********Latest News*******
Monday 20th February 2012
Well with under 4 weeks to go things are heating up and the entries are starting to come through.
With the deadline fast approaching for the Ironman competition could you please get these entries in to Stuart Leng as quickly as you can. If you haven’t done so as of yet and you do want to take part, then contact Stuart so that he can factor you in as he’s looking for a maximum number of entries.
With the Ironman kicking things off this years events we also have news that Mike Jones’s ever popular and challenging Gorton competition will now be taking place on the 9th June.
This gives us 5 competitions this year with possibly one other taking place in July before the summer holidays commence.
It gives us at least 5 excellent events to look forward to and with a Grand Prix back in action Cross Training is on the up again.
Stay tuned for more news coming soon…
Thanks
Steve
Wednesday 18th January 2012
Further news on the Grand Prix and the Gorton comp!
With the Ironman/woman event coming up in March and the Grand Prix starting from that first competition, I’d like to clear something up that Ty Whitlock kindly brought to my attention.
The novice category for the Ironman/woman event could be for some, as challenging as an intermediate competition at one of the other events.
So we have decided that whether you take part in the novice or intermediate level at Ironman/woman but you want to take part in the intermediate levels for the rest of the season, you will gain points depending on your finishing position and this will be part of your Grand Prix points.
So to clear up any confusion…if you take part in the novice at Ironman/woman you will gain points that will go towards the rest of your intermediate season.
For anyone that takes part in the intermediate Ironman/woman then your points will also go to the intermediate season.
For advanced Ironman/woman participants – the points will go towards your advanced Grand Prix season.
With a date yet to be fixed the Gorton comp will be held in June…just in final discussions with Mike Jones on the actual event date.
More news soon…
Friday 13th January 2012
A belated Happy New year to you all!
Well exciting times lie ahead this year with 4 definite competitions in the calendar and one more to be added at least!
We are also running a Grand prix this year which is something that legendary X-Trainer Gary Nicholas ran a few years back very successfully.
Firstly the competitions:
This is how it looks for the moment:
Saturday March 17th – Ironman / Ironwoman – Wildmoor (Stratford Upon-Avon)
Saturday May 26th – Maxi Fit – Inverclyde - Scotland
Saturday October 6th – Worcester Gauntlet (Worcester)
Saturday December 1st – Hampshire Fire Cracker (Southampton)
We weren’t too sure if Gorton were able to run there fantastic / challenging comp this year but the news on the street is it will be happening and will be looking towards the end of June before school holidays commence. More to follow on that!
That gives us 5 competitions, which is more than enough although we may squeeze in another with the help of Stu Leng. More to follow on that…
The talking point is that Chris Rayner who has devoted so much time to X-Training over the years is bringing the hugely popular Dragons Gauntlet back to life!
This was last seen about 4 years ago in Sale (Manchester) when 2 legends of our sport Steve Watts and Sue Regan-Watts were then the organsiers and Chris has had their blessing to take it over and run it from her Nuffield gym in Worcester. With Chris’s passion for the sport and Stu Leng commentating then we have a really exciting and new (for some of you) event this year! More to follow on that…
The Grand Prix
With the Grand Prix being such a huge success a few years back, we are now looking at re-starting this. This gives everyone a little more to focus on gaining points over a season and to see who the more consistent X-Trainers are and the events that suit certain athletes.
The athlete will gain points for 4 events that you take part in, even though there is at least 5 in the calendar. This means you are not obliged in taking part in every event over the year.
You of course can take part in every competition if you want to, but will be scored and ranked on 4 of the events.
The points system will be as follows:
1st place – 10 points
2nd place – 9 points
3rd place – 8 points
4th place – 7 points
5th place – 6 points
6th place – 5 points
7th place – 4 points
8th place – 3 points
9th place – 2 points
10th place – 1 point
There will be an awards ceremony at the end of the year at the Hampshire competition for the top 3 positions in each category which is:
Novice
Intermediate
Advanced
Once you’ve chosen a category you must stay in that category for the Grand Prix. If you choose to change categories within the year, your placing will not count in the Grand prix events.
There will also be individual event places and awards as per usual for each competition throughout the year.
More information will be coming soon but I just wanted to put you in the picture of where the season is going this year.
