So the training commenced

So in February after hearing that I had been selected, I spoke to Jamie Stewart who had represented CAE Technology Services at the previous years event, and the amount of training he said he'd done made me think I had better start putting some work in. Sit ups and press ups seem to be the order of the day, so I started a regime of doing a number of reps every morning and evening. I also resolved to eat a bit healthier and to cut out the booze. However I'm not sure that at this point I really started noticing a difference in my fitness as I felt pretty unfit on the 18th Feb when I had the photo shoot at "The Ring", watching people sparring was pretty intimidating - not for the first time I was thinking "what have I left myself in for".

At this point I was introduced to Ross, who has been assigned as my trainer for the three month build up and we went to work.

The first three weeks were all based around technique, learning how to move around the ring, how to throw the different punches and put together some basic combinations. I was amazed at how tiring this was - totally different type of fitness to that of playing football 3/4 times a week.

At this point I was still very aware of the fact that I haven't been punched for years (which will surprise some I know!!), so I was still totally unsure as to what to expect when I started sparring. I thought I'd been hitting the punch bag and mitts pretty hard, as wasn't too sure I wanted to be on the receiving end of that!

I arrived at the gym some point in week four and was asked if i had my mouth guard as I'd be sparring, within seconds it felt like I was in the ring so very little time to get to apprehensive and I was sparring with two guys who are fighting at a similar show to mine, but on may 7th. After taking a few heavy shots to the head and body, I started to get a feel for what to expect, and although I ended up with a black eye (I seem to get one every time I spar) I was confident I could take a decent shot and not end up on the canvas.