Part 2/3 of my IRONMAN - Swim, Ride, Run series ‘Ride’.
Banging out 60km to over 90km sessions a couple times a week when in prep for an IRONMAN is an incredible amount of volume for normies like us but athlete Zac Dunn froths them with ease.
This set was shot at a gorgeous spot in my home town Mackay and I really enjoy the back lighting coming through the pine trees making it look like it could of been shot in the hills somewhere else in the world.
Keep an eye out for my final set ‘Run’.
20%..!!! I am absolutely stoked to have crossed this milestone for my Immortals project!
Setting out to help 100 athletes take the image worthy of their story I knew I was going to meet some world class athletes, but still in this early stage I am blown away with the people I have met and the story’s I have captured.
Interviewing and shooting athletes from amateur part timers to pros on the world stage, so far there are a few traits they all have that make them great I think we can learn from.
Unwavering long-term vision. All these athletes have days where they doubt themselves, don’t want to train, get injured, lose competitions, lose sponsors, have setbacks but continue to rock up and put in the work for YEARS until they reach the vision they have for themselves. The ability to just not give up over a long period of time results in being the last man standing and reaping the reward of experience.
Doing the simple things to the 110%. We all want to jump straight to the Gucci, fun and sexy part of our pursuits once we have a novel understanding of the basics. But these guys take it to the next level in drilling the basics. Repeating a punch, gear change, movement until it is just as natural to them as breathing before trying to master the technical.
No side projects. There is one project, one pursuit, one trophy. They don’t get distracted by every shiny object that comes their way. This is the mission, and the mission is all that matters.
I cant wait to see were this project takes me, the athletes I’m yet to meet and the images I can give to them as a memory of there sporting legacy in this moment in time.
You can watch some of the conversations here on my Youtube channel.
Ash Timmins is not your typical boxer. While many fighters focus solely on their craft inside the ring, Timmins has discovered a unique way to enhance his discipline and consistency by incorporating his love for skydiving, trail riding, and track bike riding into his training regimen. Ash is one of the established armature boxes at Fortitude Boxing Gym and with his pro debut looming he shared with me the way these exhilarating activities have become essential tools in his pursuit of boxing excellence.
Skydiving: Conquering Fear and Mental Strength
Skydiving, with its adrenaline-pumping freefall and breathtaking views, may seem like an unlikely complement to boxing. However, for Ash, it serves as a powerful exercise in conquering fear and strengthening mental fortitude.
In boxing, remaining calm and composed in the face of your opponent is paramount. Skydiving provides him with a unique opportunity to confront his fears head-on, teaching him to maintain focus and composure in high-pressure situations. The rush of freefalling from thousands of feet in the air challenges his ability to stay composed, training him to remain calm and make split-second decisions—an invaluable skill in the boxing ring.
Trail Riding: Building Endurance and Resilience
Trail riding, whether on a mountain bike or horseback, demands physical endurance, resilience, and adaptability. These qualities are directly transferable to the sport of boxing, where fighters must endure grueling training sessions and maintain their resilience during intense bouts.
By engaging in trail riding, Ash builds his cardiovascular endurance, strengthens his leg muscles, and improves his overall physical conditioning. Moreover, navigating challenging terrains and adapting to unexpected obstacles during trail rides sharpens his ability to react swiftly and adapt to changing situations—skills that are crucial when facing diverse opponents in the ring.
Track Bike Riding: Precision and Speed
Track bike riding is all about precision, speed, and maintaining control in high-speed environments. These attributes are integral to successful boxing, as boxers must possess exceptional hand-eye coordination, quick reflexes, and the ability to execute precise movements.
By incorporating track bike riding into his training routine, Ash hones his coordination and reaction times, as well as his ability to control his body and movements at high speeds. The discipline required to maneuver a track bike with precision translates directly to the ring, where precise footwork, quick jabs, and well-timed combinations are essential.
While boxing is undoubtedly a demanding sport that requires focused training, Ash demonstrates the power of cross-training and the benefits of incorporating diverse activities into one's routine. By engaging in skydiving, trail riding, and track bike riding, he not only enhances his physical abilities but also nurtures his mental strength, resilience, and adaptability.
With Ash’s discipline and consistency combined with his relentless training routine, I am excited to track his journey as he progresses into the pro scene of Australian boxing.
