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Fitness Extreme 2007 Date Added: 19th April 2007

Gym: Fitness First. Dunstable. Luton

Date: 28th April 2007

Race Line Up: Click here

 
   

Introduction By WGC

Started by Dave Coard in 2005, Boxfit became one of the respected events in the X- Training Calendar. A flawless event with consistent judging and a challenging course.

WGC asked Mark Drury the reasons behind the transition from Boxfit to Fitness Extreme and here is what he said.


Tell us about the transition from Boxfit to Extreme Fitness and the reason why?

The transition from Boxfit  to Fitness Xtreme was smooth, it was just a case of Dave committing himself to so many other charity run events that trying to run a full time window cleaning business and organise Boxfit was nearly impossible.Dave Coard In 2005 the Boxfit competition was run by Dave and myself 50-50 and it gave me a good insight into how he made it a successful competition.Then in 2006 we both talked about potentially organising another and he decided he would take a step back and would head judge for me on the day, so I renamed it fitness x and took the event on myself. Dave is a Del-boy of the fitness industry. ... he has his hands in so many pies !  
Boxfit are away on the day of the event doing another race. Can you set the record strait and let people know this is the only reason.
Of course this  is the only reason Dave and myself are the best of friends. As most of you probably know  Dave has been entering triathlon and half iron men and that is a full time job in itself. He will be there on thursday night helping me set the course up along with about 20 others which really appreciate because it wouldn't take place otherwise
 Dave is somebody I greatly admire. How has he contributed towards helping you and what's the secret to a successful event.
If you know Dave you know that he would help anybody, he does a lot of charity work and he should be commended for that. Event organising is something  I enjoy and the satisfaction I get from it I believe is worth it. The most important part of this particular event having had it drummed into me and is having a great team of judges. Judging is instrumental in having a successful competition and well hopefully the competitors will leave the day with a smile on the day ! 
 Mark at the Gorton Grueller 2006 -  60 reps at 25kg is never ever easy !
 How much work is involved in organising an event like Fitness Extreme ?
That is a good question. I have to say its long hours, my pt and massage business are at a new high and I think my better half Sarah often wonders why I bother paying for the house I live in because im never there. I dont think I could do it if I wasnt passionate about it and the satisfaction far outweighs the negative side. This years comp has been hard work but having 110 competitors enter shows we are obviously doing something right  and heh lets hope its successful !  
 
 Will Boxfit ever return?
Never say never, I don't think it matters what it is called as long as it works.
Will the course ever vary? And have you thought about a Training Package for it?
I have no real plans of changing it - I think it works, but there might come  a time where the competitors may achieve ridiculously fast times, in which case I may have to make it harder ! And training packages, haven't even thought about it.
 How did the name Fitness Extreme come about?
Sitting one day with Dave and friends talking about the name change after a hard 10km run, none of us really had a clue and probably too tired from the run to have an in depth conversation about it. We wanted to make the name I suppose simple, but to also stand out and I think it does. At the time some of the event discipline combinations  did seem extreme but now looking at some of the comps that are a lot worse (15kg box steps ) WHY ?
 Will you try the WGC Advanced Challenge?
Of course just give me a date and time !
 Do you get many injuries?
Not seriously but I do get occasional niggles and of course man flu when i need a bit of attention !
 Do you have any of your clients do the course?
I have about  6 - that was half the reason I decided to introduce a sprint level, the intermediate I thought was still a little too hard for your average punter.  
 How do you see the future of X- Training.
In my limited experience of X training I believe it can become bigger and better. With the likes of yourself, Gary, Jacqui and Rory and the unnamed others  who knows where it can go. But I do feel that to achieve the heights that many people would like a sponsor needs to be in place and unity throughout the competitions. I also think to be able to take it the next level judging must become more consistent although I know it is hard to get this ! I believe to conquer this, training 20- 30 judges minimum throughout the UK and paying them for there time could be a future  prospect.
 The recent success of the Grand Prix has definitely brought about new hope for the increase in participation, how do you feel about it?
Its a great idea and believe its  a long time coming, X training was in decline and had been for a couple of years losing the likes of Michelle Parsons, Sarah Coupe, Cassius, Adam Horder and a certain Mr Davies which were the creme de la creme.  But I believe it can change and my comp this year is completely full with 110 competitors at the last count which is fantastic and lets hope it continues. It must be hard work organising and I have a lot of respect to Gary and co for making it possible so keep up the good work !  

 Mark Drury was the first person ever to take me round a X Training event - the pre run of the the 2005 Boxfit Challenge. Both Dave and Mark run very successful challenges, either in X Taining or Triathlon. WGC wants to take this opportunity to thank them both for organising consistent and hugely enjoyable events, but espeacially to Dave for all of his charity work.