Norman's challenges for The SMASH Youth Project

Boxing – some good news!

Norman — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 22:22:56 +0000

After feeling as though I have been struggling with the sparring for quite a few weeks, this evening for the first time I did feel in control and that I could think while in the ring rather than react to receiving punches.

It was also re-assuring to hear that I have a good jab. That does give you some confidence because at least you are doing something right. The advice from Paul at Swindon Boxing Academy always proves invaluable and the real “must” for me is to take this on board and use it.

I have to get the fundamental stuff right. For example, being prepared to move away from my opponent and wait for moment to throw the jab rather than rushing in. There is no need to throw a series of punches.

Be confident – boxing is a mind game

Norman — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 23:23:58 +0000

Monday nights session involved a sparring session, work on the pads and some bag work but focusing on defence rather than just throwing punches.

Unusually after the warm up the session started with sparring. The focus being on taking your time and getting the range right. The typcial novice mistakes I am making are to try and punch as much as possible rather than be patient, not moving around enough and not throwing measured jabs. As a result, having taken two blows to the chin, after the session I have a pretty sore jaw which is painful when chewing or clenching teeth together.

Another lesson is to make sure whatever is going on in the ring keep your defence position – arms up with gloves protecting face and arms your lower body.

I will only start to get things right if i can relax and have more self-belief.

This weeks training – last transition from swimming to boxing

Norman — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 09:49:26 +0000

MORE TO FOLLOW

Jabs and 1-2s – sounds so simple

Norman — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 23:33:25 +0000

Monday nights boxing training was working on the basis punches and combination.

We worked on technique in front of the mirrors, then onto the bags and then into the ring for some sparring.

Last lake swim

Norman — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 06:33:13 +0000

Having had the news from our fellow team member that he will not take part I decided to use what would have been my last training swim on the lake as my actual Tri. swim just in case our team does not now make it to the start line. MORE TO FOLLOW

Let down at last minute

Norman — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 06:30:57 +0000

Sadly one of our fellow team mates has decided the London Tri. is not for him. Leaving until 6 days before the event to let us know shows an element of disregard for commitment and effort that others have put in.

Another week’s training in the bag…

Norman — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 12:19:15 +0000

Monday – Swim (lake) / Boxing

Tuesday – Pilates / Run

Wednesday – Boxing

Thursday – Swim (pool) at Tri. Club

Friday – boxing / weights

Saturday – Cycle

New stroke now working!

Norman — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 22:29:31 +0000

Thursday night swim session at the Tri. Club. Last one before London Triathlon. MORE TO FOLLOW

Only one more early morning swim to go!

Norman — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 08:28:01 +0000

I am now in wind down/tapering mode for the Lonon Tri. swim. Today being only one lap of the Lake… with only one more similar Open Water swim left

It’s still a great feeling having a whole lake to you in the morning but I am beginning to question getting up at 4.30am - I’d rather be doing what “normal” people do on a Monday morning – sleep!

I will miss these sessions because there’s no better way to start a day (other than the time!!) – sunrise, beautiful countryside, wildlife and even the exercise picks you up eventually but as the daylight time becomes less so will the opportunities.

Lower body needs attention too!

Norman — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 11:35:38 +0000

Now that so much of training relates to the Upper Body i.e. swimming and boxing it becomes more important to keep all round fitness. Todays running session was a good example – a fairly high intensity but short session.

Although for the swimming and especially the boxing power does still come from and through the legs the training revolves very much around working the arms and the realting techniques so I make sure during each weeks session there is plenty to keep the legs developed and working! In addition to weights (squat rack, leg curl e.t.c.) cv workouts on the bike, indoor rower and running are still included not only to work on the legs but to help maintain a good all round fitness and aerobic capacity to be able to complete my events.