NEW DAD MATT MAYNARD FEARED FOR HIS FITNESS WHEN HIS FIRST CHILD CAME ALONG. SLEEP DEPRIVED, TIME POOR AND JUST A NAPPY CHANGE AWAY FROM A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN CONSPIRE TO MAKE FAR FROM IDEAL CONDITIONS FOR EXERCISE. YET WITH A FEW TWEAKS AND MORE THAN A FEW DOUBLE ESPRESSOS, HE’S FOUND THAT FITNESS AND FATHERHOOD ISN’T SO INCOMPATIBLE AFTER ALL

The test showed a double red stripe. It was positive. In a little less than 270 days I was to begin the biggest endurance event I had ever entered, setting out on the ultra-distance challenge of fatherhood. With my pregnancytest ticket in hand, I felt like an imposter. Very little attention seemed to have been given to the curriculum of the applicants. Entry, at least, was initially free. Once it began I was assured there would be regular installments for its duration. Course length was unspecified. Time spent participating was rewarded far more highly than setting a new course record. And there were no drink stops. No medals. No sponsorship. Just relentless rounds of broken sleep, early baths and an “I love daddy” t-shirt decorated with tears and a sprinkling of vomit.

MEET THE EXPERTS

NEIL SINCLAIR

The ex-Royal Engineer Commando has written a series of self-help books for dads. His first book, Commando Dad: New recruits, a guide to pregnancy and birth for dads-to-be, is written in no-nonsense military speak. It developed into a series including Commando Dad: MissionAdventure, get active with your kids. Currently he's cooking up a recipe book for busy dads who like getting their kids involved.

Commando Dad is father to three children aged 17, 16 and 13. Next March he will attempt to run the infamous 30-mile commando fitness test, some 30 years after he first completed it to earn his green beret. See his work at commandodad.com.