Norton's training schedule has been constantly changing and evolving since the conception of the club. We have come to realise that to compete with the best in the world (indoor and outdoor) the training has to be extremely varied and complex. I took over as trainer in the 1999 season and began to implement a more structured approach to our regimen.

I am a strong believer in building the base fitness of each and every puller before undertaking the actual rope training. This may not enamour me to the team at times (ten mile runs do not get you on many Christmas card lists) but all is forgiven once the trophy is lifted. Contrary to popular belief Tug of War is a physically very complex sport. Although simple in essence.

Each individual requires exceptional level of strength, endurance and above all a high level of mental 'toughness '. Although we are only a small club with few members, we are vastly experienced and definitely not afraid to innovate. This year we travelled to Stans oberdorf in Switzerland to train with their team and acquire new and fresh ideas.

There we trained by running into the mountains in the mornings then holding mock competitions against each other pulling in the sand. We also tried pulling the opposite side of the rope, which they do regularly to improve balance and technique. Whilst there Kati (who trains with the Swiss rowing team) gave us some excellent advice. As well as some gruelling workouts given in conjunction with Peter odermatt.

Peter also gave us some fantastic tips to get stronger and help us to improve. This along with the knowledge I and the other members of the squad have will, once we have a fully trained injury free squad, be the key to continued success. Last year was our most successful year to date. We incorporated a lot more power training into our schedule i.e. power squats, hill sprints, weight training as well as close monitoring of our weight.

This shift in training was obviously a success. We concentrated less on the rope, sometimes only rope training on the weekend of the competition. Luck was also with us last year because the squad stayed virtually injury free. But it must be remembered that regardless of incorporating the best training methods and working ourselves till we bleed; all this would mean nothing if each individual in the team did not have it in their hearts to never give in. Personally it makes me proud to see this in every Norton puller's face each time we pick up the rope.