I've stopped writing about the everyday, because it seems the everyday has become monotonous. The training has been the same, being pushed further and further, the same cardio, the same lifting, the same bag work. But day #44 was a little different. I did bag work early in the day and had myself video taped. As an athlete, some of the best training comes while watching yourself and picking up your mistakes and TRUST ME, I picked out a half dozen things I need to work on.
I need to cover my face, I have to stop throwing my head when I punch, shorten up the swing of my hook... just a few things I realize I need to work on, but you'll see it all there in the video.
Later on that night, I also learned some new kicks. I had a front kick and saber kick. I added an axe kick which comes from the top down onto my opponents shoulder (which is really hard to throw), a counter-saber and a side kick. So I have to work on those. I have a lot of things to work on, but it's a good thing my match was moved to August, so I have time to work on them! Go me!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Days #35 - #37: First Contact
All day Sunday I was BEYOND excited to start training again. Why? Because Saturday night was the first boxing matches in the Cape Fights series. It was awesome! At first I was so intimidated by the ring, the lights, the crowd... but as the fights wore on in the night, I became more and more excited to get in the ring and compete. Although the fights have been postponed until August, which gives me more time to train, I was still pumped to get back into my training!
Monday morning I did a few miles on the treadmill and a lifting circuit. I didn't have much time, but I squeezed in what I could before work. Later on in the evening, we got a training session with Barbara with the heavy bags. Before we did that though, she told me to put headgear on, which means I was going to get hit... for the first time! At first I was excited because I'd never really been hit before and I wanted to know how I would react and what it would be like... and then I got hit, and I decided I wasn't as excited anymore. I traded head kicks with two Poekoelan black belts, Alex and Bryan, honestly... not my idea of a good time. The first couple kicks weren't bad, and I was surprised I could ACTUALLY kick someone else in the head (ie, get my leg up high enough). And then she started yelling, "Faster! Kick harder!" and they did. And a few times, I saw some stars. The moral of the story is.... I'd better kick my opponent before she kicks me because it doesn't tickle! But the good news is I was able to get some information out of it. I wasn't sure how I would react to being kicked or punched in the face, and now I know. It makes me really, really angry. I kept my composure though and managed just to kick them back harder... a little more focused. So that's great news! It means I won't just lose my cool, forget my training and go ape on my opponent, which would be ill-advised.
All in all it was another sweat-filled training session and my head is just fine... a few bruises on my shoulders from "missed" kicks, but no damage. Awesome. Go me!
Monday morning I did a few miles on the treadmill and a lifting circuit. I didn't have much time, but I squeezed in what I could before work. Later on in the evening, we got a training session with Barbara with the heavy bags. Before we did that though, she told me to put headgear on, which means I was going to get hit... for the first time! At first I was excited because I'd never really been hit before and I wanted to know how I would react and what it would be like... and then I got hit, and I decided I wasn't as excited anymore. I traded head kicks with two Poekoelan black belts, Alex and Bryan, honestly... not my idea of a good time. The first couple kicks weren't bad, and I was surprised I could ACTUALLY kick someone else in the head (ie, get my leg up high enough). And then she started yelling, "Faster! Kick harder!" and they did. And a few times, I saw some stars. The moral of the story is.... I'd better kick my opponent before she kicks me because it doesn't tickle! But the good news is I was able to get some information out of it. I wasn't sure how I would react to being kicked or punched in the face, and now I know. It makes me really, really angry. I kept my composure though and managed just to kick them back harder... a little more focused. So that's great news! It means I won't just lose my cool, forget my training and go ape on my opponent, which would be ill-advised.
All in all it was another sweat-filled training session and my head is just fine... a few bruises on my shoulders from "missed" kicks, but no damage. Awesome. Go me!
