Another of my now infrequent posts.
I am still training, and still finding it really hard to combine training and work/commuting. Mainly commuting.
Last Friday saw my return to the ring. Well return to boxing training after the clubs summer holiday. They train on a friday evening at a time suitable for me to attend after work. This is all kinds of awesome. I am now apparently an intermediate boxer! I am mainly still a curiosity to the entire club and the only girl to attend fridays for now two weeks in a row. This is ok though and training makes me happy. I got to spar last week too, which was good, even if I wasn't very.
I am still turning up to jitsu, and still a better boxer than jitsuka (this does not make me a good boxer!). But I am getting over my fear of being thrown, slowly. I went to a Bo seminar last week - which was interesting, though a little more stylised than the stick work I'm used to. It was nice to be good at something in Jitsu for a change.
I also went for a short run today. Shorter than I wanted, but when running I tend to think of it as a success if I get out and run at all, and not worry about the rest. Training alone is hard, so I give myself props for doing it at all.
Saturday, 23 October 2010
Monday, 4 October 2010
Some thoughts on self defence
Off topic slightly with this one - but thought I'd throw some stuff out there.
Went to jitsu on Saturday, some good, some bad - there was a lot of groundfighting on the menu, most of which I can't train due to my knees. Now the class will be doing lots of groundfighting on the grounds that 'most fights end on the ground'.
This is not a public pop at Sensei - but it got me thinking, about paradigms and such...you know the sort of thing that generally fills young ladies heads these days...
I'm not entirely convinced all fights end on the ground, but that's not so much the question I think I wanted to consider. I think it was more are all self defence situations 'fights'? What is a 'fight' - does it encompass an attempted mugging or assault? I'm not sure. And do these situations count for the above statement?
That's all fairly academic stuff in the end - though it does have a bearing on how one trains.
However, my other thoughts - I cannot train in a way that will allow me to be proficient in groundfighting without most likely crippling myself on the way. Does this therefore mean I am to walk the world defenceless?
I don't believe so. I would like to think that it is possible to train other skills that would give me a better chance than I would otherwise have, bearing in mind the most likely self defence scenarios I might have to face. I also don't see that it is either insulting to me or any of the martial arts I train to accept that there may be situations that I might not be able to get myself out of with my skills and try to avoid these where able.
It'll be back to rambling about fitness soon - but if anyone fancies adding some thoughts feel free...
Went to jitsu on Saturday, some good, some bad - there was a lot of groundfighting on the menu, most of which I can't train due to my knees. Now the class will be doing lots of groundfighting on the grounds that 'most fights end on the ground'.
This is not a public pop at Sensei - but it got me thinking, about paradigms and such...you know the sort of thing that generally fills young ladies heads these days...
I'm not entirely convinced all fights end on the ground, but that's not so much the question I think I wanted to consider. I think it was more are all self defence situations 'fights'? What is a 'fight' - does it encompass an attempted mugging or assault? I'm not sure. And do these situations count for the above statement?
That's all fairly academic stuff in the end - though it does have a bearing on how one trains.
However, my other thoughts - I cannot train in a way that will allow me to be proficient in groundfighting without most likely crippling myself on the way. Does this therefore mean I am to walk the world defenceless?
I don't believe so. I would like to think that it is possible to train other skills that would give me a better chance than I would otherwise have, bearing in mind the most likely self defence scenarios I might have to face. I also don't see that it is either insulting to me or any of the martial arts I train to accept that there may be situations that I might not be able to get myself out of with my skills and try to avoid these where able.
It'll be back to rambling about fitness soon - but if anyone fancies adding some thoughts feel free...
Saturday, 2 October 2010
Back on the mat and other stories
So - not been blogging for a while, though have been meaning to.
So - what am I up to.
Still running, when I get a chance - am up to 2.5 miles now (with a hill!), which takes me 25-30 minutes at present.
Am vaguely attempting the 200 sit up challenge and 200 squat challenge - but I will admit I'm not putting that much focus into it.
Boxing starts back on the 11th - woot!
