ODT advertising sales manager Tina Stevens is bravely stepping into the ring for the Southern Showdown charity boxing event. In this blog she will document her progress towards the day of truth on July 27.
Last week I mentioned that sparring sessions might help my confidence, and hoped that this week we would spend some time sparring.
Anna (my opponent) and I organised a lunchtime training session with one of our trainers, Ryan from NZ Fight and Fitness.
He put us through some drills and then we finished with four rounds of sparring - it felt good. Good to start trying out some of the skills we have been practising, and believe it or not, good to take a couple of punches to remind yourself what it feels like!
Our first two sessions of the week we covering skills again, specifically footwork. The girls seemed to have the upper hand at this (hopscotch, skipping, netball skills maybe?).
Friday's session covered bobbing and weaving, with counter-punching added once we managed to sort out the timing.
I get lots of comments from people about the fact that I am involved. The mention the picture and story they read in the paper weeks ago, announcing the contenders.
So far all positive and encouraging, except my mum.
That may sound a little unfair - she did say that she is proud of me taking up the challenge, but would prefer I do something a ‘little more lady-like - try competitive knitting next time please'.
Dad has kept quiet - wisely sitting on the fence. My two children are not sure whether to be proud or worried, and my husband thinks it's great.
We have all had to decide on a ring-name and entrance music for the big night. I put mine out to colleagues for their input, and Hurricane Katrina it is.
I was a little unsure at first about being associated with such a devastating natural disaster, but as my given name is Katrina, it fits.
One of my colleagues cheekily suggested that I was a natural disaster - he'll keep.
- For more information visit http://www.southernshowdown.co.nz/