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Days #28-#34: My Body Fights Back
I haven't written because I've been sick... and being as sick as I am means I haven't been allowed to train. Not that I don't want to, or I'm wimping out, Barbara hasn't allowed me to. And it's a good thing too because my body seems pretty upset with all the punishment it's been taking and is letting me know! It does prove to me that I need to get in shape and STAY in shape ... I'm pretty sure I'm just worn down from all of the intense workouts. Once I get to my goal weight/fitness level, I plan on staying there. I have to say, I'm a little disappointed with not being able to workout recently, and I know once I start up again it will be hard to get back to where I was, but I'm determined NOT to let this bump in the road deter me from my goal. Wish me luck! ha ha.. GO ME! :)
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Days #24, #25, #26 and #27: Healing
I'm writing about four days together because I didn't work out ANY of those days. In fact today, day #27, was the first day since my last work out that I've been able to walk without pain. Ive been sticking to my diet as perfect as ever but I've been unable to workout. It's a little bit disheartening, but it's a big eye opener for what my body is and isn't capable of doing. I guess it's true, I'm really not a kid anymore and it takes a little longer for my body to heal. I will have a workout tomorrow later in the day and then most likely another intense one on Tuesday. I do know that I will be ready to go and that makes me happy. Go me!
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Days #21, #22 and #23: Hitting the Wall
Day #21 (three weeks into my training) I started my "300 Workout" which consists of the following:
- 100 Squats
- 50 Jumping Jacks
- 50 Lunges - Left Leg
- 50 Lunges - Right Leg
- 25 Push Ups
- 25 Star Jumps
My goal is to do all of these, three rounds, and record my time, twice a week and then beat my time. This idiot *points to self* did squats first... it was all down hill after that. Now, as a former catcher, I USED TO have really strong legs. But I haven't been behind the plate in almost 10 years and you know what they say, "Use it or lose it" ... evidently I lost it. I finished my squats and did the jumping jacks and then the push ups. I was on lunge number 15 when my legs collapsed from under me and I fell on my face. Awesome. I got back up and tried to continue but with no luck. Instead, I "ran" to the bathroom and threw up. Even better. It took me 45 minutes just to get through round one, which I didn't finish, so technically it was a short workout, but it kicked my ass just the same.
Day #22 I spent the night at Chelsey's, so rather than drive 40 minutes to the gym to workout, I did my M/W/F routine there. I set myself up for a five mile run/walk which wound up only being three miles because my legs were still ridiculously sore from the previous day. But I finished out the three miles, did my 100 knee lifts, worked out as best I could the knife edge and zen push ups and finished up with the worlds hottest shower. By the end of the night, I could barely move my legs. At one point, I tried to move them off the table they were resting on while I was watching TV and I couldn't even do that, Chel had to push them off the table! Ludicrous! It was an awful night trying to get comfortable enough to sleep and I spent the majority of the night lying awake on the couch.
Day #23 was the first day I said "No. I am NOT working out today, I don't care who or when I am fighting. I can't do it." In a way, I feel like a wuss... but when I got to work and spoke to Dr. Judy, the head trainer at the gym, she confirmed that this was probably a good idea. She ran me through a few range of motion tests and said I probably shouldn't have even done three miles yesterday... that I NEED TO REST before I work out again or I risk tearing a quad muscle and being out for 6-8 weeks. So even though I feel a LITTLE guilty about not working out today, I could hardly walk, so it's probably best that I don't. I'm on orders to ice, heat, massage and most importantly, rest. Should be a day or two before I work out again. So I've hit a bump in the road, but I'll be ok. Go me!
- 100 Squats
- 50 Jumping Jacks
- 50 Lunges - Left Leg
- 50 Lunges - Right Leg
- 25 Push Ups
- 25 Star Jumps
My goal is to do all of these, three rounds, and record my time, twice a week and then beat my time. This idiot *points to self* did squats first... it was all down hill after that. Now, as a former catcher, I USED TO have really strong legs. But I haven't been behind the plate in almost 10 years and you know what they say, "Use it or lose it" ... evidently I lost it. I finished my squats and did the jumping jacks and then the push ups. I was on lunge number 15 when my legs collapsed from under me and I fell on my face. Awesome. I got back up and tried to continue but with no luck. Instead, I "ran" to the bathroom and threw up. Even better. It took me 45 minutes just to get through round one, which I didn't finish, so technically it was a short workout, but it kicked my ass just the same.
Day #22 I spent the night at Chelsey's, so rather than drive 40 minutes to the gym to workout, I did my M/W/F routine there. I set myself up for a five mile run/walk which wound up only being three miles because my legs were still ridiculously sore from the previous day. But I finished out the three miles, did my 100 knee lifts, worked out as best I could the knife edge and zen push ups and finished up with the worlds hottest shower. By the end of the night, I could barely move my legs. At one point, I tried to move them off the table they were resting on while I was watching TV and I couldn't even do that, Chel had to push them off the table! Ludicrous! It was an awful night trying to get comfortable enough to sleep and I spent the majority of the night lying awake on the couch.