And, more interestingly - I went back to Jitsu last week. A different club, due to working in Cardiff not Swansea, and enjoyed it lots. It's going to take me a while to get my confidence up (I would say 'back up' but that involves having had confidence in the first place!), but the hardest bit is done with.
I'm considering heading over to Cardiff for training today.
That involves getting out of bed at some point.
Hmmmm...
So - what am I up to.
Still running, when I get a chance - am up to 2.5 miles now (with a hill!), which takes me 25-30 minutes at present.
Am vaguely attempting the 200 sit up challenge and 200 squat challenge - but I will admit I'm not putting that much focus into it.
Boxing starts back on the 11th - woot!
And, more interestingly - I went back to Jitsu last week. A different club, due to working in Cardiff not Swansea, and enjoyed it lots. It's going to take me a while to get my confidence up (I would say 'back up' but that involves having had confidence in the first place!), but the hardest bit is done with.
I'm considering heading over to Cardiff for training today.
That involves getting out of bed at some point.
Hmmmm...
Wednesday, 8 September 2010
Snowdonia...twinned with Mordor
Well, thought I should write up Sunday's adventure up some mountains, for charity.
The plan was to climb four of Snowdonia's peaks in a day. We managed two, the weather turned on us while at the top of Pen yr Ole Wen, and we had to cut the climb short for safety reasons.
For those who are unfamiliar with Snowdonia, Pen Yr Ole Wen is deemed to be the hardest climb in the range and looks like this:
It is the seventh highest peak in Snowdonia, and is 3,209 ft high.
We also managed Carnedd Dafydd, which looks like this:
Except with less snow, and more fog, and by this time a generally worried looking boyfriend.
Ok - so them's the facts.
How was it - it was hard, it was probably the hardest thing I have ever done.
For those who are not aware - I am scared of heights, yes this makes climbing mountains a daft thing to do.
At about 2,500 ft I was probably the most scared I have ever been, as we had got into scrambling territory. I have frozen on heights before, but never managed to get as far as 'flight' response. Somehow I had managed to get head round the idea it would stop feeling so high when I got to the top and just kept going. It is weird now sitting in my room to get my head around how scared I truly was.
The spider in the bathroom this morning never stood a chance...
Then things turned bad, we were up a mountain, in the rain and fog with visibility under 10 ft (yes it had been sunny 15 minutes previously - welcome to Snowdonia, again for the benefit of those unfamiliar with my green and pleasant land, these mountains kill people, not because the conditions get as bad as other places, but they change and change fast). It was windy enough that Steve was walking with me holding onto me so he could act as an anchor and a windbreak.
And it was silent, when the wind dropped on occasions there was no sound just fog, and then some sheep to break the silence. It was incredibly eerie.
Finally we made it back down through the cloud into some good old fashioned drizzle. By this stage we were down back to heather and grass so life was generally easier. After making it about 2/3 of the way down Steve suggested going ahead to get the car, which was about a mile from where we were going to meet the road at this stage. My knees were becoming a problem so I was making slow progress and saving me a mile's walk was a good plan.
I have never spent much time in the wilderness, much less alone in it.
Ok I wasn't in the middle of the Australian outback or anything, there was someone coming for me. But for about an hour it was just me and my gammy legs, getting me off the mountain (Steve heard at the mountain centre while getting the car that while we had been climbing, mountain rescue had been called out for two other parties).
It was scary, and it was miserable, at one point I fell (albeit gently as I had seen it coming) and just sat there for a minute. I think that was the closest I have ever come to a 'Fightclub' type experience, whatever I had achieved or gained up in terms of society was pretty pointless. I could get up and walk, or I could sit with my foot in a stream till I got carried off.
This probably doesn't sound like much to a lot of people, and all I can really say that it was to me. And although large chunks of it weren't fun, I'm glad I did it.. I learned quite a lot about myself, about my boyfriend (he's a good egg) and maybe a bit about the mountains.
