Kaizen’s Evolution & The Mountain Race - Liv’s Perspective

Liv is our lead marshal at the mountain race, and has been involved in Kaizen from day 1. Read on to hear about the evolution of Camp Kaizen from day 1, and her perspective on the Mountain Race…

Liv doing her thing at the KMHR2.0

One year on, two mountain races later, and countless messages from George chasing me about something, the Kaizen 2026 season is done and dusted, and what a ride it's been for everyone involved. The camp has changed in more ways than I could've imagined, and it's been incredible to watch its transformation into what it is today.

I wrote a blog last year reflecting on my first Kaizen camp, and to say things have changed since is a massive understatement. The accommodation, the food, the setup, the outdoor gym at the beautiful Seathwaite Farm in the foothills of Scafell Pike, it's a sight you don't get to see every day. When I first rocked up to Kaizen, there were tents blowing away, the threat of a thunderstorm, and the bright idea to walk up Buckbarrow mountain in some questionable weather. But despite everything, within 24 hours the group was as tight as anything, and that was just a flavour of things to come.

Liv on one of our 2025 training camps. A lot has changed.

Since that last blog I wrote, there have been 10 Kaizen camps and 2 mountain races, each with their own unique set of incredible athletes, countless Kaizen staff and, of course, many more messages from George. I've helped run the two KMHR mountain races held this season: one in May, and one to close out the season at the beginning of September.

Being involved in the mountain races was incredibly exciting as it represents everything Kaizen stands for as a brand. It's very tough: a 2k erg, 5k bike and then a punishing 5k trail run with an elevation gain of 270 meters. Straight into the 2k ski erg, and the notoriously brutal 50 sandbag throws (which won't lift themselves, as a wise man once said), all while trying to keep a cool head with George shouting into the mic that it's pretty easy work. As a marshal, you're with the athletes every step of the way, and you witness the fight they put in.

What struck me most about the athletes taking part in the mountain races this year was their sheer determination to finish. It didn't come easily to some, who dug into every inch of themselves to cross that finish line at the Kaizen sign. I think that's a reflection of the mindset of the wider Kaizen community, and of who the brand attracts. A raw toughness, resilience and determination that, set against the backdrop of the mountains, is humbling and really admirable to watch. 

At its core, Kaizen is still what it's always been, which is a community where people gather to improve themselves, in body, in mind, and in the people they choose to surround themselves with. I've felt this every time I've been on camp this year, not just with the athletes but with the staff too. Every single person who steps onto that campsite brings a piece of themselves, and that's what makes Kaizen what it is; a gathering of sportspeople, athletes, and outdoor enthusiasts, each bringing their own slice of what it means to belong there.

Kaizen has already achieved more than it set out to, not just inspiring people to better themselves, but to break out of routine, experience and feel the mountains in the lakes, to do something for yourself. Something has shifted, and it's exciting to be part of it. Next season will be bigger and better than ever, including the KMHR, which will be a force unto itself. 

The Mountain Race takes no prisoners!