Last year we had our ups and downs in X-Training and we finished in Hampshire on a massive high!
Let’s continue where we finished with a big turnout for the first event at Stu Leng’s awesome Ironman / Ironwoman comp!
He put’s a great deal of work into the event (as all organisers do) and this is his baby.
Let’s give him our upmost support for the most gruelling and longest course of the year…hey it’s value for money!
The price has been dropped and if you’re looking to stay over then the Wildmoor gang are fantastic company to go out with or there are lovely places to visit…I’m in the wrong job…should have been a tour operator!
That’s all for now folks to wet the appetite.
All the best in health and fitness
Steve
Friday 23rd December
I’d like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year! With next year promising some exciting events for the X-Training calendar, 2012 will be a year not to miss out on for the sport of X-Training.
Thanks,
Steve Dowse
Thursday 15th December
Well by now most of you would have received the splits / race positions etc. They will be officially on the site by the weekend.
A big thanks to Ty again for putting together one of his biggest competitions ever – there was a fantastic turnout in all levels, which is encouraging for the future of X-Training.
We need to pull together as a sport and help and support the other organisers where we can. It’s been a strange year for the sport but it did finish so positively and hope that this can be a springboard to future competitions.
With Ty going out in style after many years of successful competitions and with a new team coming in to take over a hugely established one I can only give my thanks from all X-Trainers to what a great man Ty has been in the sport…we wish him well in his retirement.
Look out for more news coming soon and please put March 17th 2012 in your diaries for Stu Lengs popular and demanding Ironman course!
Thanks
Steve
Friday 9th December
With last weeks Hampshire competition bringing the X-Training calendar 2011 to a close I’m still waiting for the Hampshire team to send me the times / splits etc.
Once I have them, they’ll be on the site.
Thanks
Steve
Tuesday 29th November
With only a few days left to go to the final competition of the year the news is that it’s the biggest turnout for X-Training competition for years!
With all the big names turning up for this huge showdown and also a few legendary names in the sport coming back this will be one competition not to miss!
It’s reported that there will be around 130 people taking part in the sprint / intermediate and advanced levels on Saturday which is a fantastic turnout! My only question is why has this happened now???
With so many people taking part from different stables in the country, Ty has had to move the course to the indoor tennis courts from the aerobics studio into an exciting 3 lane race!
It means that there is even more pressure and more at stake to make the claim for a top 3 placing in the masters and open events.
With newcomers welcome and the more recognisable names and faces this is going to be one hell of a contest that will bring the end to an amazing 20 years for Ty Whitlock organising this wonderful event. Ty will no doubt be running the event with his usual fair but strict style which has been a winning combination over the years.
I’m sure at some point you’ll catch up with him to wish him the best in his X-Training retirement but from us all Ty, the best of luck for what the future holds with more and exciting challenges coming your way…and what a fitting way to go out in style of such a fantastic turnout!!!
The best of luck to all participants on Saturday. Enjoy the experience if it’s your first time of competing and make the most of the day and night if you’re staying on for Ty’s legendary evening bash!
If where possible and you have the time could you please let Ty know if you’re able to help out with the timing of races…this would be of great help to Ty and his team.
As always in health and X-Training fitness
Steve Dowse
Saturday 26th November
The Hampshire Fire Cracker race line-up is up on my website www.definition4fitness.com. Please go to the X-Training page – Events – Hampshire Fire Cracker to find it.
There are some top races and Ty has done a fantastic job and has had an unbelievable turnout for his final comp as an organiser.
More news about the competition will be on here soon and looking forward to seeing you all there next week.
Thanks
Steve
Sunday 20th November
I’ll be sending out to all who are on my email list last years results.
My previous years page isn’t allowing me to download the required information so my web guy is on to it, to get the situation rectified.
Less than 2 weeks to go now…looking forward to the big finale to complete this years X-Training calendar.
Thanks
Steve
Saturday 19th November
Well with only 2 weeks to go the spaces have been filling up fast for Ty Whitlock’s Hampshire competition. The big guns from all categories are due to be there, which makes for exciting racing!
Ty will be updating me of the line-up soon so watch this space!
Other news…a future X-Training champion…??? Richard Vint watch out as we welcome Richard Jolob’s new born son George.
