Rebuilt, Refocused, Relentless – Liam Mitchell's Story

Rock bottom was not the end for Liam Mitchell. It was the start of something completely different. After losing his military career to addiction, he found himself in a place that felt impossible to climb out of. Everything shifted the day a friend handed him a Spartan race entry. One podium finish later, something sparked. That single moment of possibility became the foundation of a new path built on discipline, endurance and choosing the harder route on purpose.

Today, Liam is a coach, an elite obstacle course racer, SYFA affiliate and the kind of person who uses his own comeback to help others transform theirs. Here is how he trains, lives, rebuilds and stays focused as he prepares for the biggest season of his life.

---

Let’s start with you. What got you into what you do?

It all began when I was figuring out who I was and where my life was taking me. I’d fallen into a very dark place after losing my career in the military due to drink and drug addiction. It was a rough time and I couldn’t find a way out.

That’s when my best friend Matt Roberts introduced me to Spartan racing and obstacle course racing. In my first ever age group race I finished 3rd and got on the podium, which lit a fuse inside me. I’ve never looked back since.

I’ve won multiple races including becoming European and UK regional series champion, which led me to racing at elite level and coaching others to compete and transform their lives.

What are you aiming for over the next 12 months?

The next 12 months are going to be a challenge which I am ready for. I’ve set some huge goals that are going to test my mentality more than anything.

I’m growing my online health and fitness business, MitchFits Coaching and I’m also returning to racing after taking a year off. I’ll be doing multiple race weekends, with distances from 5km up to 21km and around 20–30 obstacles per race.

My final race of the year is 50km with 60 obstacles, the furthest event I’ve ever done and on top of that, I’m looking at getting my dog Bailey into canicross because of the endurance and speed he has. Lots of big things ahead!

What gets in the way? 

Honestly? My dog Bailey!

We live in a van full time and with the breed he is, he needs a lot of exercise. 2–3 hours of walking a day minimum. He comes everywhere with me, including the gym and on runs.

By the end of the day I’m usually pretty tired, especially while running bootcamp classes, coaching clients online, building a business, doing my own training and meeting Bailey’s needs. It can be a lot.

And how do you deal with it? 

We follow a routine. Bailey has set walk times which are non negotiable and I have set times to work, train and eat. We both thrive off routine so I stick to it as consistently as possible.

If I can’t get something done, I let it go and move it to the right. That way both our needs are met without burning myself out. I’ve also been doing tai chi to help balance my energy when the days get too much.

How did you first discover SYFA?

SYFA reached out to me and offered to send an exclusive creator gift box. I was sceptical at first because I don’t just work with anyone or use any products, but once they sent them over and I tried the products, I realised they actually work and taste amazing.

Which SYFA product do you reach for most – and why?

Definitely the Shift Tropical Twist. I love the flavour!  It hits your taste buds differently compared to normal energy drinks and once I’ve had it my focus doubles and my energy goes through the roof. It helps me get through double training days, which I need for the goals I’ve set.

What’s changed since you started using SYFA?

I’m not flagging as much, especially during race simulations or tough training sessions. My productivity’s gone up with my work and my energy levels have improved massively. 

Why did you want to become a SYFA affiliate?

I like what they believe in and the fact there aren't any rubbish ingredients in their products was the hook for me.

Living a primal lifestyle, I’m very sceptical about what I use, so when I tried SYFA Shift and heard about the positive impact they want to make in the world, I knew it was a company I could get behind.

What does a good day look like for you?

A good day is spending time walking with Bailey, completing my training sessions, eating real nutritious food and having a productive day coaching.

I also love making people’s day whether that's making someone smile or doing a good deed without expecting anything back. Being kind costs nothing and it always makes my day better.

Tell us something surprising about you.

I never plan my route for long runs. I just get my kit on, get Bailey ready and go. We love an adventure, especially when we get lost because it makes it more interesting and fun.

I also have two smiley faces tattooed on my kneecaps called Bill and Ben the Kneecap Men.

---

Rebuilt, Refocused, Relentless

Liam’s path is proof that rebuilding your life is not a single decision, but a series of disciplined ones. Between running a coaching business, preparing for his biggest race season yet and living a routine built around movement and structure, his energy has to stay clear and consistent. SYFA slots into that rhythm naturally, supporting the focus, drive and steadiness his goals demand.

If you want to feel sharper in your own day, in training or in life, shop with Liam’s affiliate code MITCH15 for 15% off your next order at syfa.com.

> See Liam's Instagram