From bodybuilder to marathon runner.

Men’s Fitness cover model Shaun Stafford has exchanged his bodybuilding training for endurance running this year in an bid to complete the Everest Marathon, raising money for Himalayan Children’s Charities.

He told Coach Magazine that the experience has seated him the belief that every specialized athlete should diversify their training regimen.

“I think the more well-rounded you are the more chance of longevity you have. If you focus on a niche you become quite one-dimensional. The guys who will be fitter for longer periods are masters of all trades. They can go for a 10K, do some light gymnastic stuff and pick up some weights. Having a base of all-round fitness is brilliant.”

He said the new workouts have really given him a comparative appreciation for what bodybuilding training is.

He said compared to distance running, bodybuilding workouts are a sprint- short and intense. The game is: Get in, give everything, get out.

“Some of these longer runs I’ve been doing have been three, three-and-a-half hours long, and it’s absolutely brutal – exhausting mentally and physically. That’s been eye-opening.”

He said the new training and diet has definitely taken a toll on his physique. He’s not particularly worried about it because he is mentally prepared, and it’s for a good cause, but it is unusual not to use his body as a visual measurement of progress.

“Once I’ve done the marathon I’ll go back to eating a different way and training in a way I’ve always enjoyed, and my body will re-adapt. But when you look in a mirror.”

“Actually it’s worse when you catch up with friends who haven’t seen you in a while and they’re like, ‘mate, you’re half the size!’”

Through injuries and pain, we wish Shaun the best in his endurance endeavors.

For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.