On Thursday 20^th October, after another High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) at the Hedgecock Community Centre (HCC), Boxer’s Fitness Academy (BFA) invited three of their London Marathon runners to share some of their inspirational tips with the members.

After a gruelling and sweat dripping session, words of wisdom on ‘aspiring to be the best’ was shared by Ustadh Sohail of Al Noor Foundation, followed by a short trophy presentation ceremony and remarks from each of the runners and the BFA leads Monir Ahmad and Ashraf Ali.

Marathon runner Aminul Hoque explained how he had procrastinated after being selected from the Marathon ballot and kept deferring until he couldn’t defer anymore. “I always found something else to do and kept putting it off, until I realised it was a make-or-break situation” Said Aminul. “And that was about 6 weeks before the marathon date when I followed the marathon schedule and managed to make it through. But I wouldn’t say I’m a good example.” He reflected.

Marathon runner Shuhel Khan shared his plans. He only started running after being bored during the Covid lockdown and now is amongst the top 3% of the runners in this year’s London Marathon.

“This was my first marathon and I planned it and stuck with it. I had lots of brothers and family encourage me all the way.” He reminisced. “It involved a lot of sacrifice of food and family life. Having your family on board is vital.” He added.

The highlight of the night was Abdul Hafiz. He shared how he was 16 stones only a couple years ago and went on to becoming an elite top 1% of the runners at this year’s London Marathon. “I don’t talk about PBs when people ask. I tell them that you are only challenging yourself. My PB is for me and yours will be different. But ultimately, you’ll know your body and mind and you must listen to your body and mind. But don’t kill yourself for it.” Were his stark words.

Abdul Hafiz was leaving in a couple days for the Venice Marathon.

“I am grateful for BFA brotherhood and encouragement all the way on Strava and Facebook. It helped!” He added.

The trophies were handed out by our legendary marathon runner and inspirational elder, Shahjahan Kadir, who’d ran several marathons and dozens of half marathons. He’s an inspiration with Runthrough. Hence, he received the “BFA Boro Bhai” or BFA Big Brother status from Monir and solidified it with a small trophy. “He deserves this title and trophy as he’d inspired many here, and only yesterday he had returned from the Amsterdam Marathon.” Add Monir.

Ashraf Ali, the founder of BFA, who couldn’t be here, shared a recorded appreciation message with the award winners and the BFA team. BFA have encouraged more members to join next year’s London Marathon challenge.

The session ended with sharing of tea and cakes kindly offered by Monir, Shokoth, and Shochall Salique of TKO Boxing Club.

HIIT for Men takes place fortnightly at the HCC and it involves circuit training, conditioning, agility drills, cardio intense training. For more information, please visit www.hedgecockcentre.org.uk

More information on BFA’s activities in Barking and Tower Hamlets can be found on their social media www.facebook.com/BoxersFitnessAcademy