@malmcmullan
AND so it begins. On Saturday our Fitness Factor induction took place. We were handed our funky bluey green Cancer Focus t-shirts, our photos were taken and the dreaded step onto Ollie’s scales - I really do hope they were lying!
The one comment that struck a chord was Ollie’s appeal for us to use the 165 hours we are not under his watchful eye wisely. A phrase he used with all his clients.
Diet, rest and hydration are every bit as important as the 24 (it sounds a lot) sessions we will partake over the six weeks. A statement about only putting the best fuel in a Rolls Royce engine – mine is more of a Skoda but I am intent on looking after it.
It’s not a diet, it’s a lifestyle change. Later that afternoon while on a trip to Mr Bloom’s tea party I paid a visit to the ice-cream van. It was for a cone for my daughter Erin – my first test passed.
It’s easy early on when the enthusiasm is at its highest. On Sunday when the lunch was presented to me, I was strong. No bread with my soup, no stuffing with the turkey, loads of veggies and a small portion of the old favourite – champ. No dessert either.
Tea has been replaced by water. Not only is the rehydration important but it stops the cravings for chocolate.
Slaughtneil’s championship celebrations were cut short. No pints, home to finish off bits and pieces of work and get myself into the zone. A 6.15am alarm call and a Monday morning trip to Ollie’s gym.
Ollie wasn’t there but it was Gavin O’Neill - one of his instructors. I coached Gavin at U15 and minor level with Derry. With his stopwatch in hand, I could almost see the glint in his eye. It was his turn to dish out the pain.
Nestled at the side of the room was a small whiteboard with the programme on it. The only two words I noticed were ‘finisher’ and ‘burpee’. In fitness terms burpees are the devil.
We did four circuits of the routine. It was challenging but very rewarding and as it transpired the burpees weren’t for beginners. Phew! Roll on Wednesday morning for the next instalment.
MONDAY ROUTINE 1 5 stations x 4 cycles (40secs on: 20secs off)
-Side plank
-Subscap pullups
-Kettlebell Squats
-Prowler sprints
-Barbell push/press
Sportspeople have a warped mind. The satisfaction you get from early morning sessions, kickstarting the system for the day and firing up the metabolism – our license to burn fat.
It is sticking to the rules in those other 165 hours that is the problem. A food diary and surrounding people with the same mission is a help.
On Friday week our editor Orla is getting married. So I am wondering if The Silver Tassie will have a ‘Fitness Factor’ menu. Will Caoimhe and Mary K tempt me with the lure of Mojitos. As the Labbi Siffre’s song says….something inside so strong! I will need to be but we’ll see.
Every little bit helps and donations can be made online at - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Michael-McMullan
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