32 men and women are in training for the Rock ‘N Rumble VIII in Boston on May 17th. Over the next three months they’re fundraising, shadowboxing, sparring, running, jumping rope, doing all they can trying to drop those lbs to hit weight on fight night and walk away with a W. Which means that as they’re preparing for the big night, there are a few things they’ll have to sacrifice to be physically and mentally ready to get in the ring. We were curious what those sacrifices were so we asked them what the hardest things to give up would be, whether it be beer, staying up late or the most difficult of all - tacos. Check out what some of our fighters had to say…
I have a big spot in my heart for Chinese food. I'm slightly concerned that Teriyaki House in Southie is going to think I moved.
-Rusty Handler
Beer. It is delicious and I will miss it.
-Adam Hollis
Actually there really isn't any one thing I am worried about giving up. I am lucky to be in a position where I don't actually have to lose much weight - if anything I am going to have to work hard to maintain weight. I know, I know what a terrible problem to have! If I have to pick I guess I would say alcohol and sleep! It isn't going to be terribly difficult to give up alcohol - but every once in a while even not having just a drink or two to unwind will be a challenge. In terms of sleep, I suspect there will be a lot of early morning and late night training sessions so that is going to be tough. Luckily, I am an expert napper.
-Ryan Hogan
No idea yet but I am sure I will figure it out soon.
-Eric Braz
Definitely cheeseburgers. I can do without bread, most sweets, and pasta. But I need a good cheeseburger at least once a week. I had to order a Turkey Burger on a salad at TastyBurger with my kids the other day and it was tragic.
-Chip Rives
Candy. I am a sucker for skittles and m&ms. I am going to miss my afternoon CVS runs during the week.
-Kyle White
As for diet and lifestyle; I am not really a big drinker and I don't watch much TV. But I will miss pizza (and carbs) terribly. There will be a trip to Regina Pizzeria in the North End on May 18th, I promise that! I will also miss time with my two boys. But the whole family is on board with this fight!
-Parker Willard
Ice cream is my weakness. Giving up Coffee-flavored Haagen Dazs will be tough. I may have to build in a cheat day or two if allowed.
-KB Brown
Cookies.....I've always been known as a Cookie Monster!
-Erik Johnson
I made some significant dietary changes last fall, going on a gluten and dairy free diet, so fortunately I only have a few enjoyable vices left to even give up at this point. I think the greatest challenge is just managing my time and knowing that if an activity is not moving the needle with my family, work, or training, then it is distracting from those things.
-Patrick Harney
Soda. C’mon… water with pizza just doesn’t cut it. I feel as though I took a huge step in the right direction a year ago when I gave up Mountain Dew and stuck solely to Coke. It’ll be tough. Oh... more specifically rum and coke will be missed as well.
-Joe Silva
For me, it's going to be time. I'm a bit of a workaholic, and my gym has hours only from 4pm-8pm, and I'm expecting 2+ hour sessions every weekday. This means I'm going to have to rearrange my schedule a bit. Staying dedicated and breaking away from work is going to be tough.
-David Callies
Giving up beers and burgers will be tough!
-John George
Pizza 4 nights a week
-Jess Tones
Without a doubt I am sacrificing time with my family and its already been challenging. However, they have been so supportive of my training and I draw my inspiration from them.
-Paul O’Neil
Sugar
-Anthony Fortunato
Time with my two boys Max (5) and Caden (3)
-Eric Sonis
Carbs
-Andy Frawley
Beer. Period. Everything else is a distant second. I have three Bud Lights in my refrigerator that mock me whenever I open it but, I won’t give in. That being said, come May, they don’t stand a chance. (Out of respect for my favorite bar food, buffalo wings, I felt the need to mention them.)
-Christian Carballo
Free time with my family. Life is busy enough and adding the amount of training needed on top of everything is difficult. I am very lucky to have such a solid support system that is behind me through this whole process. A solid case could be made for whiskey too. Big fan of bourbon, however not a big fan of training after a night of bourbon.
-Tom Galvin
Given my work-leisure balance leans severely to the former, I'm relishing in the opportunity to sneak out of the office for training sessions even though it often means sacrificing further on sleep. The biggest sacrifices have been cheese and beer, which are two of my favorite foods. Social life, especially during the winter, often revolves around spending time in bars and out to meals with friends. They've gotten accustomed to me ordering a water and the lowest carb offerings on the menu. I started the year at 213lbs and am already down to ~200lbs on my way to at least 190lbs. Occasionally the desire to indulge is painful, but I’ve felt better overall since switching my habits. Couldn’t be happier, but I could be more well rested.
-Peter Awad