Sometime (Crown allowing) in the spring we hope to complete the climb, which will include Snowdon itself (which has a nice tarmac path up it). I hope that those who've sponsored me don't feel too let down, and that maybe the above might encourage others to perhaps spare a little for Asylum Justice.
The plan was to climb four of Snowdonia's peaks in a day. We managed two, the weather turned on us while at the top of Pen yr Ole Wen, and we had to cut the climb short for safety reasons.
For those who are unfamiliar with Snowdonia, Pen Yr Ole Wen is deemed to be the hardest climb in the range and looks like this:
We also managed Carnedd Dafydd, which looks like this:
Except with less snow, and more fog, and by this time a generally worried looking boyfriend.
Ok - so them's the facts.
How was it - it was hard, it was probably the hardest thing I have ever done.
For those who are not aware - I am scared of heights, yes this makes climbing mountains a daft thing to do.
At about 2,500 ft I was probably the most scared I have ever been, as we had got into scrambling territory. I have frozen on heights before, but never managed to get as far as 'flight' response. Somehow I had managed to get head round the idea it would stop feeling so high when I got to the top and just kept going. It is weird now sitting in my room to get my head around how scared I truly was.
The spider in the bathroom this morning never stood a chance...
Then things turned bad, we were up a mountain, in the rain and fog with visibility under 10 ft (yes it had been sunny 15 minutes previously - welcome to Snowdonia, again for the benefit of those unfamiliar with my green and pleasant land, these mountains kill people, not because the conditions get as bad as other places, but they change and change fast). It was windy enough that Steve was walking with me holding onto me so he could act as an anchor and a windbreak.
And it was silent, when the wind dropped on occasions there was no sound just fog, and then some sheep to break the silence. It was incredibly eerie.
Finally we made it back down through the cloud into some good old fashioned drizzle. By this stage we were down back to heather and grass so life was generally easier. After making it about 2/3 of the way down Steve suggested going ahead to get the car, which was about a mile from where we were going to meet the road at this stage. My knees were becoming a problem so I was making slow progress and saving me a mile's walk was a good plan.
I have never spent much time in the wilderness, much less alone in it.
Ok I wasn't in the middle of the Australian outback or anything, there was someone coming for me. But for about an hour it was just me and my gammy legs, getting me off the mountain (Steve heard at the mountain centre while getting the car that while we had been climbing, mountain rescue had been called out for two other parties).
It was scary, and it was miserable, at one point I fell (albeit gently as I had seen it coming) and just sat there for a minute. I think that was the closest I have ever come to a 'Fightclub' type experience, whatever I had achieved or gained up in terms of society was pretty pointless. I could get up and walk, or I could sit with my foot in a stream till I got carried off.
This probably doesn't sound like much to a lot of people, and all I can really say that it was to me. And although large chunks of it weren't fun, I'm glad I did it.. I learned quite a lot about myself, about my boyfriend (he's a good egg) and maybe a bit about the mountains.
Sometime (Crown allowing) in the spring we hope to complete the climb, which will include Snowdon itself (which has a nice tarmac path up it). I hope that those who've sponsored me don't feel too let down, and that maybe the above might encourage others to perhaps spare a little for Asylum Justice.
Tuesday, 17 August 2010
It takes a year to make a fighter
Well that's what Clint Eastwood says in Million Dollar baby.
So a year on from a not brilliant performance at Fightcamp and, well, I'm not quite up to spec yet, but the improvement is there.
I won a beer...for circuit training!!!!
Seriously though, I felt more together, stronger and more agile than last year - there were a number of moments of...yeah, I remember being able to do this sword stuff. Which means more than, well frankly most things. I was punched, kicked, and thrown and faced it with more confidence in my own body than I think I ever have.
So now I'm fired up and ready to train again...still struggling to fit training in with work, but hope to start Jitsu training in Cardiff next month (post-payday!) and am working on ways of fitting fitness into my day.
I don't really know how many people read this blog, but to all who have helped me along over the past year - thank you so much. There are some regular readers who have been a real help when things haven't gone so well.
Onwards chaps!
