been honest and open throughout my journey.

There has been no secret to my success. I ate less and moved more. Of course, it is never that simple. I had to take many steps and I do know that buying a pedometer was one of my life’s best investments. It got me walking and walking led me to running. I might blog for Great Run, but I am not a great runner and although I have graced the cover of three running magazines, I will never be an elite athlete.

I am ok with that. Yes, I have struggled at times with how I still look and I still want to get fitter and faster, but I am happy being a try athlete. I am proud to be an average guy sometimes doing amazing things and always meeting amazing people.

My success hasn’t been rewarded with riches, but my life has become richer for all of the experiences and people in it. That is a reward in itself and for that, I will always be grateful and, for as long as people listen to what I say and read what I write, I will continue to promote physical activity. I will continue to seek new ways to encourage people to get active and I will continue to bore all of my friends with my achievements.

And I do believe that I can make a difference. You do not always need to be Sir Chris Hoy or Jessica Ennis-Hill to inspire people. Often, we respond more to people we know and people in our communities. People who remind us that we too can achieve greatness. Even, if that greatness is simply running our first 5K or competing in a triathlon. We can all be heroes.

That is why I am delighted to announce that I am now a sponsored athlete and brand ambassador.

Not for some sports brand or some sports supplement, but for a company that has getting people active at its core. A company that not only encourages active lives, but one that rewards active living.

That company is Health Rewards. A pioneering insurance company that I believe is not just driven by profit and one which already supports many grass roots sporting clubs and communities.

You can follow and join my continuing journey here and at Health Rewards as I use the benefits of being a Vitality member to help me achieve my dream of being not just a tryathlete, but also a triathlete.

#followthejourney #rewardthejourney #takethejouney