- OS Champion
Ben Turner
Meet Ben Turner – Extreme adventure athlete, speaker, nutrition and fitness geek!
What drives you to spend time outside?
I am constantly drawn to adventures and exploration into the great outdoors. The world is a big place, life is short, and I feel most alive, most captivated and most engaged in the majesty of nature.
Where are your favourite places to go?
The Lake District (spending 21 years growing up here finding hidden gems within the Borrowdale Valley or climbing mountains I’m forever longing to get back to the Lakes) and the West Coast of Scotland and the Scottish Highlands (the beaches can’t be beaten!)
What is your favourite thing to do outdoors?
The Scottish Highlands hold a special place in my heart, the rugged and raw beauty, the challenge and the awe-inspiring wilderness has left a lasting impression on who I am. However, if there is a sweeping mountain trail through the peaks, woods and valleys, with a dip in a river at the end, I am a happy man!
Who inspires you and how?
Those who push themselves further than ever before, who work hard to bring their best selves forward and open up to the great outdoors, are my greatest inspiration. Whether this is someone on their first trail run, open water swim or bike ride, or the Killian Jornet’s and Ueli Steck’s of the World.
What are your focuses this year to help people get outside more often?
As an endurance athlete, I want to INSPIRE people to get outside of their comfort zones and achieve their dreams and goals bringing their best selves forward. As an evidence-based personal trainer and nutritionist, I want to SHARE the principles and methods to prepare people for their outdoor adventures and goals. Finally, as a public speaker, I want to EDUCATE people about the benefits of getting outside more, what we can learn, how we seek clarity and gain new insights through an outdoors perspective.
What are your 3 biggest life achievements?
Finally understanding what my passion is and taking the leap to make it happen. Planning and completing a solo bikepacking adventure around Iceland to create a new 3373km trail circumnavigating the country. Receiving messages saying that I have inspired people to get outside, try something new or to quit their unsatisfying job and follow their own path.
3 words you live by…
Passion, Dedication, Education
Do you have any guilty pleasures?