Congratulations to Richard and his wife to their new born. Richard will be competing at Hampshire but for now all of the X-Trainers wish you all the best!
It’s credit to Richard that he is still taking part in the competition with the busy schedule he’s had and will be experiencing leading up to the event!
Thursday 3rd November
The Scotland competition came to a close last Saturday 29th October. The results are on the website which saw Alex Woods come back from a few months away from competing win comfortably against some notable opposition.
Gwen Fennell who is pushing for top spot if she manages to dethrone Kelly Friel at Hampshire won easily against the Scottish contingent.
It was also great to see Farouk Vawda make his way up to the competition…somebody who very rarely misses a competition and his support to the sport is fantastic!
Please get your entries in to Ty ASAP for the Hampshire comp…this will be a busy comp!
The Wildmoor comp race report but due to it being so large the mens advanced races have not made it onto the website as of yet so I have copied onto the this section.
Here it is…
There were 46 entries and 42 actual athletes who mad it to the start line for the Wildmoor H4H Challenge at the impressive Wildmoor Spa venue in Stratford on Avon. This competition was organised to replace the scheduled Calso Event in Bromley. A brand new course was designed and included for the first time, box squats, which together with the Bike were to prove a very influential part of the course. Due to other commitments, husband and wife, Steve and Corinne Jones, who were both competing as Novices, raced each other at 9.30.
This was their first competition and were introduced to the sport by Chris Rayner's recently formed X-Training class at Nuffield Health and Fitness in Worcester. They had an incredibly close race and Corinne edged it by 5 seconds in 15:32 and finished 4th in her category, with Steve finishing second. Four other competitors went down in the Ladies event and 58 year old Jenny Jackson put in a very gutsy display to achieve 17:54. Nicola Huxley was competitive on all disciplines and finished first in a very impressive 14:36, being quickest on Shoulder, Step Ups and Sit Ups. Nicola Clear, who was another of Chris Rayner's group also had a good tussle against local favourite Emma Hughes. Nicola was quickest on Bench Jumps and Row and although Emma was quickest on ASQ's, Box Squats and Bench Press, Nicola still edged it for 2nd place with a time of 15:06, with Emma 3rd in 15:32. There were just two other male competitors and featured 21 year old Harry James, from South Wales against 58 year old local member Jim Fallon. Harry looked capable of much better things and was quickest on the first 9 disciplines to win in 12:33. Jim battled bravely and was certainly not disgraced in 16:08.
Due to the failure of Louise Kelly to arrive, Lisa Roberts had to race on her own and although quickest on ASQ's, was 4th overall in 20:00 but picked up the Masters trophy. Training partners Ruth Negus and Ali Grayley from the Steve Dowse stable, had a real good tussle in the next race, with Ali looking the stronger in the earlier stages. Ruth was quickest on box squats and Ali then hit the wall on the bike to lose 2 minutes and finished in 21:32 despite being quickest on Shoulder and Bench Jumps. Ruth achieved another 3rd place in 18:32. Ali Hallam and Leah Walland had their usual titanic struggle in the final race and as always Ali gave her a run for her money. Leah's superiority yet again on Run, Step Ups, Row and Bike was to prove decisive and her winning time was 16:54 and Ali finishing 2nd in 17:43.
