I’ve been putting it off for too long.
I’ve had my excuses – no time to dedicate to it, too much else to train for, not the right time – but really, if I’m totally honest, I was just too scared. Every time I went back to watch my friends have their moment I got jealous – I wanted to do it again but I let the excuses get in the way.
I’m still scared now, maybe even a little bit more so because I know what to expect. I don’t think I went into that ring the first time round totally prepared to actually fight. You can spar all you like, but nothing prepares you for what it feels like to fight your heart out.
Then there’s the first time you take a punch to the face, the stinging of the eyes and lump in throat; the absolute annihilation of your senses in the ring and complete battering of your body in training as you try to push out just one more punch, just one more squat jump, just one more press up.
Learning how to anticipate what’s coming whilst blocking punches and knowing the right ones to throw back.
The training is brutal, and immersive, and totally fucking awesome. I feel ready to take this on again. To face my demons and get back in the ring.
We’re coming to the end of week two already and this time I feel like it’s sinking in a bit more. Where as the first time I did it was all women, this time it’s mixed, so we’re training with the men and fight night will be mixed too.
I’m trying harder to nail the technique – head movement, blocking, ducking and footwork. I need to move and think like a boxer.
This time I’ll be fitter, stronger, quicker.
This time I’ll focus harder.
This time I’ve got an army of friends coming to cheer my corner.
This time… maybe, just maybe, I’ll win.
Oh, and this time, the whole process and fight night is getting filmed, so stay tuned!
I’m doing this for a personal challenge but also to raise money for Cancer Research, so if you fancy kicking off my sponsorship and throwing a few pennies my way, please visit my Just Giving page!
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Have you ever boxed before?
Would you get in the ring for Cancer Research?
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