So a year on from a not brilliant performance at Fightcamp and, well, I'm not quite up to spec yet, but the improvement is there.
I won a beer...for circuit training!!!!
Seriously though, I felt more together, stronger and more agile than last year - there were a number of moments of...yeah, I remember being able to do this sword stuff. Which means more than, well frankly most things. I was punched, kicked, and thrown and faced it with more confidence in my own body than I think I ever have.
So now I'm fired up and ready to train again...still struggling to fit training in with work, but hope to start Jitsu training in Cardiff next month (post-payday!) and am working on ways of fitting fitness into my day.
I don't really know how many people read this blog, but to all who have helped me along over the past year - thank you so much. There are some regular readers who have been a real help when things haven't gone so well.
Onwards chaps!
Monday, 2 August 2010
So how's training going generally?
Well - when I'm not agreeing to do stupid things like four peaks in a day...quite well I'd say.
Have managed to stay injury free (touch wood) for a little while now and am up to running about 1.5 miles in the mornings (yes, this means getting up at 0515, but am getting the hang of that now), before doing my morning sets. Yesterday (sunday) I ran my first 'mile in one go' as I usually go somewhere, then stop and have a stretch and then run back. So having managed one mile without stopping I'm now adding little bits to my there and back again run until it's two miles in the morning - at that point I might have to start running in the evenings as that's as early as I'm getting up!
The sets are going well - I've added in some kicks to boost the cardio aspect and have levelled up on my weights - now curling 5kg on the bicep (no change) and 11kg on the tricep (change). This feels good, and means I don't have to swap the weights around which saves me some time in the mornings too.
Even managed to get some pad work in on Sunday - which was nice :)
Have managed to stay injury free (touch wood) for a little while now and am up to running about 1.5 miles in the mornings (yes, this means getting up at 0515, but am getting the hang of that now), before doing my morning sets. Yesterday (sunday) I ran my first 'mile in one go' as I usually go somewhere, then stop and have a stretch and then run back. So having managed one mile without stopping I'm now adding little bits to my there and back again run until it's two miles in the morning - at that point I might have to start running in the evenings as that's as early as I'm getting up!
The sets are going well - I've added in some kicks to boost the cardio aspect and have levelled up on my weights - now curling 5kg on the bicep (no change) and 11kg on the tricep (change). This feels good, and means I don't have to swap the weights around which saves me some time in the mornings too.
Even managed to get some pad work in on Sunday - which was nice :)
Sunday, 1 August 2010
Something else to train for
The welshgirl is finally walking!
In a month Steve and I will be climbing Snowdon, I will be doing it to raise money for Asylum Justice (he is doing it to make sure I don't get lost and make it back in one piece!)
Asylum Justice is a charity which gives free legal advice to asylum seekers in Swansea, Newport and Cardiff, all of which are dispersal towns and so have a lot of asylum seekers, many of which cannot get legal aid to pay for representation.
Donations can be made here:
http://www.justgiving.com/legallyshortgoesforawalk
In a month Steve and I will be climbing Snowdon, I will be doing it to raise money for Asylum Justice (he is doing it to make sure I don't get lost and make it back in one piece!)
Asylum Justice is a charity which gives free legal advice to asylum seekers in Swansea, Newport and Cardiff, all of which are dispersal towns and so have a lot of asylum seekers, many of which cannot get legal aid to pay for representation.
Donations can be made here:
http://www.justgiving.com/legallyshortgoesforawalk
Tuesday, 20 July 2010
Early morning training club
Well here I am, still struggling to get back to where I was.
It's turned out spending 3 hours getting to work and back has played havoc with my training - I find it really difficult to get in at 7, or usually later, and then get my arse into gear.
Therefore I'm back on morning sets, which means being up and at em by 0530. So far so good - two mornings in and feeling ok. Better since I've discovered chilli popcorn as a way of getting myself through the 1500 sleepiness.
The runs are lurking at about 2k - didn't manage it all this morning - but am working on attitude right now, so am not going to hammer myself over it and will have another go tomorrow.