There were 9 entries in the Mens Intermediate and newcomer Chris Cummins, entered at the death by Lloyd Millichip had to race on his own. This didn't seem to faze him and he put in a very solid performance to come 2nd in the Masters category in 21:06. Peter Gahan from Manchester struggled in his race against seasoned campaigner Gary Dorman. Peter struggled badly on bench press to end up with 28:21 and Gary got 3rd in the Masters with 21:22. The next race featured Jim McMorran, a club member, who had won the novice Ironman and another of Chris Rayner's newcomers, Matt Rogers. Jim was the quickest competitor on the run and won the race in 21:26 for an unlucky 4th place in the Masters. Matt put in a very good performance, being only 6 seconds behind Jim in 21:32. Tony Bray, an experienced Master from Nuffield, Worcester then took on 21 year old Ian Hargreaves, who had won the Intermediate at PF2. Tony was quickest on Box Squats and his excellent time of 18:56 gave him a comfortable victory in the masters. Ian, who was quickest on Bench Jumps and Row achieved a determined 2nd place in the Senior category in 18:14. The final race was between the ultra consistent Stacey Cross and newcomer Jim Rogers form the local club. Jim went off like a man possessed and was quickest on Shoulder, Bench Jumps and Step Ups. However, he started to feel the pace on the ASQ's and Stacey, who stuck to his game plan, then started to assert his superiority. Stacey was quickest on ASQ's, Sit Ups, Bike and Bench Press and achieved a brilliant first place in 17:14. Jim will have learned a great deal for the experience and ended up 3rd with 19:20
There were only 5 official entries for the Ladies Advanced, with Ali Grayley deciding to race at the last minute to give Cat a race and get her previous race out of her system!. It was a hard battle for both competitors and Ali comfortably won the race with 35:06 and Cat's time 39:43. Dawn Ratchford and Trudi Hawksworth's tussle was eagerly awaited and it would be interesting to see if dawn could repeat her superiority at PF2. Dawn was quickest on Bench Jumps and Box Squats and looked to have the upper hand. The extra 10 reps on the Bench Press were to prove crucial and Trudi banged them out in an incredible 50 seconds to overtake Dawn to win the race in 26:29. Dawn was ultimately third in 27:01.
The final race was between Claire Boyce, who sadly was making her final appearance before moving to Dubai and Gwen Fennell, who won her first advanced event at PF2. It was pretty even early on, but Gwen's superiority over everyone was highlighted by the fact that she was quickest on 7 of the 10 disciplines. Her well voiced dislike of Box Squats and a slightly disappointing Bench Press held her back slightly but she was still a very clear winner by over two and a half minutes in 23:52 to continue her extremely rapid progress in the sport.
Unbelievably Claire clocked the same time as Trudi in 26:29 and Trudi, in view of Claire's impending move abroad let Claire pick up the winners trophy, which was a fabulous gesture.
There was an excellent line up of 15 in the Mens Advanced event. Paul Morton, who had been doubtful with a calf injury up until afew days before the comp, raced first on his own, but this didn't seem to affect him in any way. He was quickest on Step Ups, ASQ's and the Bike and his time of 22:05 looked extremely hard to beat. Club mates dave Hall and Nigel Hodges raced next and this course was certainly not made for Dave's physique! He battled gamely down the course to finish in 34:23 and it was good to see Nigel back racing in a very commendable 29:49. Russ Stenning then raced Dougie Harrison, another late entrant! Russ struggled a bit in 32:57 but Dougie who has made the step up to Advanced look easy. He was incredibly quick on Box Squats, completing 80 in 1:06 and also quickest on the Row, his specialised discipline. His time of 24:23 gave him 3rd place in the Senior category. Gary Nicholls and Farouk Vawda, who had tied at PF2 raced next and although it was pretty close again, farouk's time of 28:52 gave him 3rd in the Masters and Gary, the only Veteran was 42 seconds behind in 29:34. Sandy Taylor made the journey down from Scotland yet again and raced Lloyd Millichip and it was good to see him racing again. Sandy was quickest on Bench Jumps and has been steadily making progress all year. Sandy's time of25:24 gave him 4th and Lloyd finished in 26:31. Scott Edmonds and Richard Jolob, 2nd and 3rd respectively at PF2 race next, but this course was much more to Scott's liking and 24:12 gave him another impressive 2nd place. Rich, who hadn't been able to train much for the event, finished in 25:53. Alan Storrow failed to show and Ross Benson, from Scotland had to race on his own. He found the Step ups and Bike hard going and finished strong on the Bench in 26:28. The final race was between Steve Meade and Steve Dowse. Steve Meade was quickest on the Run and stayed in front all the way despite Steve Dowse being quickest on Sit Ups and ASQ's. Steve Dowse won the Senior event easily in 23:07 and Steve Meade was a very unlucky 2ND in the Masters in 22:22. He is in a rich vein of form and Paul had a very long wait to see if his time was good enough. Paul has come back form the Ironman with a vengeance and has been one of the most consistent performers at the top level for some years now.
A few of us were travelling to Scotland to the Inverclyde event and then all the focus will be on Ty's final Hampshire Fire Cracker.
