As an organiser, what is the preparation for an event of this scale like this?

Preparation is key. It’s really important to IL (Inverclyde Leisure) that all competitors have a fulfilling experience at the event and so all the details matter. As a competitor as well as an organiser, this places me well to cater for everyone’s needs.

Did you feel the day lived up to all you hoped for?

The event surpassed my expectations. This is due to all the preparation but mostly due to the competitors taking part and of course, all the helpers on the day. On the day the atmosphere was electric with some excellent races.

What was the general reaction of the management about the day?

Everyone was so supportive and helpful on the day. The feedback about the organisation has been positive. Of course, an event of this scale is bound to have setbacks, but overall these were minor and didn't’t detract from a great day.

Did you feel as an event it united the gym ?

Yes, I feel especially for the first timers. There was a real team atmosphere on the day with competitors cheering each other on and making everyone as a whole feel welcomed.

Bringing in gym athletes from all over the country and highlighting Inverclyde Leisure as a primary location for X Training events must surely raise the profile of your gym in the community – do you think other gyms in the area could have competed more?

I feel there is always room for more gyms to come along and compete at my event – the more the merrier. However as x training’s profile grows the competitor numbers will rise. IL is always keen to bring the community together and I think we have somewhat achieved that with Maxifit 2013.

The event was sold out way before the closing date – do you feel gym sports has a bright future?

I feel x training has a very bright future. There is a passionate band of organisers that want to see the sport thrive and now newcomers are getting involved it can only mean great things for the sport. Yes, with the event selling out 6 weeks before the closing dates for entries which is a promising sign. We plan to bring big things to the x-training circuit in 2014 first of all by securing a bigger venue which will allow us to meet demand from potential gym athletes looking to get involved in the day.

Competitors from Iceland travelled over bringing a real international field – you must have been pleased with the team travelling so far to compete?

I am thrilled that the team from Iceland made the trip to Scotland. The team consisted of impressive athletes who put their heart and soul into their races. They are a fantastic bunch of people and I really hope they come and join us again. I will be looking to go out and compete in Iceland with a few from the U.K circuit later this year.

How long would you say the preparation for setting up the event took and do you think it enhanced the feeling of the gym members?

The event does take an incredible amount of organisation, from the initial stages right through to execution on the day. This event is months in the planning. However, it’s worth it to see a well run competition take place and of course the traditional after party for all those involved is a great incentive also!

What was your best memory of the day

There were many highlights for me, however the women’s and men’s open finals had be a couple of the best. Exciting to-the-wire races made for excellent spectating. Sandy Taylor’s win was also well deserved and showed what x-training is all about – hard work and determination. I would like to make a special mention to all the Inverclyde Leisure members who put in weeks of hard work and competed on the day.

You have moved on up to open – third fastest shoulder of the day … what are planning to work on ?

Competing in the open category is a challenge which I plan to work on. My weights generally don’t cause to many problems although this changes slightly with the combination of the different disciplines. To be competitive at this level then I must work on that treadmill. That’s certainly my weak point at the moment.

What is on your dream wish list for X Training ?

Dream wish list would be to be part of the growth of x-training within the U.K and one day hold and event for hundreds of Athletes.

And finally …

Thank you to all the volunteers, Inverclyde Leisure staff, competitors and spectators for making Maxifit 2013 such a success. The event could not go ahead without the support of the event sponsors DALRIADA ACCESS LTD, SAS NUTRITION.CO.UK, X-TRAINING.CO.UK, as well as local support from LIDL, Paul Kelly Renfrewshire Physiotherapy, C&M Coaches and also ONE ASHTON ROAD for the after party catering.