Working at altitude!!!
Apr2820114:39 p.m.
Wow the weather's definitely on the up, but for how long? The temperatures have been higher than the whole of Europe. Happy days! Only downfall is I have to train in the heat, but hey ho all part of my job. What a great sporting weekend it was! Man City v Man United at Wembley on the Saturday and the London Marathon on the Sunday. A fire under the elevated section of the M1 caused mayhem for many. All those poor guys who had to tackle the M1 diversions and still made it despite the longer travelling times. They are the diehard fans! One of my supporters Jason Rouse ran his first Marathon in 5hrs 50 mins for the charity Heart UK in memory of his late father. Well done J! So glad the schools were on half term as the disruption certainly made my journey times to the gym longer.
But it was another busy week with training and promotion interviews: I had a great evening at QPR to watch the Derby game. At half-time I donned a QPR shirt and had a Q & A session on the pitch. Jim swerved wearing the shirt as he is an avid Gooner and refused to be a traitor! Good game and great hospitality! I can't wait for them to be promoted to the Premiership. Good luck boys! Matt Slater from the BBC came to the gym for an interview and photo shoot. Check it out here; Donaeo's new song Check My Swagga Out is released on 30th May. He asked me to be in his video to promote the song. It was good fun working on that this week. Song title very apt for me as people say I've got swagger! There was also another appearance on Ringside this week. My stablemate Nathan Cleverly joined me for a bit of banter with Johnnie and Adam.
Training this week was robust and physically demanding, with only four weeks until my fight. It consisted of long runs; sprints; track conditioning; weights; boxing workouts; strength and conditioning Once again Jim had to put his Arsenal loyalties aside as we went to Tottenham’s training ground for a couple of training sessions in their altitude chamber. Jim didn’t have to think twice about coming with me. I know that he wants me to be the best I can be, and that means becoming a World Champion. Each week he impresses me with his dedication, focus and attention to detail. To be honest I couldn't wish for a better trainer and mentor.
He has been there and done it, so he knows all the highs and lows of the game! These sessions were challenging and rewarding and afterwards I felt on top of the world! After an eventful week, Saturday was my rest day! My sister arranged for family and friends to go to one of our local parks for a kick about and picnic. It was nice to kick back and have some fun and catch up with everyone. Easter Sunday was a day of rest for everyone except me, with another session at the gym. No rest for the wicked and no Easter eggs for me, boo! All worth it in the end though – because it takes hard work and dedication to be the best!
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Comments (2)
mrsspoon 'Good luck with the training, I'm sure it will all pay off!' added 30th Apr 2011
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bright_1_9909 'i was lucky enough to visit the Essex gym (2nd time) to watch and talk with James and his Trainer Jimmy Macdonnell. I was impressed with the tempo of the training and not for 1 minute did James slack or tire in his application to the training session (the best part of 2 hours) while i was there. The dedication and the application was as mentioned top class. James looked focused and determined, the ferocity of the combination punches from the outside let alone within the ring - simply awesome ! Dedicated DeGale has the look and awe of a reigning champion to be for many years. Credit to his trainer and handlers (and stable mates which is an overlooked feature of a boxers make up). Keep doing what your doing James and team. yours in sport and spurs fan(Ha) Dom Bergonzi' added 11th May 2011
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