Men’s Health Week: Stories from Our Brooks Athletes
This Men’s Health Week, we handed the mic to the everyday legends who make up our Brooks athlete community. What came back wasn’t just stories of fitness and goals—but honest, powerful reflections on what it really means to be a healthy man in today’s world.
From overcoming injury and burnout to rediscovering joy in movement, their stories remind us that health isn’t just about how fast you run or how heavy you lift—it’s also about how well you rest, reflect, and reach out.
Health Is More Than Physical
Many of our athletes shared that, for a long time, “health” meant being fit, strong, and fast. But over time—and often through tough experiences—that definition evolved.
Carlos Trejo’s perspective shifted after a life-altering accident:
“Men’s Health used to mean staying fit, eating well, and pushing through pain, just doing what I had to do to keep moving. But that changed for me two months ago, when I was hit by a car while cycling to work. The driver ran a red light, and in a split second, everything I took for granted (my body, my memory, my routine) shifted. Now, Men’s Health means something much broader. It’s not just about muscle or fitness, It’s about recovery, resilience, and learning to listen to my body and mind.
Mike Tozer echoed that sentiment after facing burnout:
“For much of my life, I’ve focused on my physical health, but recently I’ve come to see my mental health is just as important. In 2022, during the height of COVID, I went through a really tough time. I’d poured everything into a business I founded and hit burnout – mentally and emotionally.
What got me through was the people around me. Their support carried me through and made all the difference.”
Mental Health Matters
The silent weight of mental health struggles came up again and again. Several athletes reflected on personal battles—and how opening up changed everything.
Brett Fisk shared:
“Over the last decade, I’ve unfortunately gone through some lenghty periods of depression that has felt really isolating at times. Initally, I found it rather hard to talk to others around how I was feeling & tried my best to keep things inside so I wasn’t a burden to others. More recently,when faced with the same challenge, I took somre more productive steps to help how I was feeling, like reaching out to friends, being able to admit what I was going through & find out I had really deep connections around me I hadn’t really realised. I also know there is stigma at times about men seeking help for mental health, but i wanted to say how extremely benefecial I found it and the skills I learned through my time with my psychologist.”
Scott Cadby, a psychotherapist working with students in secondary school, sees this struggle daily:
“Many young men still believe they have to “man up” rather than open up. Men’s Health Week gives us an opportunity to start those critical conversations early—to normalise seeking help, emotional literacy, and compassionate self-care.
It’s not about fixing what’s broken. It’s about nurturing what’s human.”
Matt Poole – “I have lots of different friends (me included) who go through different challenges at stages of life… relationship breakdown, injuries, work stress, family. All factors contributing to Men’s Health. Having healthy hobbies and supportive friends and family is always the key to success and learnings.
Surround yourself with good hobbies, good habits, good friends and family”
Movement As Medicine
Across all the stories, one thing was clear: movement is powerful. Whether it’s swimming, running, biking or walking, getting active gives space to reflect, release, and reconnect.
David Morgan puts it simply:
“Swimming lets me switch off – it’s being able to switch off and be one with the water. Underwater is quiet and you can zone into that.”
Alessandro Scarpecci described running as “structure to chaos and peace to the mind. Running clears my head like nothing else. It’s not about chasing a time—it’s about reconnecting with myself, step by step.”
while David Fawkes says “Running keeps me physically fit, but it also clears my mind, refocuses me, and gives me a sense of personal achievement everyday. It also gives me purpose and boosts my confidence and makes me a happier person!”
For Matt Poole, who transitioned from pro athlete to parent, the goal of training has shifted:
“Training full time as a professional athlete was my job and that was always determined by the success or failure in racing. Now days training is for enjoyment and I’m always trying to find that balance between fitness, juggling work and kids. I’m always at my happiest when I’m training so finding new challenges and goals to test myself is super important.”
Habits That Help
We asked the crew about small habits that keep them grounded—and their answers prove that you don’t need a total lifestyle overhaul to improve your wellbeing.
- Brett journals and winds down tech-free before bed
- Alessandro takes a few deep breaths before the day starts
- Carlos sets morning intentions and checks in emotionally
- Sam Betten prioritises sleep, hydration, and phone-off evenings
- David Fawkes runs every day, no matter how he’s feeling
- Mike Tozer has added yoga, meditation and time in nature as a way to rebalance
These micro-routines are reminders that health isn’t a finish line—it’s a rhythm, built slowly and intentionally.
A Word to the Next Generation
Nearly every athlete had advice for young men navigating life today. The common thread? Don’t wait. Check in. Speak up.
“Never hold it in and talk to someone, as even expressing out loud is going to help in some way.” said David Morgan.
“Don’t neglect your mental or physical health, especially when you’re young and feel invincible. It’s easy to push things aside when nothing feels urgent, but checking in regularly builds habits that will support you long-term. Prioritising your wellbeing early sets the foundation for a stronger, healthier future. ” advised Sam Betten.
“Remember that your health is the most important thing you have, prioritize it! If you don’t have good physical & mental health then you can’t live life to its fullest. Make sure you look after yourself first and foremost. Look after other people as well, because being a good person will increase your happiness too.” added David Fawkes.
And Carlos summed it up perfectly: “don’t let the idea that “men have to be tough” stop you from being open. Real toughness is about knowing when to slow down, when to talk, and when to take care of yourself. If you can build that habit early, you’ll save yourself a lot of pain down the road.”
This Men’s Health Week, let’s take a cue from the athletes who show us that strength isn’t just built in the gym—it’s built in moments of honesty, softness, and support.
Health is complex. It’s personal. And it’s ongoing.
But one thing’s for sure—none of us have to figure it out alone.
