| Acheivements... |
That to which I am proudest, is this web site. My eternal thanks goes to Ian Stanly, Tony Spinks and all the crew - Pete, Paul, Jo and Georgia, at designsmartuk.com, that believed in and worked so hard on this project.
To Mike Wilson. For giving me the inspiration and belief in myself.
Also to my good friend Mike Morris. who steered and encouraged from the very first day. I will forever be in his debt.
Lastly to Maitland Kalton - as good a life coach, friend, mentor and man of absolute strength and solitude as I have ever met. I will be in his debt forever. |
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| On X-Training... |
How long have you been X-Training?
Three years. My first being Boxfit in Luton ran by Dave Coard. It was after this event that I was hooked. I owe a lot to Dave Coard and Mark Drury.
Why do you find X-Training so exciting?
In my opinion X Training has one of the most watchable races in sport today. At UKXTA finals Cassius beat Nik Kandola by 1 second on the last discipline (the shoulder press) You had to be there to witness that type of finish.
Who has been your biggest influence in X-Training?
The likes of Will Whitmore, Cassius Frankson, Rob Volpe. All brilliant athletes. The person I respect the most is Hywel Davies. He is unbeaten in any X Training race and at this moment in time - looks like that will continue.
How often do you train?
I try to train now 5 times a week. I concentrate on mainly heart rate training, moving between aerobic recovery and anaerobic heart rate stations. I incorporate strength work when I can - but I hate pain (Lactic) and never push myself as hard as I should. A training partner who will try this sport at my Gym will be a real benefit to me.
What is your favourite exercise?
I love using the treadmill to the max. (Well the max for me!) I always try to beat it (short high sprints) but it always wins. I also like the swiss ball. I think core work is essential to this sport.
What is your favourite food for training?
Pasta Chicken Mushroom spicy whatever! Like most X Trainers , I like my porridge and honey, occasionally adding banana. Those smoothies they serve at Roko are something else - again add a banana to it - just awesome.
What is your ambition in X-Training?
Personally to achieve a non resting completion of the Advanced Challenge. My heart lies in seeing X Training as sport grow to Olympic status. It happened with triathlon - there is no reason why X Training cannot achieve this level.
What exercise secret would you give a newcomer to X-Training?
I love to see new people try it. Do not be put off by what was once considered an elitist sport. It really is now nothing more then personal achievements. Use the web site to mark and recorded your improvements. Seek help from every level - Personal Trainers, friends, colleagues - even strangers at a Gym. If you are in doubt about any aspect of training there should always be someone you can turn to. It is an environment that is quite unique.
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| On Sport... |
Did you excel at sport at school and if yes, what sport?
I dropped out of football when I was 13.I did all I could after that in not trying. Sport and school did not mix well for me.
Do you compete in any other sport?
No. I regret not finding X Training when I was in my earlier years.
Have you completed in any other sport in the past?
I boxed in the army. Actually boxed is a fairly strong term for it, I got hit a lot in the ring and persevered. Like Chris Eubank, I never really liked it - but was pretty good. You know you have problems in a sport like boxing if you don't like getting hit!
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| On Health... |
Do you think the obesity problem in schools and the US can be controlled?
It can, but it probably won't. Food tastes too good these days and advertising and media will always win. Control the media - then maybe there is a chance.
What's the one golden rule in weight management?
Consume less calories and exercise - in a nut shell. But do it so there is a nutritional balance.
Do you know your BMI & BMR?
No. (I have had it worked out but off the top of my head no)
Do you know your resting and maximum heart rate?
Yes. It is around 60 resting. My maximum is around 177. I have had it up to 182 before, but never seen that level again. For my age it should be 180 (220 - age)
Do you train with an HR monitor?
Yes. I always train within zones. Or Interval train and go between all 5. I tend not to train beyond 45 mins to an hour.
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| On Entertainment... |
If you could invite 3 people to dinner from all of history, who would they be?
Being male. Marilyn Munroe for her beauty and charm. For his brilliant mind and wit Churchill. And to make the evening flow with ad libbing humour Steve Martin.
Who is your comedy hero?
I am a traditionalist. Freddy Starr can make you laugh , just by a look or a smile. As could Tommy Cooper - to me that is comic genius.
What is your favorite book or magazine?
My favorite book is Lord of the Rings. The only book I have read twice. I subscribe to Ultra fit. I love the way it only focuses on health issues and all the advertising is geared towards the health and fitness Industry. I like Men's Fitness Magazine. In fact I like it so much I cut out all the relevant training programs and interesting articles and file them for easy reading. I have about two years worth.
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| On Music... |
What was the last CD you bought?
Shakira. Kept putting it off, but loved the last two singles. Before that it was the Red Hot Chille Peppers. The question is - How can one group produce a double album (cd) that is so consistently brilliant
What radio station do you listen to?
Normally Invicta. My local Kent radio Station.
Who is your favourite radio DJ?
Steve Wright. I don't listen now as often as I would like, but for those who remember Uzi nine millimeter - or "Hello Steve , this the thug" Brilliant
What is your fave album of all time?
Tough call. But I think, The Wall, by Pink Floyd. Listening to it, puts you through an emotional ride and its almost an experience in itself.
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| On Film... |
What is your favourite film?
One Flew over the Cuckoos Nest. I still can't stomach Nurse Ratchetts over bearing and dominating influence on those she was there to help. Breaker Morant was a class Film.
What is your favourite action/drama film?
It has to be Pulp Fiction. How many brilliant lines can one person write into a script. Tarantino at his finest.
Who is the coolest film character?
I reckon Randal P Mc Murphy, from One Flew over the Cuckoos Nest. You need some one like that in life to challenge authority, when they can see the evil, but others can't.
Who is the biggest villain?
Nurse Ratchett. But I have already mentioned her, so , The Child Catcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.The cage ,the horses! I am forty something - and that guy still haunts me - a true villain.
What is your favourite sports film?
Raging Bull. De Niro was just brilliant.
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| On TV... |
What is your fave TV show?
I really liked Shameless and I think Everybody loves Raymond is hilarious.
Do you watch soaps?
I used to. But recently - no.
Are you a 'biggest baddest TV with the flattest screen Dolby surround sound is the best' kinda person?
If I could afford them I would be. I sometimes look enviously at the some of the technology that is out there. Def a gadget person.
What sport shows do you watch?
I like UFC (Ultimate Fighting). Randy Couture is the closest to a gentleman with a controlled on off switch. He can be either passive or aggressive ,but always looks like he is control and at forty a real inspiration.
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| More On Sport... |
How often do you rest?
Twice a week or when my body tells me to.
Do you suffer many injuries?
I do have injuries. I am in my forties and when you train it happens. I just prefer it when I am focused on the next competition and injury free - it helps!
Have you ever parachuted (sky dived tandem or solo) out of a plane. Would you?
No and No. But I did complete Pilots 1Hang Gliding Course.
What is the one sport you have never taken part in but would have loved to have excelled in?
Probably golf. Those guys have to deal with the pressure of winning - but when you excel at a leisure sport and can make a fantastic living from it - that is something.
If you could meet anyone in sport, past or present, who would it be?
I am told one of my relatives was the youngest ever england captain for cricket. He died in the first world war. I would have love to have met him.
Did you ever see the footie match in the film Kes?
Yes. Brian Glover - the PE teacher from hell! Brilliant. The cold frosty morning, the mud laden football pitch. Every boys nightmare of my age.
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