Let the children inspire us to inspire them.

THE CURRENT generation of young people are the first generation that are predicted not to outlive their parents. A sad indictment of our modern, inactive society.

At the time of writing I’ve just finished a training session in preparation for Tough Mudder (hopefully I’ve now completed the event without serious injury).

For those that don’t know, Tough Mudder is an extreme obstacle course. Twelve miles through icy water, underwater tunnels, electric shock fields, steep walls that are covered in grease and water, monkey bars……you get the idea.

It’s a little bit insane and the kind of event that is becoming increasingly popular. My children will be coming along to watch as daddy scrambles over objects and challenges, and faces a couple of fears if I’m honest.

They’ll get as much out of it as I will. But I’ll get a buzz from seeing their faces and hearing them cheer me on as I stumble past covered in mud and freezing cold.

And at the point I want to just say “oh stuff it I’ve had enough” it will be their cheers and smiles that will mean I can’t.

Now Tough Mudder is not for all of us, in fact I’m not sure it’s for me as I hate cold water. But there is something out there for all of us whatever level we’re currently at or whatever level we aspire to be.

Often the hardest thing is getting going, having something to inspire us.

I always go on about us getting more active and I know that for many getting started is the hardest thing. I see a lot of clients who are inspired by a health scare, for themselves or someone close to them, but I think a better inspiration is our children.

The greatest feeling I get is not when I actually achieve something but when I see the look on the kids’ face when they see me do something, and it doesn’t have to be anything grand.

And then I watch as they try to copy or mimic what I do. Or tell me they want to try something new. If all we do is sit on the sofa watching TV then that’s all the children will do.

If we get out and get active, whatever the level, they’ll follow us and we can help inspire the next generation to be healthier, more active and outlive us.

The Tough Mudder website describes the event as a 10 to 12 mile obstacle course designed to test all-round strength, stamina, teamwork and mental grit.

Entrants are asked to pledge that they will put teamwork and camaraderie before their course time, they will not whine, they will help their fellow mudders complete the course, and they will overcome all fears.

Since Tough Mudder started in 2010 there have been 100 events around the world, £5 million raised for charities, and a 78 per cent completion rate by participants.

Tough Mudder is a partner with the Armed Forces charity Help for Heroes, with participants raising more than £600,000 in recent years.