When James Murray returned from running the Marathon De Sables we bumped into each other at a friend's birthday party. I'd been meaning to speak to him about his recent adventures, as he'd said some things to me in passing previously that had deeply struck a chord. I'd been acting in a local play at the time and he told me that if acting was something I was passionate about, I should go for it. In a big way, go for it. This way of thinking was in line with some personal philosophies I'd been steadily revising and I wanted to connect with him and explore the root of his opinion - not (purely) for affirmation of my incredible acting abilities, but more so to connect with someone who shared a similar way of thinking that in turn would fuel my beliefs in the philisophies I was refining.

What I found when speaking with James truly moved me, and I immediately found myself completely taken with his attitude. James had gone through a transformation and had found a religion. I'm not talking about religion in the traditional sense. This was the religion of the of the person who truly believed they could achieve ANYTHING, (within reason, he wasn't telling me he could fly or pull a rabbit out of a hat, although it's the sort of thing he might say) - ANYTHING - if they put their mind to it. There was a key to be understood - belief, commitment, attitude and dedication. This was what I heard when I listened to the tales of the amazing personal barriers James had overcome. I was honestly in awe of the man who had run across the desert and had done this off his own bat, and was now going to run 100 miles around Grand Cayman. I've never run more than 6 miles in one go, I still haven't, yet I believe I could run 100 miles if I wanted, whereas before, I would have told you that you were CRAZY!

After learning about Lisa Smith-Batchen and the incredible feats she has accomplished, and Gerry Martinez and the amazing barriers he has overcome, I think we all do exactly what James was outlining to me - we set our own barriers. We are the masters of what we can and can't achieve. Belief. Commitment. Attitude. Dedication. Apply yourself to these traits and there's NO limit to what you can achieve. I've toyed with them in many aspects of my life, and when I look back I realise I've made my own excuses as to why I've failed; why I didn't learn more about a job I had in order to get ahead, why I hadn't been to the gym as much as I'd have liked, why I hadn't quit smoking sooner (and more effectively!).

I was inspired. I felt James' ideas were in tune with my way of thinking and I wanted to ride the crest of this wave. James approached me for help with his campaign to raise money for the CIDA and to build him a website for A Crazy Idea. I thought it was a great idea, and should springboard his campaign, I hope it has done just that.

So - Boxing! I've been training with Lachie Hewitt and a regular crew for about 18 months in a boxfit class. I've been attending about once a week here and there. It's been great fun, and early this year we progressed to a bit of sparring. Well, hardly sparring, more like jerky freaky dancing and some running away. Similar to the sort of shapes I might pull at Aqua on a Friday night. Or used to, before I got into training so regularly. I'd been toying with the idea of a White Collar boxing event, like the one at Margaritaville last year. The thought of going toe-to-toe for 3 rounds, just to say I'd done it, was the sort of challenge I could see myself taking on, and admired others for doing. It was daring, and brave, and a bit wreckless, and I liked it. But, I wasn't training regularly enough to gain a decent enough fitness level to really be a "contender". I needed to up my game, but I was lacking motivation. I realised this could be my "crazy idea", and committing to it to help James' cause would force me to up my game. So I committed, and I have been training hard ever since. I also stupidly said I would run the 1/2 marathon, and would try to get some running in, in between my boxing training. This hasn't happened as much as I would have liked, but the main focus is the boxing. I'm going to do the half regardless. If I have to finish on my knees I will.

Since the beginning of August I've been down Rogue Gym 4 times a week. I go to boxfit 6am on a Tuesday, 6am on a Wednesday Rogue's Nicole Frolick makes sure I'm in pain after an hour's circuit training, 6.30am Thurs morning for some more boxfit, and 10.30am on a Saturday for White Collar sparring. I try to get one or two sessions of Yin Yoga in and maybe a run during the week also.

Each week I've been feeling fitter, stronger, and healthier. I've also noticed that you have to stay committed to the same level throughout, because it never gets easier. You get fitter, so you push yourself harder. Otherwise, you don't progress. As well as that, I've also noticed the harder I hit the guys in the ring, the harder they're hitting me back! (cheers Andrew!!)

My fight is now less than a month away. We've got 200 tickets to sell, and I think it's going to be a sold out event. There are about 6 fights on the card, including some kickboxing. My opponent, Jarladth Travers, has been working hard to sell tickets to the event, and I know there are a lot of people eager to see me get a pasting in the ring. I know it will be an entertaining evening whatever the outcome, and whatever that outcome may be, I will be happy if we raise some cash for the CIDA on behalf of A Crazy Idea.

You can get your tickets from me by emailing This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by calling 525-3900. I am selling advance tickets for $25 - $5 of which goes to the CIDA, feel free to donate / sponsor more! Click here for our fundraiser package.

Remember - this event is in aid of raising awareness of Diabetes in the Cayman Islands, and the money we raise will go towards buying important machines and equipment which we urgently need on this island. Please donate anything that you can. We will also have a donations box at the entrance.

The fight will take place on November 19th at Treasure Island Lobby Bar. The Fight Card as it currently stands looks like this:

Robert Mahadeo vs Nico Mellet (White Collar)

Geoff Baker vs Floyd Moxam  (White Collar)

Alistair Macdonald vs Ryan Bloom  (White Collar)

Muay Thai Demonstration

Omar Dickson Bruce Coulson (Kick Boxing )

Adam Cockerill vs Jarladth Travers  (White Collar)

Brian Rando vs Dermit O'Kelly  (White Collar)

Thanks for your support, and I hope to see you there.

Adam