“I drank every day as a holiday rep. I’m now living my best life as a running coach!”

Mark Baxter, UK Athletics Running Coach explains how running saved him and how he’s now helping others to lead a healthier life….

What did life used to be like?

I used to work abroad as a holiday rep for 4 years in places like Magaluf and Bali. My job involved daily drinking and with that came mental health issues and anxiety. Drinking was a huge part of the job with holidaymakers arriving every 3 days, and my energy levels had to match theirs. I had to keep the party going and that was the case for 4 years.

As you can imagine, it really took a toll on my body and I was admitted to hospital on two occasions due to alcohol abuse.

So what changed?

I came home during the Covid outbreak which was a lifesaver for me as it took me away from the partying lifestyle. I returned to my Scottish home and me and my partner decided to move to a place near the Edinburgh coastline.

I wanted to do something to get healthier. From the age of 12 I was an amateur boxer but when I was repping, the boxing took a back seat. I couldn’t find a boxing gym near to my new home but I did live near to a well-known running club – Good Time Running Club - which I decided to join.

I wanted a fresh start that involved no more alcohol and a focus on my health. From there, I found a real passion for running. It’s an all-inclusive and abilities running club which was very welcoming and I quickly felt at home. The club really helped me settle into the area and supported by alcohol-free journey.

So why did you decide to become a running coach?

I found a real passion for running that gave me what I’d been missing. Coaching was the next step in my journey.

When I was a rep I didn’t run. My priorities were based around my job. I was often hungover with poor mental health and was very unmotivated. The alcohol was a mask – covering up the fact I wasn’t having fun. I was just getting drunk and paying the consequences both physically and mentally.

Drinking came as part of the job and I got to the stage where I didn’t feel myself until a drink of alcohol. I was dependent on it and addicted to it but as a holiday rep, alcohol is normalised and so you can’t admit to having a problem.

I’ve not had alcohol now for over two years since returning back from travelling. I’ve found a new refreshing lease of life which is what running has brought me. Alcohol doesn’t sit well with who I am and what I enjoy now. Running and now coaching has brought me focus, motivation and wellbeing.

So tell us about your running business

I set-up ‘On Your Marks Running Coaching’ to help others to make the right choices in life. This isn’t just from a running perspective either but in terms of nutrition, alcohol, fitness and wellbeing – both physical and mental.

I’m qualified by Scottish Athletics (recognised by UKA), which allows me to work with people over the age of 18, sharing my knowledge with them to help them to progress. I’m also a mental health first aider.

I currently have a staple of over 70 runners covering all ages and abilities, from those who have been inspired by my story and are just starting their running journeys, through to runners who are chasing PBs in a marathon or ultra.

So, my life has completely shifted in a really positive direction – moving from abusing my body with alcohol to concentrating on my and others’ wellbeing. Yes, there have been times I’ve fancied a drink but I’ve been very disciplined. Since starting running, I haven’t looked back.

And what are your personal goals?

From a personal standpoint, I want to remain consistent and stay positive. Physically, I have a goal of running the New York marathon this November, and I’ll be starting the super 6 series which means running the half marathons of Berlin, Valencia, Lisbon, Copenhagen, Prague and Cardiff within 5 years. I’ve booked Lisbon half marathon in March 2025 so will be starting it then.

I also want to continually grow and inspire others – help people to make the right choices in life with fitness being a huge part of that. For me, I think running is the best way to take control of your life, and to stay healthy both mentally and physically.

Follow Mark on Instagram and learn more about his coaching at @onyourmarksrunningcoaching