running | Boxing Life

In my last five years of training in the sport of boxing, I've learned doing the roadwork is one of the hardest things to get yourself started with. As an amateur boxer, I've had to really find something deep inside me at times to get motivated for doing those long distance cardio runs in the morning or after work. However, once you get some discipline and consistency of doing them, you will really start to feel the benefits quickly in your boxing training, fitness and overall mentality. Here are my top 5 reasons why running for boxing is important: 1. Gives you discipline Discipline is such a fundamental thing to have in boxing and doing the roadwork has always been a great starting point for me. When you first start your fight camp/training, get up early in the morning 4-5 days a week and run at least 2-3 miles each time. By doing this each day your overall fitness will obviously improve, but more importantly the persistent routine of doing this will give you discipline. It's really hard at first, but once you get past those first few runs it sets your discipline for the rest or your training. 2. Strip down the pounds It really does help strip the pounds quickly as you try to drop weight! It's an old school way of looking at, but you will quickly see the benefit from this. From my experience and advice, I usually get up early in the morning, have a glass of water and hit the road on a empty stomach! You'll find yourself easily losing 350-450 calories form single session out there on the road. I've quite often been very surprised by the weight drop from a single outing on the road. Just remember to rehydrate after and eat some light carbohydrates such porridge, fruit or if you need something a bit heavier, scrambled eggs with brown toast is my favourite. Just don't over do it! :) Pacquiao running with his dog 3. Increases your stamina Everyone knows running will help with this, but for boxing, having that stamina and endurance to last many rounds is a lot harder than anyone thinks it is. Especially while you are being hit at the same time and having to throw punches back at your opponent! Running will help build up that natural stamina of non-stop working while you're in the ring or training. This really does help compliment all the other work you are doing the gym which leads onto my next point. 4. Improve your explosiveness Running isn't all just about long distance, but making sure you are combining this by doing interval training (sprints) at a high intensity with short rest periods. When you're in the ring you'll need moments where busts of explosiveness energy is needed when throwing your punches and combinations. Sprinting or doing interval training will really help imitate that same burst of energy you would use in the ring when throwing punches. This will also help give running variation to your routine. 5. Tests you mentally Ali doing his roadwork in Zaire Muhammad Ali famously once said: “The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses – behind the lines, in the gym, and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights." When you're out there on the road by yourself in preparation for a fight with just yourself and your own thoughts it really does test you mentally. You ask yourself questions...am I good enough? Do I have what it takes to win? Is this worth it? When you first start doubt always creeps into your mind, but the more you keep at it, the more confident you will become in your preparation and state of mind! Nowadays everyone usually listens to music while they go out on their run which is fine. I challenge you to run without music for one run and see how you handle your own thoughts. ;) Make sure to comment below and give your thoughts or why not share on your social media. If you are really wanting to improve your overall running I'd recommend you check out James Dunne's Kinetic Revolution Running Training Course. This step by step 8 week course for beginners or those looking to fix running style provides you with the progressive structure, resources and guidance you need to find and fix the flaws in running technique. He also has some other FREE helpful running courses. Learn more here on their website. I'll leave you with this fantastic video from Precision Striking below. Jason gives some great tips on ways to mix up your running routine and incorporate more boxing elements when you're out there on the road. All the best out there! Amazon.co.uk Widgets