You’ve heard who they are and why they’re fighting. But now that we’re over the halfway mark until the big night on October 5th, things have started to pick up a bit. Training is getting more intense. They’ve been punched in the face. Most have had a bloody nose here or there, their diets have changed, and boxing is becoming an everyday part of their lives. So we figured it was about time to check back in and see how things have been going. Adrian Wright-Fitzgerald has been putting in work at EverybodyFights and below you’ll hear about her first time sparring and more about his experience with Haymakers thus far.

How is training coming along?
Training intensity has easily doubled now that we are in the homestretch and second half of training camp. More than anything the mental aspect of training has become just as hard if not harder than the physical aspect, this truly is the biggest test of self-confidence, grit, and determination.

What is your weekly routine?
I am usually in the gym twice a day, 6 days a week. 5 days a week in the ring with my trainer, sparring a few times a week, team conditioning once a week, and individual lifting, conditioning, and a long run filling in the other days.

How has your diet changed since training began?
My diet hasn’t changed drastically, I was sort of a nerd when it comes to meal prepping and eating pretty healthy prior to training. Alcohol obviously is cut out, and I have to be snacking every few hours, because I get so hungry all the time.

Tell us about your first time sparring. Different than expected?
Sparring was mentally much more challenging than I expected at first. It is a true test of confidence, and being able to train your central nervous system NOT to do the things it instinctually wants to do, like try to not get hit.

What has been the most challenging part of sticking to the routine and training so far?
Sleep and recovery is always challenging. Making time for stretching, foam rolling, icing, massage, preventative exercises. It’s the most important – it keeps you healthy and going. It feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day to get everything done that I want to get done, especially with training and recovery.

What does your family think of your participation?
My family is excited, nervous and very proud. My three nephews (ages 10, 8, and 5) are really excited to hear about how my boxing is going every time to talk to them… they keep asking me if I have any “battle wounds.” They have eagerly asked for a punching bag for their birthday, so to my sister’s chagrin I may have inspired some of their current athletic interests.

Has there been anyone that has surprised you by their cancer story?
I was surprised and deeply touched to learn all the stories of why my teammates are fighting. Although we all have our personal inspiration for why we fight, when I see how deeply affected the people around me have been by loss, it only strengthens my determination. My teammate Jackie recently lost a close friend to cancer last month amidst training, and her strength and passion is a daily inspiration for me.

Has your initial inspiration changed since the start of your training?
My inspiration has not changed, but I have realized more than before that although this journey is bigger than me, and the end result will hopefully touch so many people, the process is hinged upon my belief in my abilities and figuring out what makes me a fighter and WHY I want to be in that ring. My inspiration got me to this point, and now I have to get myself to that finish line.

Donate to Adrian or purchase a ticket to Belles of the Brawl V on October 5th here!