Your Health, Your Choice: Getting to know Coach Pete

"I've always tried to have a positive message about how you can take control of your own health and how you will age.

"This has been a mix of actionable advice and the background as to why it is important to take these actions.

"Today it will be about me, Coach Pete.

"I'm not perfect, but I try to follow the advice that I give others; I exercise regularly, I do strength training, some plyometrics, and generally have a healthy diet.

"Ever since school, I've done some exercise, varying from hockey, running, marathons, squash, and then back to running and triathlons.

"I've never thought of myself as being very fit - I was always the last to be picked at school for teams and hated cross-country running (did anyone enjoy it?!).

"However, since school I've just done it to enjoy it, and I still do.

"Now I recognise that I am quite fit.

"Most years now I complete a full Ironman and compete in ultra-running events.

"The thing that probably surprises most people is that I'm not in my 40s or 50s.

"I'm in my 60s.

"And this is why I'm talking about myself, to show you that it is possible to be healthy and active as you get older.

"I appreciate that what I do is way more than is needed to have a healthy older age, but what I do is also what I've covered in my articles over the last year or so.

"Consistency is king, or queen.

"Over the years, there has rarely been a week when I have not done any exercise.

"Some weeks I do more and some weeks I do less, but I always do something.

"My willpower and motivation, like everyone's, fluctuate, so I developed habits that help me.

"I used to get my running kit ready the previous night so that when I got up in the morning I could put it on and get out the door.

"I booked regular swim sessions with my tri club; I would hardly have swum otherwise.

"I've got friends who do the same things as me; it makes exercising so much more fun with others.

"I set myself challenges; they give me a focus and a reason for doing this, and the satisfaction after completing them is a big motivation to carry on and find the next challenge.

"I love doing all of this for me, but I get just as much enjoyment helping others as part of my work.

"Perhaps the best is seeing my female clients in their 50s, and older, lifting heavy weights in the gym, something they didn't think they were capable of.

"If you're reading this thinking that you've left it too late, you haven't.

"You don't need to train for an Ironman.

"You don't even need to run.

"But you do need to start somewhere.

"Whatever your age, there's almost certainly something you can do today that will make your future self stronger, healthier, and more capable.

"If you'd like some help getting started, I'd love to help.

"Visit coachpete.co.uk."