Friday 28th October
Stu Leng’s 3rd and last competition of the year came to a close last Saturday and the results are now up on the website.
There were some fantastic races and as always top athletes from around the country. It was also great to see Claire Boyce back in action and the Scottish contingent who had made there way down to take on the rest of Britain!
With Bobbie Mctivie and Ross Benson Scotland competition taking place on Saturday 29th October and Ty Whilock’s Hampshire competition on the 3rd December there are still plenty of things to train for before the end of the year!
Please get those entries in for Ty’s comp ASAP to avoid missing out on this popular event!
Good Luck to all who are racing in Scotland on Saturday!
Wednesday 19th October
The race line-up is now up For Stratford’s Wildmoor completion on Saturday 22nd October.
Good luck to all competitors and there are some interesting looking races with some quality athletes taking part.
It’s also great to see some old names back again and some new participants trying out this challenging course for the first time.
Good luck to all and enjoy the day and the evening’s entertainment if you’re staying over.
Results will be out a few days after the competition with Stuarts eagerly awaited race report.
Thanks
Steve
15th October
A week to go before Stuart Lengs new Wildmoor competition. All entries should now be in to Stuart but if there are any late entrants please email Stuart ASAP on stuartleng@hotmail.co.uk
Also if there’s anymore interest or entries for Ross Benson’s Scotland competition on the 29th October then please let me know.
Lastly Ty Whitlocks Hampshire competition also needs entries in ASAP for 3rd December.
Race line-up will be up on Tuesday 18th October.
18th September 2011
One more update before I depart for my holiday.
Below is the top 3 finishing positions for all levels from the PF2 comp.
Mens Open
Steve Dowse 18:32
Scott Edwards – 19:53
Richard Jolob – 20:36
Mens Masters / Open
Paul Morton – 17:29
Steve Mead – 18:38
Farouk Vawda – 20:46
Mens Veterans / Open
Gary Nicholls – 20:46
Womens Open
Gwen Fennell – 18:13
Sarah Connolly – 24:22
Womens Masters / Open
Dawn Ratchford – 21:49
Trudi Hawksworth – 22:44
Mens Intermediate
Ian Hargreaves – 12:33
Stuart Leng – 12:39
Tony Bray (M) – 14:27
Ken Goldsborough (V) – 16:43
Chris Ball – 17:07
Womens Intermediate
Leah Walland – 12:03
Ali Hallam – 12:35
Sue Henderson (M) – 13:24
Ruth Negus – 13:25
Helena Augousti – 14:24
Ali Grayley – 14:56
A more comprehensive race times / positions will be on the event page for PF2 when I return.
Stu Leng will also put together a race report to go onto the site.
Well done to all competitors young or old / new or experienced…you guys are truly awesome to take these X-Training challenges on.
Next on the agenda is the Wildmoor….October 22nd!!!
15th September 2011
Good luck to all that are competing at the PF2 Worcester competition this Saturday.
I am on holiday until 25th September so results will be on the website on my return. Stu Leng will send results to the competitors beforehand.
Yours in health & Fitness
Steve
12th September 2011
With this Saturday’s PF2 competition almost here we now have 3 more exciting X-Training competitions looming towards the final quarter of the year!
After PF2 - Stuart Lengs “official” Wildmoor Competition will test the most dedicate and determined X-Trainer with the new “killer” Box Squats and a completely change of course structure. This competition will have more information coming soon but please get those entries in for this new and tough / rewarding October22nd comp!
Please get those entries in as early as possible…this is one competition not to be missed!!!
The week after, sees our friends from Scotland organising their own competition which will test the resolve from Scotland and the North of England’s finest athletes. If you are interested in taking part please let either myself or Ross Benson know ASAP.
You can contact Ross on: ross@dalriadaaccess.co.uk
The year then ends as always on a high with the traditional and always incredibly challenging Ty Whitlock’s Hampshire & Fire X-Training Challenge that will be on 3rd December this year.
I would like to add that there has been a great deal of interest and as such it may be wise to complete and send application forms at the earliest convenience.
This will be the 20th anniversary of this event which makes it by far the longest running competition of its kind in the world......after 20 years Ty sadly has decided that this will be his last competition as organiser and as such will be handing the event to friends and respected Cross Trainers Simon and Kelly Friel, assisted by Ben Williams.