Push-up numbers have dropped too, but that's nothing huge to worry about.
It's turned out spending 3 hours getting to work and back has played havoc with my training - I find it really difficult to get in at 7, or usually later, and then get my arse into gear.
Therefore I'm back on morning sets, which means being up and at em by 0530. So far so good - two mornings in and feeling ok. Better since I've discovered chilli popcorn as a way of getting myself through the 1500 sleepiness.
The runs are lurking at about 2k - didn't manage it all this morning - but am working on attitude right now, so am not going to hammer myself over it and will have another go tomorrow.
Push-up numbers have dropped too, but that's nothing huge to worry about.
Monday, 28 June 2010
Hardly a 4 minute mile
More like a 17 minute mile (or 2k in about 20 mins). But I'm not disheartened - I now have a distance and a time to play with (at the last run I only had a distance).
After that I completed what would have been my morning sets, but since I am now getting up at 0530 to get to work, the morning sets are going to have to move.
Feeling fairly good this evening actually - like there's been progress. Given my injury record of late a 2k run (even if it was slow) is something I'm pleased with. Am playing with the intensity of the run - am going to try a slightly lower intensity over greater distance, then work on the speed, I feel this might be a) better psychologically and b) a bit easier on my joints.
Though on another positive note, I think the current fitness regime (which started a few months before this blog) is currently the longest solo fitness attempt I've made. There have been breaks, but I've kept coming back. Which shows promise.
I think I deserve some dinner now.
After that I completed what would have been my morning sets, but since I am now getting up at 0530 to get to work, the morning sets are going to have to move.
Feeling fairly good this evening actually - like there's been progress. Given my injury record of late a 2k run (even if it was slow) is something I'm pleased with. Am playing with the intensity of the run - am going to try a slightly lower intensity over greater distance, then work on the speed, I feel this might be a) better psychologically and b) a bit easier on my joints.
Though on another positive note, I think the current fitness regime (which started a few months before this blog) is currently the longest solo fitness attempt I've made. There have been breaks, but I've kept coming back. Which shows promise.
I think I deserve some dinner now.
Wednesday, 23 June 2010
Mostly positive
Went for a run today, gave up at 1k as knee hurting - oh well, it gives me somewhere to start from I suppose.
Also did morning sets (bar the form which I shall do shortly) am pleased to report am lifting my pre-injury weights (5 on the biceps, 8 on the triceps), though the press-ups have taken a knock back (5 real 10 girly at present - will level up next week though)
That's not bad
Also did morning sets (bar the form which I shall do shortly) am pleased to report am lifting my pre-injury weights (5 on the biceps, 8 on the triceps), though the press-ups have taken a knock back (5 real 10 girly at present - will level up next week though)
That's not bad
Monday, 21 June 2010
Back in the water
As a break from revision, I have been out bodyboarding twice in the last week, and I have to say, yesterday's session was awesome! We went down Rhossili and it was three foot and clean which was brilliant. It was the first time I have really felt entirely confident to just play about which was good as it meant that steve could have fun surfing while I pretended to be superman on the bodyboard (apparently it just looks a bit special but I was having fun).
Seems that all those hours in the pool in the winter have finally paid off!
Seems that all those hours in the pool in the winter have finally paid off!
Friday, 18 June 2010
Starting again
Well,
Here we are again - the knee is healing surprisingly well I have to say - nowhere near as bad as previous incidents. This is good, though I am trying not to get to cocky with it as knees are tricksy buggers.
Am currently doing physio exercises morning and night and a few bits and pieces in the morning to try not to atrophy completely, will add a couple more 'bits and pieces' next week to see how it goes, and will go back to surf fitness next week too in an attempt to start re-building my cardio.
May as well start somewhere.
Here we are again - the knee is healing surprisingly well I have to say - nowhere near as bad as previous incidents. This is good, though I am trying not to get to cocky with it as knees are tricksy buggers.
Am currently doing physio exercises morning and night and a few bits and pieces in the morning to try not to atrophy completely, will add a couple more 'bits and pieces' next week to see how it goes, and will go back to surf fitness next week too in an attempt to start re-building my cardio.