Day #23 was the first day I said "No. I am NOT working out today, I don't care who or when I am fighting. I can't do it." In a way, I feel like a wuss... but when I got to work and spoke to Dr. Judy, the head trainer at the gym, she confirmed that this was probably a good idea. She ran me through a few range of motion tests and said I probably shouldn't have even done three miles yesterday... that I NEED TO REST before I work out again or I risk tearing a quad muscle and being out for 6-8 weeks. So even though I feel a LITTLE guilty about not working out today, I could hardly walk, so it's probably best that I don't. I'm on orders to ice, heat, massage and most importantly, rest. Should be a day or two before I work out again. So I've hit a bump in the road, but I'll be ok. Go me!
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Days #19 and #20: Turning the Corner
Day #19 was Sunday, and therefor my day off. I was RIDICULOUSLY sore from the intense workout on Saturday so it was very much needed. I took good care of myself with an hour of stretching, a few protein-packed meals and plenty of sleep! Not much to report on this day... but recovery was necessary!
Day #20 was the first day of the planned workouts which look like this:
M/W/F - 5 Mile Run
- Knife Edge Push Ups
- Zen Push Ups
- 100 Knee Lifts
- Soccer Ball Kicks
What are all these? Well this is sort of a Knife Edge Push Up except we do them with our hands at the chest instead of under the shoulder. I can do about one... ok maybe more like half of one. Technicality. Zen Push Ups are hard to describe, especially without a visual. Basically laying on your chest, you put your arms out to the side so you look like the letter "T" and with your palms flat, try to push your body up off the ground. Try it. You'll see why I can't even remotely lift any portion of my body ...at all. BUT with both of these, I'm at least TRYING and using the muscles it takes to do it so hopefully at some time soon I will be able to do them. Knee lifts are where I hold my hands up to block and lift the knees outside of my arms as high as I can. I can make it through these though its difficult and afterward, my hips are on fire! I wonder if I'm even allowed to use my knees... we'll find out hopefully soon! Kicking the soccer ball teaches me how to keep my feet directly below my knees and thus maximizing the power of the kick.
I didn't make the whole five miles, but only because I ran out of time. I did the last 1.5 miles on the bike because it's faster and I didn't want to quit before the 5 were done.
Though it wasn't required, I also spent 40 minutes in Poekoelan class with Scott hitting the bag. Tomorrow is the first day of the "300" Workout from Eric done on Tues/Thurs. Wish me luck. Go me!
Day #20 was the first day of the planned workouts which look like this:
M/W/F - 5 Mile Run
- Knife Edge Push Ups
- Zen Push Ups
- 100 Knee Lifts
- Soccer Ball Kicks
What are all these? Well this is sort of a Knife Edge Push Up except we do them with our hands at the chest instead of under the shoulder. I can do about one... ok maybe more like half of one. Technicality. Zen Push Ups are hard to describe, especially without a visual. Basically laying on your chest, you put your arms out to the side so you look like the letter "T" and with your palms flat, try to push your body up off the ground. Try it. You'll see why I can't even remotely lift any portion of my body ...at all. BUT with both of these, I'm at least TRYING and using the muscles it takes to do it so hopefully at some time soon I will be able to do them. Knee lifts are where I hold my hands up to block and lift the knees outside of my arms as high as I can. I can make it through these though its difficult and afterward, my hips are on fire! I wonder if I'm even allowed to use my knees... we'll find out hopefully soon! Kicking the soccer ball teaches me how to keep my feet directly below my knees and thus maximizing the power of the kick.
I didn't make the whole five miles, but only because I ran out of time. I did the last 1.5 miles on the bike because it's faster and I didn't want to quit before the 5 were done.
Though it wasn't required, I also spent 40 minutes in Poekoelan class with Scott hitting the bag. Tomorrow is the first day of the "300" Workout from Eric done on Tues/Thurs. Wish me luck. Go me!
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Day #18 Take it to the Limit
Saturday, June 5th, 2010... Day #18... the day I was prepared to be pushed to the brink, did just that and couldn't wait for more!
