Farouk Vawda

When a certain spirit appears at a gym it is only right that the UK GCA brings it out to the attention of the Fitness Industry.

Gorton Fitness First has won UK's Fittest Gym, two years running and this is 100% down to the X Training community that thrives there.

Personal Trainer Mike Jones, with members Penny B, Farouk Vawda and Craig Horsfield are showing just what it takes to become members of the UK's Fittest Gym.

It's a feeling that when the day finishes and another is about to start for these members of the gym, it's a case of how can we challenge ourselves today? And that is what makes them unique.

In the Ultimate Gym Athlete League - Mike Jones has entered more X Training events (26) then any other WGC member, Craig (25), Penny (15) and Farouk (25) . It is what makes Gorton such a cornerstone of the 'gym - fitness' event calendar with the Gorton Grueller , which has just announced it's date for next year - 8th May, many will turn up to test themselves in one of the toughest gym challenges in the world.

There are many gyms littered throughout the UK, but it is quite apparent that in this case, Gorton Fitness First brings the sense of belonging as team in to new realms of 'gym-fitness' bonding, spirit and comrade of those members who love to challenge themselves and train with a sense of purpose and get results. It is a shining example of what is good about the industry and the UKGCA would like to say well done - outstanding performances all year round and you get my congratulations for winning Fittest Gym of the Year but also get my vote for Gym Team of the Year in the National Fitness Awards.

 

Fitness First Gorton gets out of the gym


July was a busy month for the guys & girls at FF Gorton. Beginning on the 4th we attended an open day at Ric Fenton’s new gym in Garstang (http://www.fentonfitness.co.uk/) for some friendly racing &, on my part at least, cake sampling. If you’re ever up in the North West it is certainly worth checking out.


Fast forward to the 25th & Tough Guy. Penny, her brother Ray, Jane & I took on the annual madness & mayhem that is Nettle Warrior. 12ish miles of swamp, bog, hills & obstacles. Mr Mouse added a fearsome Torture Chamber since last I came, a darkened enclosure from which screams could be heard as you approached. On entry worst fears were confirmed for in the darkness as you crawled on your belly you were treated to electric shocks from overhanging wires. Ray was undoubtedly the star of the pack, romping home from the back in 2 hr 35 min. From the wider Xtraining fraternity the absolute star was Southampton’s own Kelly Friel, fifth placed female with 2:27, husband Simon having come in at a brilliant 2:18. As usual I had to be fished out by the frogmen (twice).


One week on & the Adidas Thunder Run at Catton Park. A wonderful event in only its second year comprising a 24 hr off-road run to be done singly, in pairs, in teams of 5 or in teams of 6-8. Craig Horsfield's unique 'Thunder Run' haircutGorton’s mixed 5, ‘Team Totally Farouked’ comprised the omnipresent Penny, Dave Shirley, Tiger Horsfield, Jamie Whittaker (a late replacement for Jane) & myself. Having got there early on the Saturday morning we upped tents (& Craig’s kiddies gazebo) & enjoyed the sunshine until early afternoon. At 2pm the fun began, Craig leading the way over the undulating 10km course. In turn Jamie, Dave, Penny & I each had a taste of the course. One down & we all felt fine. However, as darkness descended, things got trickier & I got grumpier. This was a real tester, running through woods at 2:30 in the morning having had no sleep whatsoever. & disaster struck when Jamie injured his knee on his third lap, so we were now down to 4. But on we went, lap after bleedin’ lap. As if sleep-deprivation & severely cramped legs were not enough to contend with our race order meant that I always received the baton from Penny, & that comes with free abuse added. Come Sunday afternoon & the effervescent Penny (more bounce than Zebedee) brought us home with her sixth lap, giving us eighth position (out of 27) overall. A mini intra-team battle between Craig & Dave ended in Craig’s aggregate time being just 10s less than Dave’s, which is amazing over 60km. Craig also won a special prize from the organisers for his special event haircut (trawl the web for that one). Special mention ought also be made of Team Manager Giles (Penny’s other half).


The Xtraining crowd was also represented at the TR24 by two teams from Essex (sort of), including Nik Kandola, Jason King, Roscoe Nash, Nelson Anderson, Amber Anderson, Kelly Friel & Mikki Skingsley. In fact the men achieved a superb fifth place.


In my view the TR24 is set to become a major fixture in years to come. Not only a novel concept that caters for a wide range of athletes but absolutely superbly organised. Clean toilets throughout, massages & hot showers available all day & all night & an excellent real time results service. Well worth considering if you fancy a challenge next year.