May as well start somewhere.
Friday, 11 June 2010
Sitrep
After two days - knee is feeling lots better - heavy strapping and ibuprofen gel seems to be doing the trick
Derren Brown felt the need to tweet that relaxed people heal better - I wasn't amused.
Derren Brown felt the need to tweet that relaxed people heal better - I wasn't amused.
Thursday, 10 June 2010
Broken
Well the ankle injury healed, and I was just getting back into my training. It was all going well, then I put my knee out.
Not good.
What caused it was an intensive session of breakfalling, which I am basically rubbish at. Two hours later I've put my (good) knee out.
Not only can I still not breakfall, but I am off training for a good bit, and apparently the smart money says I won't be back. Apparently it is not common for people to go back after crawling off the mat a blubbering mess.
I'm so angry with my leg, with myself, and a bit with the guy who was teaching me for pushing me till I broke. (I tend to collapse onto my leading leg, landing on my knee, after doing this for two hours, its not surprising it went)
I'm angry with myself as this wouldn't have happened if I wasn't scared of breakfalling, which is why I was having a two hour session. I could do it on a big fluffy crash mat, but then lost all confidence on the proper mats and started collapsing again. Yes I knew the problem was in my head, but that didn't help me fix it. Having spent a great deal of my early years being told not to do things that would lead to me falling over and hurting myself has not helped.
And now I'm here, in my room, strapped and limping again. Wondering if that's the end of jitsu for me.
Right now I think there's a chance I might.
I limped off from my first western martial arts competition in tears (ok it took my a few years ) but I went back
I crawled out of my first boxing session in tears - but I went back
Now - the times of jitsu training make it incompatible with having a job, which is a bit shit, so there was a chance I was always going to have to finish come July.
We shall see - though any encouragement that could be sent right now would be welcome.
Not good.
What caused it was an intensive session of breakfalling, which I am basically rubbish at. Two hours later I've put my (good) knee out.
Not only can I still not breakfall, but I am off training for a good bit, and apparently the smart money says I won't be back. Apparently it is not common for people to go back after crawling off the mat a blubbering mess.
I'm so angry with my leg, with myself, and a bit with the guy who was teaching me for pushing me till I broke. (I tend to collapse onto my leading leg, landing on my knee, after doing this for two hours, its not surprising it went)
I'm angry with myself as this wouldn't have happened if I wasn't scared of breakfalling, which is why I was having a two hour session. I could do it on a big fluffy crash mat, but then lost all confidence on the proper mats and started collapsing again. Yes I knew the problem was in my head, but that didn't help me fix it. Having spent a great deal of my early years being told not to do things that would lead to me falling over and hurting myself has not helped.
And now I'm here, in my room, strapped and limping again. Wondering if that's the end of jitsu for me.
Right now I think there's a chance I might.
I limped off from my first western martial arts competition in tears (ok it took my a few years ) but I went back
I crawled out of my first boxing session in tears - but I went back
Now - the times of jitsu training make it incompatible with having a job, which is a bit shit, so there was a chance I was always going to have to finish come July.
We shall see - though any encouragement that could be sent right now would be welcome.
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
Monday, 3 May 2010
Resting
Am on rest at the moment - due to this ankle still giving me trouble. It may have been over ambitious last week to go to surf-fitness the night after jitsu, but you have to try these things. So I've been sitting working with my feet up, and more of the same today - while applying anti-inflammatories. It seems to be working, there is less swelling today than there was at the weekend.
As part of the rest have been on truncated morning sets - push ups, the new tricep push up I'm doing, abs and straight squats - so no turning or twisting, or putting weight on one leg more than the other.
Hope it works
As part of the rest have been on truncated morning sets - push ups, the new tricep push up I'm doing, abs and straight squats - so no turning or twisting, or putting weight on one leg more than the other.
Hope it works
Wednesday, 28 April 2010
Back to the blogging
Sorry - not been keeping up with the diary for a bit - it's all been a bit hectic.
