On Wednesday evening I got a phone call letting me know that, if I wanted to, I could be back on the team for the Singapore October 2nd White Collar Boxing Event. It felt both great to have that opportunity again and also a little bit like something else I didn't need just then having just gone through my first day of leisure after finishing with Philips Design and the 'other stuff' going on with my family. Anyway, it wasn't long before I decided to commit to the idea again and yesterday it was all confirmed. I was back on!
Coincidentally I was already heading to the boxing gym that night (Thursday) as I was booked into the months 'free training' for those who hadn't been selected for the event. Nick from Vanda Promotions who had confirmed my being back on the event said I should go along anyway and see what's what.
The first thing to say about getting to the gym is that it's a pig to find. But I'd left plenty of time and wasn't late. As you get within about 100 yards of the gym you can smell it pretty well anyway!
The gym was full of activity with people doing circuit training and bag work. There was a real mixture of fitness levels and, shall we say, 'types'! Some big guys, some smaller guys, some damn fit looking guys and some women too - all were contributing to the frantic activity and to the smell too I suppose.
There were two other guys who had turned up for the months free training and it wasn't long before we were warming up and then getting into circuit type work. I found this hard. I've been going to the gym regularly now but 40 minutes on the bike and some weights whilst helping tone up, build muscle and shed some extra fat, doesn't really prepare you for circuit work. I'd always planned to do this kind of circuit work for the last month myself with a personal trainer but, of course, I thought I wasn't going to be training for the event so hadn't done it. When it came to getting in the ring and some basic lessons in throwing a punch, I felt pretty fucked basically. The other two guys were doing better than me and I felt disappointed with that. It's been a long time since I felt that specific kind of 'knackered' feeling and seeing the other two guys doing better than me and have the 'coach' asked me if I was 'OK' with a concerned look on his face wasn't good....
Anyway, I got through it. It's not often that walking out into the Singapore night air feels a relief but after that gym it did!! God, it was hot - no fans and no a/c and 20 people or so training in quite a small space!! I'll get used to it I'm sure... Anyway I'm now on the training for the people who are in the event now so that means back there tomorrow (Saturday) morning at 8.30 am. As I write this I feel a little achey so maybe a massage this afternoon would be money well spent.
More updates to come.
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