| How did you like the Best of the Best and what was memorable for you? |
 I thoroughly enjoyed The Best of the Best and would like to say it is possibly the best cross training event since the UltraFit X-training days. The organisation, consistent judging (from novice to open) and the atmosphere were all fantastic. As for it being memorable, definitely yes, after two years of doing no upper body weights for the need to reduce kilos and bulk in order to run faster, then to 'wing it' on pure fitness and a little muscle memory was brilliant - painful for a few days afterwards but worth it. (You should try pulling a bike box around and luggage with shoulders that are painful !!!!) |
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| Have you kept an interest in X Training since you left it? And are you in contact with any one from the sport |
I have kept an interest in X-training but only from the Personal Trainer point of view - i have several clients that are now into the sport and doing very well - Sam Orgee (Winner od the Open Grand Prix 2007) Phil Rawle (Winner of the Intermediate Grand Prix) Martin Carter, (Currently fourth in the Grand Prix) Keith Pocket and Stuart Leng (not bad for an old git!! joke Stu)
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| In the years that have seen you leave the sport, what have you been doing? |
| I started triathlon and duathlon almost 8 years ago and dabbled in it inititally whilst still X-training, and in fact it actually made the X-training easier. Then 4 years ago i got more serious about Duathlon and Powerman as i was doing very well and decided that it was the way to go - since then i have raced Elite for GB in Long Distance Duathlon, Powerman and now Ironman - and am now ranked 2nd in the World for Powerman. I was ranked 1st last year but Erika Csomor (from Hungary) and i seem to take turns! |
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| You are a Personal Trainer. What do you think of X Training for Personal Trainers and their clients ? |
| I think it is a great way to get your clients interested in going to the gym and finding a purpose for their training, but, i still feel that doing other forms of fitness especially outside needs to be included into the equation of X-training. |
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| Has the judging improved – Do you think it will always be an issue ? |
Judging is always an issue and will continue to be so BUT, the Best of Best judging was extremely consistent and i can honestly say NO-ONE had an issue with it. Then again, if you train properly and do the reps properly then it will never be an issue!!!!!
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| Obviously the sport has changed somewhat since you left it – what do you think the biggest difference is |
| It has not changed that much actually, there is not the high profile anymore ie: Ultrafit, Superteams and X-Zone, but there are more National competitions now with the inclusion of the Grand Prix which is a good idea. |
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| You have extensive knowledge of the sport – which sport do you think would most be most accomplished in completing a X Training Challenge |
| Tricky, to be good at any one sport means that you need to train specifically for it, which means that to do a cross training event - from doing another sport - there will always be strengths and weaknesses, this was demonstrated very well at the Dream Team event that was run for a couple of years some time ago - and very amusing it was too. Cracknell can row but he could not run (then) or swim, Jonathon Edwards can triple jump but he could not bench jump or do shuttle runs, Audley Harrison could bench press and was useless at everything else. I remember a friend saying to me once "chase too many rabbits and you won't catch one" - you cannot expect to do well in your chosen sport and expect to do just as well at the same time in another. |
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| You have a good friendship with Eddie Fletcher. Has he influenced you at all? |
I have known Eddie for such a long time now i cannot remember not knowing him. He was responsible for all the pain that i suffered on the rowing machine doing the 2k whether at the Grand Prix, BIRC or Boston, USA, and all the training associated with it - thanks to Eddie, my technique is near to perfect for a non rower and i have developed a good engine for my current racing - oh, and it was Eddie who actually introduced me to Heart Rate training - good move. |
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| Who is the greatest X Trainer ever? (not necessarily the fastest) |
| Difficult, as i think there are a few that have left their mark over the years, Darren Robson, Andrew Evans and Sarah Coope - but for consistency and dedication to the sport at the time it has to be Hywel, as he also has moved on to serious cycling and Ironman he has maintained the same amount of passion for his racing. |
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| In my opinion, the sport will not make an impact till the technology for TDRD (Time Distance and Rep Display) is available for the crowd to become involved in. What advancements would you like to see? |
| TDRD would be great - lord knows how it is going to be achieved but i would like to see it one day!
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