Where are we.
Right - today saw a return to the full morning set routine, been off it a bit lately, partly due to an attack of life and partly due to nursing an ankle strain - but completed it all today - which was good. There was also progress on the bicep curls - it's been a struggle to get back to lifting what I was before the break.
What else have I been doing since the last post?
There has been one run - but I pulled up at 2k due to the ankle and walked home - have been experimenting with different measurement techniques as whilst the program I was following was good for getting me going, concentrating to much on running a certain length of time was starting to be non-productive. So currently I run distances (to the first crossing, walk the short bit of pavement, then to the second crossing - this works out 2-3 mins each), then running to songs/distance/till I get fed up. Songs work well - as noted in my previous post, will see how training goes tonight and maybe try a run on friday.
Training tonight - that would be jitsu as boxing is not running due to Varsity (the annual swansea/cardiff showdown in everything...except the sports I actually do). It's my first time at jitsu without the other half, so am a little nervous but fairly confident I'll be ok. I have now done breakfalls in all four directions without actually destroying myself, which is a good start. I'm missing boxing a lot though and can't wait for next wednesday (I've been away at weekends and therefore unable to go on saturdays :( )
In addition to the above there was also a martial arts day on Sunday - Evolution, 500 years of hand to hand combat, hosted by the English Martial Arts Academy. First let me give my thanks to all the tutors - Neil in Fiore (and for the best description of Fiore I have ever heard), Milo in Pugilism and James in Commando Mentalism. All three workshops were very good - a chance to learn some new skills, and practice ones I already have picked up. I was the only female training at the start of the day, joined by one more a little later; but I don't think I let the side down too much.
So - all in all things are going fairly well - I think.
Where are we.
Right - today saw a return to the full morning set routine, been off it a bit lately, partly due to an attack of life and partly due to nursing an ankle strain - but completed it all today - which was good. There was also progress on the bicep curls - it's been a struggle to get back to lifting what I was before the break.
What else have I been doing since the last post?
There has been one run - but I pulled up at 2k due to the ankle and walked home - have been experimenting with different measurement techniques as whilst the program I was following was good for getting me going, concentrating to much on running a certain length of time was starting to be non-productive. So currently I run distances (to the first crossing, walk the short bit of pavement, then to the second crossing - this works out 2-3 mins each), then running to songs/distance/till I get fed up. Songs work well - as noted in my previous post, will see how training goes tonight and maybe try a run on friday.
Training tonight - that would be jitsu as boxing is not running due to Varsity (the annual swansea/cardiff showdown in everything...except the sports I actually do). It's my first time at jitsu without the other half, so am a little nervous but fairly confident I'll be ok. I have now done breakfalls in all four directions without actually destroying myself, which is a good start. I'm missing boxing a lot though and can't wait for next wednesday (I've been away at weekends and therefore unable to go on saturdays :( )
In addition to the above there was also a martial arts day on Sunday - Evolution, 500 years of hand to hand combat, hosted by the English Martial Arts Academy. First let me give my thanks to all the tutors - Neil in Fiore (and for the best description of Fiore I have ever heard), Milo in Pugilism and James in Commando Mentalism. All three workshops were very good - a chance to learn some new skills, and practice ones I already have picked up. I was the only female training at the start of the day, joined by one more a little later; but I don't think I let the side down too much.
So - all in all things are going fairly well - I think.
Monday, 19 April 2010
Off for a run again today!
Decided to have a go at a run today - been a bit on the poorly side so had left it for a while. Today was about confidence and morale.
I didn't do too badly - I started off doing a bit of 2mins run, 2 mins walk for a couple of sets, then decided to run for the length of 'Mr Blue Sky' as it is a song that I like. I managed this - a personal best time of 4mins 50 secs. I then did a couple more sets of walk and run, though based on distance rather than time. Overall, according to my phone pedometer I covered just under 4k, which is double my usual distance, in a little less than double the time (about 40 mins). After some careful consideration I decided I could be happy with that.