Waking up before 8am is an anomaly for me, in that it doesn't happen very often. But this morning I rolled out of bed at 7:30am, drank a few cups of coffee, ate my egg whites with dry toast and left for the gym at 9:00. When I got there, Scott (who is also fighting in July) told me we had to do five 3-minute rounds of jumping rope to warm up. Fat kids are not meant to jump... which is why you don't see any frumpy basketball or volleyball players, or for that matter, high jumpers! But I did it and then did another 15 minutes on the treadmill to warm up. When Barbara got there (along with Bryan, another fighter), we did three rounds each in a circuit... one punching the pads, one shadowboxing and another jumping rope. At this point, we had been doing an hour of intense workouts. But evidently, we were just starting.
We went into the group exercise room to hang up the heavy bags, put the kickers and gloves back on and got to work. We did another five rounds of kicking and punching the bags non-stop. Towards the end, I was so exhausted I could barely move... but we did another round of sit ups and tried to do one of push ups until she realized none of us could so much as lift ourselves off the ground. I'm pretty proud of all three of us though, as little as we could do toward the end, nobody gave up. We learned what our weekly routines will be like along with a cardio and plyo workout from the head trainer, Eric. One of the members of the gym stopped me on my way out of the training and asked how it went and how did I feel, I said "That was awesome, can't wait to do it again!" Go me!
Waking up before 8am is an anomaly for me, in that it doesn't happen very often. But this morning I rolled out of bed at 7:30am, drank a few cups of coffee, ate my egg whites with dry toast and left for the gym at 9:00. When I got there, Scott (who is also fighting in July) told me we had to do five 3-minute rounds of jumping rope to warm up. Fat kids are not meant to jump... which is why you don't see any frumpy basketball or volleyball players, or for that matter, high jumpers! But I did it and then did another 15 minutes on the treadmill to warm up. When Barbara got there (along with Bryan, another fighter), we did three rounds each in a circuit... one punching the pads, one shadowboxing and another jumping rope. At this point, we had been doing an hour of intense workouts. But evidently, we were just starting.
We went into the group exercise room to hang up the heavy bags, put the kickers and gloves back on and got to work. We did another five rounds of kicking and punching the bags non-stop. Towards the end, I was so exhausted I could barely move... but we did another round of sit ups and tried to do one of push ups until she realized none of us could so much as lift ourselves off the ground. I'm pretty proud of all three of us though, as little as we could do toward the end, nobody gave up. We learned what our weekly routines will be like along with a cardio and plyo workout from the head trainer, Eric. One of the members of the gym stopped me on my way out of the training and asked how it went and how did I feel, I said "That was awesome, can't wait to do it again!" Go me!
Friday, June 4, 2010
Days #15, #16 and #17: A Lesson Learned
Day #15 I trained on my own at the Eastham Willy's in the gymnasium, shadowboxing and kicking the soccer ball to work on my kicks. I pushed myself... I worked hard... I earned myself a cozy 15 minutes in the hot tub and I was proud of myself. I really tried to get the mechanics of the kick down while kicking the ball and when I shadowboxed, I tried to incorporate those mechanics into kicking... more than just the ball, of course. I can't wait to spar, because I still feel as though I'm missing a few aspects of what will be ahead of me and the sooner I know what lies ahead the better.
Day #16 was a day of rest for me, as I accompanied my girlfriend to the wake and services of her neighbor and friend, Marc. Not only did I not work out, but I figured I had earned myself a little cheating room. So I had a couple drinks at the reception afterwards and I ate food that maaayyyybbbeee isn't really part of my diet. I went to bed later than normal and the whole day was pretty much a loss.
Day #17 ...is when I learned my biggest lesson. Taking a day off to rest is ok, but cheating on my diet and doing things that aren't helping me is STUPID! I am SO mad at myself for screwing off day sixteen because today when I tried to work out, I was exhausted, I didn't have the energy, I was lethargic and I couldn't even really get done the things I wanted to do. I could have done the 20 minutes of cardio and half hour of lifting program I USED to do before I started training, no problem. But these intense workouts require energy and I just didn't have it. So needless to say (but of course I'm saying it anyway) I learned my lesson. No more mental days off, no more cheating and ... no more being an ass! You heard it here first! I'm disappointed, but I'm glad I learned the lesson right away instead of making the mistake more than once. Live and learn. Go me!
