In his first Daily Echo column, Chris Billam-Smith talks NHS carers, wearing fancy dress at Cherries and training sessions from home...
IN A time where there is so much darkness and negativity, I believe we have seen some great humility and positivity.
The NHS Clap For Our Carers is brilliant and brings people closer together, while realising how vital the NHS is and how lucky we are to have it.
My fiancée’s best friend is a nurse at Poole hospital. I want to shed some light on what a hero she and the rest of the NHS are.
She has had to postpone her and her fiancé’s wedding until next year, taken on extra shifts, moved away from her two young kids for most of the week, had her birthday just the other day and all while keeping a brave face – dealing with this pandemic hands on.
That is just one person that I know, so I’m sure there are people even worse off. So, a massive THANK YOU to all the key workers out there!
It’s been a good week, training routine is in place. I have been watching the old AFCB games back.
Although, Monday’s Bolton one was cut short at half-time due to mine and fellow AFCB fans/staff (Alex Deutsch, Kev Anderson and Michael Gribbins) music Monday quiz. We came second out of 60 teams with some unbelievable performances and, at the end, we were truly on the pitch!
That Bolton game five years ago, I was also on the pitch.
Having watched the game from my mate’s house just round the corner, we dressed up in Tweety and Sylvester costumes and sprinted round to the stadium to celebrate! What an epic night for the town and the club.
For myself, my fight against Nathan Thorley has been moved to July 11, which is currently still going ahead, potentially behind closed doors but shown live on Sky. So, fingers crossed all goes well. I can’t wait to get back to proper training with pads, sparring and actually having a coach there.
I’ve got my setup at home that my brother made from scaffolding. I’ve got a squat rack, pull-up bar, hook for the bag and enough weights to get me through.
Next week I start doing video sessions with my strength and conditioning coach who lives in London, so camp is now fully under way and I can’t wait to get back in the gym with Shane.
My routine has been good though, it always starts with a good BandHand coffee, followed by yoga and a training session most mornings. I’m trying to get my 5km time quicker, (currently at 22minutes) seeing as everyone is on it and putting me to shame.
I saw Marc Pugh did his in about 16-17 minutes. My excuse is I’m a lot heavier and my job is less running and less Cruyff (Pugh) turns, very impressive though!
I think it’s great everyone is motivated to train and exercise. I’ve seen some awesome setups and everyone is nominating everyone to run and donate.
Exercise does so much for mental wellbeing too, so during this time it’s more important than ever to use the extra hours to look after yourself physically and mentally. Do what you can and don’t be too hard on yourself – but get something done. Nobody ever regretted a workout!
I’ll be doing a few live sessions on Instagram (@chrisbillam). Some I’ll be getting trained by friends who are experienced coaches and then I’m hoping to repay the favour to them! I miss training people, which is what I did before turning professional, so please join me and we can workout together.
Stay safe people and appreciate the time with loved ones.
Peace out, CBS.
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