THE TRAINING PLAN… AND MY MISSION... (SHOULD I CHOOSE TO ACCEPT IT!)

On Saturday, 5th September 2026, I'll be returning to the beautiful but unforgiving Gower Coast to take on Marie Curie's Beat the Trails.

This time, I'm determined to complete the full 21-mile challenge.

Last year, on 6th September 2025, I completed 12 miles on an incredibly warm day. I had trained seriously, but looking back with complete honesty, I wasn't truly prepared for what the Gower had in store.

The biggest lesson?

It wasn't fitness alone.

It was preparation.

As a qualified project manager.. I am wise to remember my military 7Ps

Proper Planning and Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance.

I underestimated the terrain, which was a shock for me considering my valley upbringing.

The toughest climbs came early, and I didn't pace myself as well as I should have. I also spent far too much time doing what I naturally enjoy—stopping to admire the scenery, taking photographs, chatting to fellow walkers and the brilliant marshals, posting updates on social media and journalling the adventure as it happened.

I don't regret a second of it.

But I came away knowing I could, and for Marie Curie should do better.

That thought stayed with me all year.

So I'm going back—not because I failed—but because I learned.

To quote as a veteran of The Weakest Link.. I could have banked that and walked away..

..but I am not that sort of man.

Lesson One: Pack Smarter

Last year, I packed enough equipment to survive a small expedition.

The event guidance was excellent, but I interpreted it rather enthusiastically. My backpack contained enough water, medical supplies, and equipment to open a field hospital.

The reality?

Marie Curie UK support stations are superbly organised.

This year, the bag will be dramatically lighter. I'll carry the essentials, but every unnecessary gram has gone.

Proud of last years performance but packed and bulked way too much for the journey.. don’t need the sticks either..

Lesson Two: Dress for the Walk

Last year, I looked like a cross between Indiana Jones and MC Hammer.

The leather hat—beautifully bought by my wife Donna—looked fantastic but wasn't exactly practical.

The waterproof trousers weren't needed.

The cotton T-shirt became Chafing Central.

This year it's all about performance rather than appearance:

• Breathable Marie Curie webbing shirt

• Shorts or long shorts dependent on the weather

• Anti-chafing cream (a modern miracle!)

• Lightweight baseball cap

Comfort wins every time, and a superb music playlist and a few blister plasters in case packed with energy bars.

Lesson Three: Train for Endurance

This has been the biggest change.

When I was younger, I always trained for strength and size.

That simply isn't the answer for walking 21 miles across one of Britain's most demanding coastlines.

To go the distance, I've had to embrace something I used to avoid...

Cardio.

I joined Celtic Leisure in Neath and, with help from one of their outstanding trainers—a former Royal Marine—we designed a year-long programme built entirely around endurance.

The progression has been simple but relentless:

• January–March: Two hours of cardio each week. • April–June: Four hours per week. • July onwards: Six hours of cardio every week, alongside additional gym sessions, walking and swimming.

Every workout follows the same philosophy, with the distance and resistance built up over time.

Upright Bike.

Recumbent bike (which I affectionately call the Go-Kart).

Arm bike—nicknamed Pooshy Paws in memory of my late dog.

Cross trainer.

Rower—my long-time nemesis.

Ski machine.

Then finally, the treadmill for anything from 30 minutes to an hour.

Every single week, I've increased either time, resistance, and/or distance.

Every single week, I've tried to beat the previous version of myself.

There's something wonderfully satisfying about watching last week's pace avatar disappear behind me, and I usually tell it to bugger off.

Calling the rower Pace Boat all the names under the sun letting it eat my dust (or wake)

Ah Mr Bond.. as you can see.. we have provided you with quite the elegant torture device..

It's Never Been About Looking Like an Athlete

This has never been about becoming a ripped Adonis.

It's about becoming capable.

Weight loss has been a welcome bonus, but it has never been the goal.

I'd rather finish the walk than win a bodybuilding competition.

Think Brian Blessed rather than Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Or perhaps...

More Chuck Wepner than Muhammad Ali.

Grining or grimacing.. cant tell!

Go the distance.

Thank You

I owe huge thanks to my friends and colleagues at VidAlert, who have been incredibly supportive throughout this journey.

Whether it's understanding why I occasionally need a quieter office day after a heavy training session or joining me for lunchtime walks along the Neath Canal, every bit of encouragement helps.

Those miles all count.

I've also drawn inspiration from friends, modern technology, and even Sylvester Stallone's excellent book Sly Moves, which has become something of a training companion.

Why Am I Doing This?

If you've followed my story, you'll already know.

If you haven't...

A few years ago, I experienced one of the darkest periods of my life.

Marie Curie was there for me.

Through compassion, counselling, kindness, and giving me the confidence to step back into the world again.

Quite simply...

They helped me get back on my feet.

This walk is my way of saying thank you.

But it's become something even bigger.

I want to help shine a light on men's mental health.

Far too many men still believe they have nowhere to turn.

We've lost too many remarkable people because they believed a temporary problem required a permanent solution.

I was frighteningly close to becoming one of those statistics myself.

Every time I read another story about someone taking their own life, it genuinely hurts.

There is always hope.

There are always people who care.

There are always options.

Please don't ever believe otherwise.

The Final Stretch

I'm delighted that conversations are already underway about further newspaper, radio, television, and public speaking opportunities in the run-up to the event.

If sharing my story encourages just one person to ask for help—or inspires one person to support Marie Curie—then every mile will have been worthwhile.

As I write this, I'm just £265 away from my £1,000 fundraising target.

If you've already donated...

Thank you.

If you've shared my posts...

Thank you.

If you've simply followed this journey...

Thank you.

And if you're able to help me reach the finish line, I'd be incredibly grateful if you could donate, share this post, or simply help spread the word.

Together, we can make a real difference.

One step at a time.

One mile at a time.

One life at a time.

Thank you all.

❤️

Donate here:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/tyrone-davies-2?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

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