Tracy Davies - Winner

Finalist 2014

Gym and occupation / Personal Trainer / Fitness First Brentwood

I train at Fitness First in Brentwood, I'm a freelance Personal Trainer.

What experience have you had in Gym X Training ?

Training in Gym X Training for around 3 years, with my first event in 2013. After a period of time off this year, I have comeback & now been training for FitBrit specifically for the last 5/6 weeks. There is very similar approach to the events I train for in the X-training circuit (www.x-training.co.uk) Also being involved in World Gym Challenge (www.worldgymchallenge.com) I am very familiar with how this training feels and it suits the method in which I train daily in the gym.

How often do you train?

I train 5 times a week with each training session geared towards improving each above element and getting me prepared for the race to come. 100% effort goes into every session knowing that each session is tailored towards the course. My coach, Sean Blyth and I break up my training into lactic threshold, event specific, endurance and also strength endurance. On average I train about 4 - 5 hours per week and have structured recovery breaks.

Where do you think FitBrit is won and lost ?

I think the faster times on this course will have very good run bike rows behind them. Its really important to know your race inside out, how you approach each station and make sure you are familiar with each movement to perform it well enough through full ROM & the number of reps expected.

What was memory of FitBrit last year ?

I won FitBrit 2014 because I think I was mentally and physically prepared and had a very strong race from start to finish last year. I was fortunate that the final station (the run) went well for me, it was such a hard finish, that it really could have gone to any of us. I was the only competitor to go sub 11 mins on that particular course and at the finish I felt I had given everything. It was an incredible feeling knowing I had won . This year is different and a new challenge to look forward too. The results will be a few seconds apart in the final race and I'm sure will be nail-biting as always.

What advice would you give to those racing this year and thinking about maybe trying it for 2016?

I think in order to avoid mistakes or reps being docked, it is important to perform the exercises as stated in the rules and as finalists will be shown on the day. This minimises chances of error and also fair play in all the races will show professionalism and respect to fellow competitors. Judging is crucial at events like this and has to be across the board. Perhaps this is the one area that needs addressing and as FitBrit grows, Im sure so will the final and judging procedures.