A Look Back at the Last 18 Months: What Dan’s got up (and down) to
Oct 04, 2025Over the last 18 months, Dan has tested himself, and will continue to do so. There have been wins, setbacks, and lessons. All have become apparent by using the ARC method. It’s what’s pushing Dan forward, it’s what’s keeping him motivated, it’s what’s allowing him to live a life of freedom and purpose.
This isn’t where Dan’s journey started. He’s been in the trenches with clients for years, helping people break free from what holds them back - whether that’s alcohol, self-doubt, or simply feeling stuck. But Dan doesn’t coach from the sidelines. He’s out there, living the method he teaches. Testing it in the harshest conditions imaginable. Proving it works. For that, we’re grateful.
Because when your coach tells you to keep going when it gets hard, and you know he’s just run 100 miles through the South Downs, or stood on top of Denali, or trained for months only to be turned back from a summit - you listen differently.
Keep up the great work, Dan. February 2026 - the Arctic Spine Race is round the corner. Keep pushing and inspiring. From all of us here at ARC.
A Look Back at the Last 18 Months: what Dan’s got up (and down) to
April 2024 – Brighton to London 100k Run
May 2024 – Denali Summit
July 2024 – Mont Blanc Summit
September 2024 – Ironman Wales
October 2024 – Kent Ultra 50k (2nd Place)
December 2024 – South Downs 100 Miler
February 2025 – Chester 100 Miler
June 2025 – Alpamayo, Peru
July 2025 – Ridge climbing in the Alps
September 2025 – Ironman Wales
Not every summit was reached. Not every race went to plan. Alpamayo said no this time round, that a story for another blog.
Here’s what matters: Dan shares the setbacks alongside the victories. Because that’s real life. Your life won’t be a highlight reel either. There will be days when you give everything and still fall short. Moments when the goal you’ve trained for slips through your fingers.
The question isn’t whether you’ll face setbacks. It’s what you do with them.
The ARC method isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up, seeing clearly what’s in front of you, and staying committed even when the outcome isn’t what you hoped for. It’s about understanding that the attempt itself - the commitment to try - is what transforms you. That’s what going after what you want actually looks like. Win or lose.
The Three Pillars
Every challenge Dan faces reinforces the same three principles he teaches:
Awareness - see clearly what is in front of you.
Resilience - keep going when it gets hard.
Commitment - stay the course, whatever the outcome.
The ARC method is a way to reframe the challenges in your life, turning obstacles into lessons and bringing your dreams and aspirations within reach.
It works because it’s been tested. Out there, in the cold, in the pain, in the moments where quitting would be easier. The ARC method teaches you to break free from what holds you back.
Dan works with people who are tired of being stuck. Tired of making promises they can’t keep. Tired of feeling like there’s a better version of themselves just out of reach.
Positive Psychology Coaching: Building Mental Resilience
This is about awareness, resilience, and commitment to your wellbeing. Dan’s been where you are. He knows what it’s like to make promises and break them. To feel like you’re letting yourself down. That’s why the method works - it’s built on reality, not wishful thinking.
ARC focuses on:
- Identifying what’s actually holding you back (not what you think is holding you back)
- Building resilience that lasts beyond motivation
- Creating sustainable habits that don’t require superhuman willpower
- Connecting your actions to your deeper purpose
Look at Dan’s list again. After Alpamayo denied him the summit in June, he was back in the Alps in July. Back to Ironman Wales in September. Still training for the Arctic Spine Race in February.
That’s not about being tough. It’s about having the tools to process setbacks, learn from them, and keep moving forward.
Whether you’re struggling with your mental health, trying to break free from destructive patterns, or simply wanting more from your daily life, positive psychology coaching provides the framework.
Ready to work with a coach who walks the talk. Explore our positive psychology coaching programmes Explore our positive psychology coaching programmes here.
Hear Dan Holder's Story
Dan’s been sharing his journey and the philosophy behind ARC on various podcasts recently. These aren’t polished, perfect stories. They’re conversations about struggle, setbacks, and what it actually takes to change.
Check out Dan’s Holder's recent podcast appearances at:
The Point of All This
Dan isn’t climbing mountains and running ultras to show off; he does it for the joy and freedom it brings him. When he talks about awareness, resilience, and commitment transforming your life, it comes from his own experience.
You don’t need to run 100 miles or summit mountains; you just need to see clearly, persevere through tough times, and stay committed despite uncertainty. That’s what Dan embodies and teaches.
His next challenge, 'The Arctic Spine Race,' is set for February 2026, but your journey can start today. It won’t be easy, but staying where you are isn’t either.
You don’t have to do it alone if your ready then learn more about The ARC Method here
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