He is trying very hard to make this an event to remember and hope to have some great competitors past and present attending......the post event party will finish the day along with the charity fundraiser, which he hopes to raise around £20,000 - which will make the total raised in excess of £200,000 in total. Any prizes will be greatly appreciated.
All Application forms / disciplines and rules are on the respected competitions events pages.
1st September 2011
The entries are in for PF2 competition on the 17th September so if you haven’t entered yet you have this last day to do so and please contact Stuart Leng stuartleng@hotmail.co.uk to make sure you don’t miss out!!!
Once entries are confirmed the line-up with race times for the races won’t be too far away…WATCH THIS SPACE!!!!
21st July 2011
New competition in Worcester!!!
Stu Leng has again worked his magic and found a venue who are happy to stage an event on the 17th September.
Please get your entries in early to avoid disappointment, as there will be a cut off to the amount allowed.
It will be based on the Luton competition that sadly had to be cancelled. There will be a few changes to the exercises – one being no press-ups but the row is longer now. Upright rows will also be included.
A big thanks to Stu for getting this organised and now having something to train for as October would have been too far away!
Details below:
Event name: The PF2 X-Training Challenge
Event organiser: Stuart Leng / assistance from Steve Dowse
Venue: PF2 gym in Worcester
Address: Basin Way, Diglis, Worcster, WR5 3GA
Contact number for gym: 01905-355777
Date of competition: 17th September 2011
Closing date for entries: 31st August 2011
Cost of event: All entries are £15.00 each.
Parking: There are car parking facilities available
Where to stay overnight: There are 2 budget hotels within 5 minutes walk – Ye Olde Talbot, Sidbury, Worcester and Travel Lodge which is opposite Worcester Cathedral.
Trophies will be for positions 1,2 and 3 in all categories, including masters and vets.
Please be aware that there is no Novice category for this event.
Start time will depend on the entries but it’s likely to be around 10:00. We would like to ask volunteers to help to judge or time keep.
We would also like all other event organisers to show support where possible with event participation / judging etc.
Please look out for entry forms / course details and course rules coming soon.
Thanks as always,
Steve
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IMPORTANT NEWS**IMPORTANT NEWS**IMPORTANT NEWS**
You may have already received an email from me or seen it on Facebook that Mark Drury’s competition at Luton on 17th September has now been cancelled.
We are now working hard at finding a new venue and subsequently new event which will feature most of Luton’s exercises.
Will update when there is more news on this…
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Welcome to the latest news in the world of X-Training. This will now be the home of the sport with all the latest information on current news and upcoming events. Please check out the X-Training and the rest of the website…it is designed to be user friendly and informative on all aspects of health, lifestyle & fitness.
All relevant information will be available for the X-Training events and it’s easy to download.
The next upcoming events will be Mark Drury’s Fitness Extreme and Stuart Leng’s Wildmoor X-Training Competition.
We now have an official date for Marks event, which is the 17th September. More details are to follow regarding what the actual disciplines are as the course will be different from past years.
It’s great to have Mark back on the X-Training scene as his competition has always been very popular and the gym is suited for X-Training and the location is great for most competitors to attend too!
Stuart Leng’s competition will be on the 22nd October so please schedule that into your diary. More news will be following so we have lots to look forward to after the “summer break” as we have Ty Whitlock’s fantastic competition to end the year!
If you’d like to personally contact me about X-Training my details are as follows:
Email: enquiries@definition4fitness.com
Phone: 0800 5677 269
Mobile: 07717 860 907
You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Check in for more updates coming soon…
Yours in health and fitness
Steve Dowse
Definition Lifestyle & Fitness Ltd
NEWS FLASH******NEWS FLASH******NEWS FLASH*******NEWS FLASH*******
There is another competition that Ross Benson is organising that will be held in Scotland.
More details to follow with application forms etc available to download coming soon. The date of the event will be October 29th so it’s a week after Stu Leng’s competition.
So if you’d like to spend a weekend in beautiful Scotland and help support and raise the profile there then please book this in to your diaries.
Ross has designed a challenging course for individual and teams and more details are to follow soon…