Spencer Matthews reveals ‘shocking’ relationship with alcohol left him feeling ‘ashamed’ and how he’s in the ‘best shape of his life’ after training for 30 marathons in 30 days

Spencer Matthews reveals 'shocking' relationship with alcohol left him feeling 'ashamed' and how he's in the 'best shape of his life' after training for 30 marathons in 30 days

I’ve been following Spencer’s world record attempt with great admiration and awe. His desert marathon challenge is not just a physical endurance test, but a true testament to human resilience and determination. Having read about his preparation and the extreme conditions he will be facing, I can only imagine the mental and emotional fortitude required to complete this grueling task.


Spencer Matthews confessed that his past problematic relationship with alcohol brought about feelings of embarrassment, but he has since transformed his health and is currently in top physical condition following an intensive ultramarathon preparation regimen.

I used to be a regular on Made In Chelsea, but at the age of 35 in the year 2018, I made the decision to give up alcohol. The experience of filming the reality show had worsened my unhealthy drinking habits, and I recognized that it was time for a change from within me.

I can’t help but reflect on my past actions when I sit down for an intimate chat with TopMob. My regret grows heavier as I think about the role alcohol played in my life, a role I had to give up to safeguard my seven-year marriage to the wonderful Vogue Williams.

Spencer, the podcast host, has undergone a significant transformation from a partygoer to an avid fitness enthusiast. To take things a step further, he has set an extraordinary goal for himself: running 30 marathons in 30 consecutive days on sand, with the intention of achieving a Guinness World Record.

Although Spencer’s wife expressed concerns, he is confident that he has never been better prepared for such a significant task following his rigorous preparation. He has undergone training in a hot chamber, eliminated ultra-processed foods from his diet, and taken supplements to optimize his body and physical abilities.

Spencer Matthews reveals 'shocking' relationship with alcohol left him feeling 'ashamed' and how he's in the 'best shape of his life' after training for 30 marathons in 30 days

Spencer Matthews reveals 'shocking' relationship with alcohol left him feeling 'ashamed' and how he's in the 'best shape of his life' after training for 30 marathons in 30 days
Spencer Matthews reveals 'shocking' relationship with alcohol left him feeling 'ashamed' and how he's in the 'best shape of his life' after training for 30 marathons in 30 days

Spencer shared that he went from enduring a distressing history with alcohol, filled with shame, to currently experiencing joy and contentment.

Based on my personal experiences, abstaining from or drinking only in moderation, getting regular exercise, ensuring good sleep quality, and taking appropriate supplements have had a profound impact on my overall health. I can honestly say that I’ve never felt better than I do now. My energy levels are up, my mood is stable, and I’m generally happier than I’ve ever been. These habits have transformed my life for the better.

At this point in my journey, I’m deeply driven to test my limits both physically and mentally. My fascination with adventurers like Bear Grylls has only fueled my desire to experience what I once thought was beyond my reach.

Spencer is attempting to complete 30 marathons within 30 consecutive days in the Arabian Desert, a feat he believes will bring him nearer to his late brother Michael. Michael was the youngest British mountaineer to reach the summit of Mount Everest, but sadly, he didn’t come back after that achievement.

After becoming aware of the dangers involved, Spencer felt it necessary to prepare thoroughly for the upcoming task. He expressed that the Great Desert Challenge was more difficult than running the entire length of Africa, a feat accomplished by Russ Cook, also known as the Toughest Guy, this year.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d suggest paraphrasing Spencer’s statement like this: “Currently, my training schedule includes running a marathon every other day. This upcoming week is packed with marathons on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, along with half marathons on Tuesday and Saturday. I’ll be going it alone for the entire duration until we meet up in two weeks.”

I’m quite enthusiastic and eager, but this situation is not as simple as it seems. It presents a unique and complex set of difficulties.

Attempting a new world record here, which if achieved, would be a first in history. For instance, Russ Cook, famously known as the Toughest Guy, managed to run the entire length of Africa. An incredible feat, truly, yet most of his journey was on paved roads.

Spencer Matthews reveals 'shocking' relationship with alcohol left him feeling 'ashamed' and how he's in the 'best shape of his life' after training for 30 marathons in 30 days
Spencer Matthews reveals 'shocking' relationship with alcohol left him feeling 'ashamed' and how he's in the 'best shape of his life' after training for 30 marathons in 30 days
Spencer Matthews reveals 'shocking' relationship with alcohol left him feeling 'ashamed' and how he's in the 'best shape of his life' after training for 30 marathons in 30 days

A desert marathon presents a unique challenge. It’s significantly hotter, slower-paced, and more difficult than a typical marathon. An individual endured this arduous six-day journey across the sand. This is no easy feat, and it may not seem appealing to many people I would have thought.

Spencer faces the challenge of running in scorching heat, reaching up to 45 degrees at times, which is akin to covering the entire distance of the UK on foot, but in a desert environment instead.

To get ready, he’s been training in a hot room, and once, the temperature there reached a scorching 42 degrees during his workout.

At London South Bank University, there’s a lab with a heat chamber set at 50 degrees. Inside this chamber is a running machine where you personally provide the power. You run on a hamster wheel non-stop for two hours each session.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d suggest that instead of focusing on keeping your heart rate at a specific number, you aim for maintaining a balanced and healthy pulse throughout your daily activities. I once experienced an alarming body temperature of 108.6°F (42°C), which is dangerously high and can lead to serious health complications. Therefore, it’s crucial that we prioritize self-care and listen to our bodies to prevent such situations from arising.

During the competition, my team will provide me with support. I’ll have access to essentials like food, water, and gels. However, I aim to accomplish most of it by consuming only fruits and nuts.

I’m a lifestyle expert and I’d like to share how Spencer has approached his fitness journey from a personal perspective. Not only has he dedicated himself physically to the challenge, but he’s also made significant changes to his diet. By doing so, Spencer has been able to build more muscle mass and provide his body with essential protein after long hours of cardio workouts.

In his own words, he expressed that maintaining a healthy diet is essentially about managing calories. He has generally good eating habits, having been captivated by Chris van Tulleken’s book “Ultra-Processed People” earlier this year.

Spencer Matthews reveals 'shocking' relationship with alcohol left him feeling 'ashamed' and how he's in the 'best shape of his life' after training for 30 marathons in 30 days
Spencer Matthews reveals 'shocking' relationship with alcohol left him feeling 'ashamed' and how he's in the 'best shape of his life' after training for 30 marathons in 30 days

Based on my personal experience, I strongly believe in the power of eating good quality, whole foods. For me, this means focusing on single-ingredient items that I prepare myself, such as vegetables, rice, fish, grains, and chicken. I’ve found that avoiding heavily marketed and processed food has made a significant difference in how I feel.

At the race conclusion, Spencer intends to join Vogue and their kids, Theodore who’s five and Gigi who’s three. Meanwhile, Otto, their two-year-old, will remain in London.

If Spencer manages to set a new Guinness World Record, he believes that seeing his family once more after several weeks in the desert may cause him to cry with emotion.

I’m excited to share that Vogue has mentioned bringing Theodore and Gigi into the mix towards the end. The prospect of a heartfelt group hug brings tears to my eyes – it might just be the first time I’ve cried in ages.

Spencer is collecting funds for Global’s Make Some Noise, an organization that supports numerous little charities across the UK.

  • To donate £30, text SPENCER30 to 70766, 100 percent of donations will go to Global’s Make Some Noise 
  • Donating £30 – £1 for every marathon – could mean a vital support session for a pre-school child with a physical disability from a dedicated specialist worker 

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2024-07-20 11:21

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