Did you excel at sport at school and if yes, what sport?
I was ok at tennis, but very average at everything else.
How often do you train?
I train with Dave Hall twice a week, heavy weights one day, a mixture of weights and crosstraining stuff the other day. I run 3 days a week.
Do you compete in any other sport?
I’ve played a lot of competitive tennis for the last 20 years or so. Once I started crosstraining though, my rating has improved significantly and I started beating guys that I couldn't’t get near before. This is definitely down to the improved strength and stamina crosstraining has given me. I’m 38 now, and I feel I have an advantage over the others in over 35 events in a long match.
Have you competed in any other sport in the past?
No, and tennis on its own does nothing for fitness.
Who has been your biggest influence in X Training?
I saw Hywel Davies go straight through the Calso comp, running at 17kph on the treadmill at 7% at the end, and won by a mile. It was the most amazing display of fitness I’ve ever seen. Seeing what Rob Volpe can do in his forties, the level he can maintain, is great to see too.
What is your favourite exercise?
I’ve always done sit-ups and cycling since I was young. Anything except shoulder press!
What is your favourite food for training?
Pasta and homemade muffins.
What is your ambition in X Training?
To be able to complete an open course in a respectable time without throwing up or being carried out!
What exercise secret would you give a newcomer to cross training?
The pain doesn't’t stop as you get better, but the beer after tastes better. |
Unfortunately they made it much more difficult the following year, and I got stuck on the bench at the end. I’ve done about 6 comps now, but my strength is the problem, so I’m working on that this year. The comps seem to be getting harder, and you need to be at a good level of fitness and strength even just to get through most intermediate courses now.
The setting up of the Beginner course on the WGC site is the way to go; hopefully comp organisers will have more courses that cater for people who cannot commit to the hours that most crosstrainers have to do to be able to compete. To get someone to do their first comp and come away with a positive experience is vital, I was lucky, but I think a lot of the courses now are too hard for first timers. I think in an ideal world there should be 3 levels, but having been involved in organising an event, this is easier said than done. Once someone is hooked, though, their only objective will be to get up to the next level. Crosstraining to be successful has to cater to people of all walks of life, but the benefits they will see will keep it successful. The enthusiasm of the organisers will ensure its success; hopefully they will get the support they deserve.