Antalya 10K – Turkey

Our first week in Turkey is almost coming to an end, with Cockers leaving tomorrow. It all started last Thursday when Bugs and I set out for Istanbul, staying over for one night before flying to Antalya the following morning. We booked a cheeky little 5 star hotel online and when we arrived we decided to explore the spa. We sat in the Jacuzzi and then tested out the Turkish bath, where there were about six Turkish Locals loving the fact that two Brits didn’t have a clue what was going on. They proceeded to throw bowls of warm/hot water at us sat on this platform in the middle of the room. Quite an experience! The next morning was also an experience, one I could happily forget however, 5am alarm to fly at 7. Ouch. We arrived at The Belconti resort,  signed in and had a good hit on the slow bouncy hard courts for a couple of hours, we then waited for the draw and got prepared to play with cockers joining us in the evening.

Bugs: “It has been a good and bad week; good in the respect that we have had Cockers out here to give us a really good physical travel programme, which is personally the first time i have been on the road and have done any substantial physical work. I am looking forward to seeing the rewards from this week. The bad side was obviously losing early in qualifying which was very disappointing. I put that behind me pretty quick though and beasted this week physically, so I’m excited for my next match.

Our surroundings for our fitness have been a little different to those in Bath. I thought training in the STV was great with all the fantastic equipment but the beach at the resort we are staying at is next level. That has been our training ground this past week. The beach has these metal frames which they put covers on during the season for some shelter. These metal frames came in handy with the new equipment that we have been using called the Milo Kit. We attached the kit to the frames and where able to do various exercises to help with our stability and postural work.

This week has also been all about creating 'glutes of steal'. I would like to think i am very close to achieving those prestigious 'glutes of steal' as the exercises have been getting easier. Another work out session we did was union jacks on the football pitch which is right next to the beach. This consisted of sprinting from one corner flag diagonally to the other, then walk across the top of the pitch to the other corner flag and sprint diagonally again. We did this ten times and then did some short sprints from the goal line to the halfway line. To top the session off we ended it with some yoga.”

Willis: I played a local Turk 1st round who wasn’t the best but still had to be beaten. Bugby lost out to a big serving Indian guy in a tight one. I then beat a German Junior 76(6) 63, was a great standard match and I got through saving 2 set points in the first and recovering from 1-3 in the 2nd. I then had to play a Spaniard in the last round who had a pretty big 1st deal and forehand, I played very well again and won 62 46 62. I Lost in the first round of Main draw 63 64. The best physically I have been on a court with all the daily stability and mobility routines with Cockers. I know him and Bugby have been doing some suicidal beach fitness as well which I would like to avoid this week if possible!!

The accommodation here has been pretty good. We are staying at a 5 star resort all inclusive, which again is a first for me so I’m definitely enjoying the luxuries. Each day after a hard day of training we finish off in the spa. We have got the routine down to a T. Steam room, sauna, plunge pool, Turkish bath and then sit in the relaxation room. For you that don't know what a Turkish bath is, it is a wet room made of marble, there are a bunch of basins, also made of marble and you run the hot and cold taps into them. You then get a metal bowel and pour the water over you. You can take soap in and wash. There is even a big marble table in the middle where people lie and other people can scrub and clean you then rinse you with the bowels of water. It sounds very average but is so refreshing

We are signing in today for the 2nd week and hope to build on last week’s performances. Bring it on!