Meet Team Leaders: Benji & Liam
In this edition, we're excited to introduce two of our dedicated members: Liam and Benji. Both are not only passionate runners but also inspire the rest of us with their relentless pursuit of personal goals and riotous humour.
Liam: "Doc"
Known affectionately as "Doc" within the group, Liam is currently training for the Edinburgh Marathon. His sights are also set on a challenging Bob Graham (BG) Round further down the line. His commitment to running is truly remarkable. At 36 years old, Liam's biggest achievement is his last KI fight.
*K-1 kickboxing is a fast-paced modern style of kickboxing
Benji: "Sky Food"
To most, he is simply Benji, but to the Royal Marines in the group, he’s known as "Sky Food".
Benji has recently completed the Bob Graham Round and is now in a phase of recovery training. His next big goal is a double BG attempt next year, which promises to be an extraordinary feat. At 31 years old, Benji is proud of his title as Coach’s & Boxer’s Boxer of the Year for 3 Para.
Favourite Fell or Running Route
We asked Benji and Liam about their favorite running spots:
Benji: "Old Man Coniston in the Lake District is my favorite fell. For a route, I love running Scafell (not the Pike) from Eskdale."
Liam: Liam says his favourite trail is the one he’s on.
Why "Poles & Crocs"?
Both Liam and Benji share the same philosophy when it comes to the ethos of our group. As Liam puts it, "You can never settle, always striving for improvement and continued growth." Benji echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of constant personal development.
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Mental Health Check-In
When it comes to mental health, both Benji and Liam rely heavily on physical exercise as their main go-to strategy. This aligns perfectly with the ethos of our group, highlighting the profound connection between physical activity and mental well-being.
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Coping Strategies
Benji: Running and spending time with my boys.
Liam: Running for me.
Support from the Group
Both Liam and Benji feel that the group provides unwavering support. They know that nothing is off limits, and if anyone needs support, the group is always there to help.
Mindful Moments
Physical exercise is a key component of mindfulness for both Benji and Liam. This practice helps them stay grounded and focused.
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Advice for Others
Benji: "You need to want to help yourself before anyone else can help you. Do something physical as it will do more than sitting and thinking about it."
Liam: (Answer TBD)
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Books that have Shaped their Thinking
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We hope you find inspiration in the stories of Liam and Benji. Their dedication and passion for running remind us all of the importance of setting goals, pushing our limits, and taking care of our mental health through physical exercise.
Stay tuned for more stories from our amazing group members in the next edition of the Poles & Crocs Newsletter.
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Poles & Crocs Team
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