CUSTOMER IN FOCUS - BEN CLANCY

Once a month we will be featuring one of our customers in an email about their health and fitness journey and life in general. This month we are featuring Ben Clancy (photo in the PERFORNANCE TEE AND ALLROUNDER SHORTS). 

Ben has had very close near death experiences, he was a heavy drinker but realised this lifestyle was not for him. Ben has also become a great friend and an amazing supporter in the Maw Brothers group, Ben has met his regular run buddy through the Maw Brothers and we are incredibly proud that this happened. Read his amazing story below

Where are you from?

Originally from the ACT, we moved a bit when I was younger as dad was in the Army. After Canberra we lived in Melbourne and then Toowoomba. I quickly moved to Brisbane after I finished school and have been here ever since. I consider myself a proud Queenslander.

What got you started on your health and fitness journey?

In 2002 I fell from a balcony in a drunken incident and almost lost my life.  I realised that there was a lot to be thankful for following that. I joined a gym and a got a personal trainer and I started to build myself up again. I have been enthused in fitness ever since.

What motivates you to keep going?

I love being able to call myself “Fit”. There is so much we can do to improve ourselves. I love the way fitness really helps you clear your mind and face your fears. From running extraordinary lengths to lifting enormous weights you test yourself physically and mentally. There is so much variety with fitness that it is never boring.

What are you daily habits that allow you to exercise and stay on track?

 Zero excuses. I make a plan for the week ahead and I stick to it. If I have written it down it is going to happen, no ifs or buts. You can’t allow yourself to second guess cause you’ve already lost the battle if you do.

What do you think if the Maw Active gear?

 I love training in my MAW shirts, shorts and hoodie. They are super comfortable and breathable.

The range is diverse and the colors are great.

My favorites are the performance tee and the compression shorts.

Also I love been apart of the MAW brothers it is such  a great support group and how it has been such a great opportunity to meet other likeminded blokes who enjoy exercising which has led to regular runs with some of the brother and lifelong friendships

Who do you look up too in your health and fitness journey?

 Anyone out there giving it their best shot I look up to. Any step forward is never a step wasted.

What adversity have you had to overcome to get to where you are?

 I was a heavy drinker for most of my life till I was thirty and always on the drink every weekend. Don’t get me wrong, I still love a drink with my mates occasionally but I have learned to focus on building myself up and improving, rather than spiraling and ruining myself.

I have struggled with confidence through my life and exercise really gives me so many things to be proud of and take confidence from. I really love it.

What has been your greatest achievement to date?

My greatest achievement was running the full marathon at Gold Coast Marathon 2019. The odds were against me, I couldn't run even 10kms a few weeks out due to some niggling injuries and the farthest I have run in my life was only 21.1kms. I wanted to do it for my dad who was very ill at the time. I braved it and I did it, all 42.2 kms.

That gold medal I will treasure forever.

What is your favourite fitness event you have undertaken?

 My favorite was the Ironman 70.3 at Mooloolaba in 2018. I did the run leg with my best mate on his bike and another mate doing the swim.

The team effort and being amongst the most elite was really awesome and I got a PB on the half marathon I ran.

Do you have any daily routines that you follow that keeps you on track?

I meditate every night and I write my goals for the next day down in a book. Keeps me honest and really helps clear my mind for a good sleep ahead. I always try to ensure I have at least 7 hours of sleep to get a good recovery.

What are your 2021 fitness goals?

 I want to run three half marathons.

Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.

The Queensland trilogy.

What is your why?

I want to better myself. I want to keep being the best version of myself. I like inspiring others. I also want to make my parents and partner proud. I want to keep moving and live life to the maximum. I don’t want to waste a minute. Life is way too short.

Thank you Ben for your inspirational journey, like so many of us Ben has overcome some big hurdles to get to where he is. Nothing comes easy and I personally know how much Ben trains. I was lucky enough to be accompanied by Ben in my first ever half marathon. He is a truly giving person of his time and of his support to the Maw Brothers. Legend.