Morning sets also started again today - I found that 5.5 kg was too much for me, so the bicep curls were down to 5. This was disappointing. However, due to me not being able to count I am now doing 8kg on the skullcrushers, so it's not all bad.
All the rest were completed as previously.
I didn't do too badly - I started off doing a bit of 2mins run, 2 mins walk for a couple of sets, then decided to run for the length of 'Mr Blue Sky' as it is a song that I like. I managed this - a personal best time of 4mins 50 secs. I then did a couple more sets of walk and run, though based on distance rather than time. Overall, according to my phone pedometer I covered just under 4k, which is double my usual distance, in a little less than double the time (about 40 mins). After some careful consideration I decided I could be happy with that.
Morning sets also started again today - I found that 5.5 kg was too much for me, so the bicep curls were down to 5. This was disappointing. However, due to me not being able to count I am now doing 8kg on the skullcrushers, so it's not all bad.
All the rest were completed as previously.
Saturday, 17 April 2010
Not much training and some over-educated nutters
Well, not blogged much for a while. The training has for various reasons died a bit, but will be back on track one my normal life routine is re-established (and there is the crap of only one person in my room again so that I have some room to train!). However I have not been utterly idle.
There has been one run - not entirely successful - my mindset has gone a bit on that one, but I think this can be sorted. I have been grossly underestimating the amount of time it takes to get fit, and therefore being disappointed at my lack of progress. But this can be dealt with.
There was a surf fitness class - and for the first time I was complimented on my progress by the coach (who mainly ignores me). This felt good. My progress in the pool has been dramatic - in September I couldn't really swim properly, now I'm in the surfing fitness classes working on my survival techniques. I had a go at a forward roll underwater for the first time - didn't really work, but that's ok, I try to give something I can't do a go most weeks in the class so I can start learning how to do them.
Last night there was Jitsu. Those who know me will remember that I met up with the University Jitsu club a few months back, watched a lesson and decided I probably wouldn't survive, which was sad as they seemed a nice bunch of people and a generally sound martial art (all my grappling is abominable). However, a few months of fairly dedicated training and I am no longer feeling like I was put together by Mcgyver on a bad day so, with my other half in town, I thought I'd join him at class. I was really very nervous, I've not tried breakfalling for about 14 years and I was pretty bad at it then. However, they teach it in a different way to the last people I trained with, so I was pleased with the results, not as disastrous as I thought. It was also a good workout.
I'm not giving up boxing - I enjoy it, but I think the two are complimentary, so am thinking I will go back next Friday - at least give it a couple of goes. They are a nice bunch of people to - the sort of over-educated nutters I have been missing a bit.
There has been one run - not entirely successful - my mindset has gone a bit on that one, but I think this can be sorted. I have been grossly underestimating the amount of time it takes to get fit, and therefore being disappointed at my lack of progress. But this can be dealt with.
There was a surf fitness class - and for the first time I was complimented on my progress by the coach (who mainly ignores me). This felt good. My progress in the pool has been dramatic - in September I couldn't really swim properly, now I'm in the surfing fitness classes working on my survival techniques. I had a go at a forward roll underwater for the first time - didn't really work, but that's ok, I try to give something I can't do a go most weeks in the class so I can start learning how to do them.
Last night there was Jitsu. Those who know me will remember that I met up with the University Jitsu club a few months back, watched a lesson and decided I probably wouldn't survive, which was sad as they seemed a nice bunch of people and a generally sound martial art (all my grappling is abominable). However, a few months of fairly dedicated training and I am no longer feeling like I was put together by Mcgyver on a bad day so, with my other half in town, I thought I'd join him at class. I was really very nervous, I've not tried breakfalling for about 14 years and I was pretty bad at it then. However, they teach it in a different way to the last people I trained with, so I was pleased with the results, not as disastrous as I thought. It was also a good workout.
I'm not giving up boxing - I enjoy it, but I think the two are complimentary, so am thinking I will go back next Friday - at least give it a couple of goes. They are a nice bunch of people to - the sort of over-educated nutters I have been missing a bit.
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