Day #16 was a day of rest for me, as I accompanied my girlfriend to the wake and services of her neighbor and friend, Marc. Not only did I not work out, but I figured I had earned myself a little cheating room. So I had a couple drinks at the reception afterwards and I ate food that maaayyyybbbeee isn't really part of my diet. I went to bed later than normal and the whole day was pretty much a loss.
Day #17 ...is when I learned my biggest lesson. Taking a day off to rest is ok, but cheating on my diet and doing things that aren't helping me is STUPID! I am SO mad at myself for screwing off day sixteen because today when I tried to work out, I was exhausted, I didn't have the energy, I was lethargic and I couldn't even really get done the things I wanted to do. I could have done the 20 minutes of cardio and half hour of lifting program I USED to do before I started training, no problem. But these intense workouts require energy and I just didn't have it. So needless to say (but of course I'm saying it anyway) I learned my lesson. No more mental days off, no more cheating and ... no more being an ass! You heard it here first! I'm disappointed, but I'm glad I learned the lesson right away instead of making the mistake more than once. Live and learn. Go me!
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Days #13 and #14
So day #13 wasn't bad... I pushed myself, but I wasn't dead at the end of it. I shadowboxed in my apartment for about an hour. The GREAT news is that I feel as though had I done this two weeks ago, I might have been far more tired and been able to do far less the next day. It actually feels as though I am getting somewhere, which is an incredible feeling. I also videotaped myself (with a camera phone, nothing crazy) so I could see myself and found I am leaving a few spots open during particular punches and kicks. It was awesome for me to get an idea of what someone else will be seeing so I can close up those gaps and better protect myself. I won't say it was a brilliant idea but... I'm pretty smart :)
Day #14 is, by far, the biggest ass-kicker of all the days. In the morning I did a bunch of cardio, treadmill.. elliptical.. and shadowboxing, all with the knowledge that I would be stepping into the Third Phase Poekoelan class later in the night. When I got into class, I put on the boxing gloves (which are Bryan's) and a pair of kickers (which are sort of like shin guards... also Bryan's) and everyone had a bag to fight. We did five 3-min rounds of straight punching and kicking, ie beating the crap out of the bag. I also spent that time being taught a few kicks since I've never actually kicked anyone, or really anything, before... just ask Jorge how bad I am at soccer and kickball! The 6th round was spent doing 3-min of sit-ups with punches at the top and the 7th round was spent doing push ups. I can't do A SINGLE push up, but I already knew that!
I was covered in sweat from head to toe, I've NEVER had sweat drip off me like that before. I couldn't get a good grip on the floor because my hands were so slippery, so I would try to push myself up and do a face plant on the wood floor. But I kept getting up and trying again, and when my arms gave out, I hit the floor and tried again. I may not have done a single push up, but I'm pretty proud of myself for not ever stopping my effort. I'll let you know when I can do a single push up ha ha it will be a day of victory! I'm sure I will be feeling the pain of tonight's workout tomorrow morning even though I stretched and hydrated. Tomorrow is another work out day... wish me luck. Go me!
Day #14 is, by far, the biggest ass-kicker of all the days. In the morning I did a bunch of cardio, treadmill.. elliptical.. and shadowboxing, all with the knowledge that I would be stepping into the Third Phase Poekoelan class later in the night. When I got into class, I put on the boxing gloves (which are Bryan's) and a pair of kickers (which are sort of like shin guards... also Bryan's) and everyone had a bag to fight. We did five 3-min rounds of straight punching and kicking, ie beating the crap out of the bag. I also spent that time being taught a few kicks since I've never actually kicked anyone, or really anything, before... just ask Jorge how bad I am at soccer and kickball! The 6th round was spent doing 3-min of sit-ups with punches at the top and the 7th round was spent doing push ups. I can't do A SINGLE push up, but I already knew that!
I was covered in sweat from head to toe, I've NEVER had sweat drip off me like that before. I couldn't get a good grip on the floor because my hands were so slippery, so I would try to push myself up and do a face plant on the wood floor. But I kept getting up and trying again, and when my arms gave out, I hit the floor and tried again. I may not have done a single push up, but I'm pretty proud of myself for not ever stopping my effort. I'll let you know when I can do a single push up ha ha it will be a day of victory! I'm sure I will be feeling the pain of tonight's workout tomorrow morning even though I stretched and hydrated. Tomorrow is another work out day... wish me luck. Go me!
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