 X Training is not for everybody. But it certainly is not just for the super fit. It did use to be and is for the Advanced events . But now as the age of increasing health awareness and technology embraces every day life - members of gyms want to try something new and innovative , that will get them results they can measure and is different to anything they have done before. The poularity of the Intermdiate, Beginner and Junior events will see new talent pour into the Advanced stages as more and more people get hooked on this incredible sport.
It takes a certain breed to go through the pain thresholds that certain events take out on the body. But I tell you this. I spent the last 31 minutes focused and determined and ended up absolutely knackered. I warmed down gingerly and carried out a few stretches to ease the lactic in my body and I sweated somewhat!
The Open event is very hard to do - but so is a marathon, or a Triathlon, or kayaking down a white water river. It's not about in what is not possible, but about what is. And I know all my training has been for a reason. I always feel motivated.
A few gulps of water were washed down on the thoughts of what I have just gone through. I look around the gym. I see members running on the treadmill or using the rower - wondering what to do next - thinking maybe about hiring a personal trainer, or just having their mind in neutral and wondering what they are doing here.
Never have I been surrounded by so many motivated people as when I am in a X Training competition. You can almost feel the apprehension and nervousness in the start of each race as everybody knows what they are about to undergo - but once you are off - those people that are now aimlessly running on treadmills, wondering why they are not getting results, are not getting fitter are not being motivated - they won't be at these events.
I question also the gym that will not entertain the thought of a gym competition that incorporates all the elements of training into one focus point. Why is it that some gyms just won't entertain anything remotely involves everybody from a gym coming together and training together? Did it not say on their web site we will get you fit, we will get you motivated - join us now with your free induction and in weeks you will see the benefits? So why not get behind the sport of X Training and start the ball rolling in the Industry that it is crying out for recognition.
Knowing what is involved now maybe, just maybe some of you may be tempted to try a X Training event and the next time you see a x Trainer in a gym training for an event, you may well ask what it is all about end up at the starter block for the next event in the Beginner or Intermediate class and be on the start to something that when you get into it is incredibly frustrating to wonder why you were not into it before.
Then again you can continue to read the paper as you ride the bike and wonder why the gucci trainers , immaculately combed hair - fitted matching sweat pants and top will never ever be seen at any X Training event.
Last years results can be seen here for the intermediate
Last years results can be seen here for the Open
 WGC would like to thank Francis for her exceptional dedication in creating this challenge and working under incredible pressures to ensure the continued success of this event.
In the next few weeks , more details of this event will appear on the site so keep posted!
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The step Ups are situated in the weight section of my gym, so I have to quickly as possible make my way to the risers which are waiting for me. We have no 15 kg d/b so opt for 16. I pick up the weights and begin. The mirror facing me tells the sorry tale of a struggling X Trainer who is out of his depth in race mode. 16 kg in each hand is not easy - it's less easy by the simple fact , I am tired from the row - it's not nice with the mind playing tricks on you that you are only into the second discipline and if you are feeling knackered now - what's this course got in store for you later? Dan a mate of mine from the gym, looks on from the bench press and urges me on - it's appreciated - grit the teeth a little harder and finish in one hit.
Transitions in a busy working gym are always going to be a problem. But don't beat yourself up over it. You are in a training session and there will be another day before race day when you can practice. People using equipment in the gym they train at - is a necessary evil and frustrating, but members have paid their dues and are entitled to use the kit. What I have found is that generally as a rule - people who use the weights section will help you out if they see you are training for an event and need to use the equipment and even help you if you need a spotter.
With loads of core work incorporating swiss ball, stability bosu ball and balance ball. I have never really had a major problem with full sit ups. If anything, if there was a chance to get a bit of a breather (and I use the term loosely) It is here where it happens. My only problem today was not being prepared and not having a mat or somebody to hold my feet. I have to use the lower part of a nearby piece apparatus . It is uncomfortable and slow, but I need to do them and move on to the next discipline.
With the plyometrics involved in this movement you know you are not going into a comfort zone. It doesn't get easier as the routine progresses, you don't find a breather, you don't get a second wind, you endure a routine of hurt. .... Well I don't. I quit after ten reps and carry on in sets of ten. It still hurts, but it's the only way I am going to survive because I know what is coming up - the absolutely dreaded shoulder press.
The only time I have felt like walking out in an event was the first time I tried 60 shoulder press in 2005.
The sticking point of any good X Training event is generally always about the calibration of bikes. Some are set faster then others and the advantage is in the bike not in the fitness of the athlete. This is why it is essential that WGC works with the GBXTO so that 'on the day races' are fair and all people that argue about what equipment they use - use the same equipment' on the day' - No argument there. Everybody is in the same boat. Have a pint after and talk about who won on what equipment, because 'on the day' - they were the fastest and it won't be until the next Grand Prix event that old scores can be settled again.
The finale is is sight. Just 1000m at 6 % to do - just ! It hurts now. Actually it hurts all the time, and the heart rate is creeping as you get into your stride. I generally run at 10 kph and try to blitz the last 200m - but disaster strikes today and having completed just 250m I have to slow the treadmill down. I have burnt out out and gone anaerobic. I will have to wait till I have got some oxygen back in the blood. 50 m is what I give myself to have a bit of a walk, shake off the arms, take as much oxygen in as I can - and then start the stride again.