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.
Showing posts with label motivation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label motivation. Show all posts
Wednesday, 28 April 2010
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.
Thursday, 8 April 2010
Some ups, some downs, and some middlings
Um, right, it's been a few days.
Morning sets have been continuing - there might have been one day off somewhere in the mix I'm not sure.
Levelled up and adjusted them today: the weights have gone up, so from next week (day off tomorrow due to early train) it will be
Bicep curl - 5.5kg
Skull Crucher - 7.5kg
So far - so go me.
As regular readers may remember my goal was 10 full pressups by the end of May - well I did 10 this morning, about six weeks ahead of schedule. This is good. Now by the end of May I would like to be doing 10 comfortably, and we'll see about adding some more. For the next couple of weeks I'm going to stick at 9 full, 6 girly as I won't have the verbal encouragement I had this morning.
The abs regime I have changed, from now on I will do 20 reverse crunches and 20 sit up twists. This works a different range of muscles to the last abs section, and will include work on my obliques, which have not been a part of the morning program until now. I may play with the type of abdominal exercise I do in the future if I get bored, but I think I'll stick with that one for now.
So much for the ups...
The downs...
Running
Completed my 5 x 3and2 today. Well, I completed 7x 3and2. Which is, to be fair a sort of up. However I had a running partner for the first time today. This meant I had, in my mind, someone I had to beat. Given today's partner runs 5miles in half an hour, I was never going to do this, but I set off at too fast a pace anyway, got knackered and burst into tears for being useless.
This was a down.
It was also sunny today - so I could see my shadow, and I didn't like it one little bit. I felt I looked weak and girly rather than strong in the way my running partner looked (yes, I am comparing myself unfavourably to a bloke three times my size).
This was also a down.
At this point I was mostly of the opinion I might as well save everyone the trouble of looking after me come Z-Day and just shoot myself at the first sign of an outbreak.
So positive mental attitude - well it comes and goes. What I don't have is the ability to tell myself I'm doing 'better' a lot of the time, particularly when I'm actually training. Generally I'm a results-orientated person, my worth is measured in how high I turn up on the league table. My 'league-table' at the moment is made up of stronger, fitter, men - which isn't ideal to say the least. Hmmm - expect more ponderings on this in the future.
So - to the middlings
Middlings are sometimes worst of all, not sure why.
I thought I'd do an old core stability workout tonight, that I hadn't done for ages in order to redeem my earlier failings.
It goes a little something like this:
Plank: lie in the press-up position, supporting your body weight on your elbows rather than your arms; Hold for 30s keeping you back straight, your bum down and you stomach tight; Try and increase time with practice.
Calf raises: stand on an elevated surface, such as a box or step; Allow your heels to drop as low as possible with your heels over hanging the step, then stretch up on to your tip toes; Repeat 20 times; Try to avoid using any support.
Power 5 press-ups: lower yourself down to one inch of the deck over a count of 5seconds, hold for a count of 5 seconds, then return to the upright with explosive power; Repeat in sets of 5 (or as many as you can manage high quality reps, at least sets of two) (currently being done against a wall as I can't get explosive power even from a girly press-up yet)
Back arches: lie on your front then arch your back to draw your head up and your heels towards your bum, keeping your legs strait
Power 5 squats: as for power 5 press-ups ensuring that you squat down to the deepest possible range of travel before the hold and again exploding up. Repeat for 20 reps.
Rotator cuff developers; hold yourself in the normal press-up position and allow your body to lower without bending your elbows, then raise your body back up for 1 rep, repeat 20 times.
Sit up twists x 20 (was supposed to be a sideways plank exercise, but my ankles don't support me)
Scap setters: Lie on your front with your hands by your side; Raise them by 10-20 degrease and rotate in small circles, first inwards then outwards for 20 reps each way.
Flutters: lie on your back with your legs out stretched, feet 6” off the ground; Kick up and down as for back stroke kick, for 20 reps, where one rep is both legs up and down.
Twice through tonight. It was mostly alright, most of it has got a bit easier since I last did it. However plank is still a bug-bear - I managed a new personal best of 50 seconds tonight, but progress is very slow - a couple of seconds improvement at best. Am I pushing myself as hard as I can do on this one or am I just loosing interest (I've tried counting, trying loud music with my eyes shut - any other bright ideas gratefully accepted)...Pass...but it ends the day on frankly a bit of a disappointment. Which is generally less than ideal
Morning sets have been continuing - there might have been one day off somewhere in the mix I'm not sure.
Levelled up and adjusted them today: the weights have gone up, so from next week (day off tomorrow due to early train) it will be
Bicep curl - 5.5kg
Skull Crucher - 7.5kg
So far - so go me.
As regular readers may remember my goal was 10 full pressups by the end of May - well I did 10 this morning, about six weeks ahead of schedule. This is good. Now by the end of May I would like to be doing 10 comfortably, and we'll see about adding some more. For the next couple of weeks I'm going to stick at 9 full, 6 girly as I won't have the verbal encouragement I had this morning.
The abs regime I have changed, from now on I will do 20 reverse crunches and 20 sit up twists. This works a different range of muscles to the last abs section, and will include work on my obliques, which have not been a part of the morning program until now. I may play with the type of abdominal exercise I do in the future if I get bored, but I think I'll stick with that one for now.
So much for the ups...
The downs...
Running
Completed my 5 x 3and2 today. Well, I completed 7x 3and2. Which is, to be fair a sort of up. However I had a running partner for the first time today. This meant I had, in my mind, someone I had to beat. Given today's partner runs 5miles in half an hour, I was never going to do this, but I set off at too fast a pace anyway, got knackered and burst into tears for being useless.
This was a down.
It was also sunny today - so I could see my shadow, and I didn't like it one little bit. I felt I looked weak and girly rather than strong in the way my running partner looked (yes, I am comparing myself unfavourably to a bloke three times my size).
This was also a down.
At this point I was mostly of the opinion I might as well save everyone the trouble of looking after me come Z-Day and just shoot myself at the first sign of an outbreak.
So positive mental attitude - well it comes and goes. What I don't have is the ability to tell myself I'm doing 'better' a lot of the time, particularly when I'm actually training. Generally I'm a results-orientated person, my worth is measured in how high I turn up on the league table. My 'league-table' at the moment is made up of stronger, fitter, men - which isn't ideal to say the least. Hmmm - expect more ponderings on this in the future.
So - to the middlings
Middlings are sometimes worst of all, not sure why.
I thought I'd do an old core stability workout tonight, that I hadn't done for ages in order to redeem my earlier failings.
It goes a little something like this:
Plank: lie in the press-up position, supporting your body weight on your elbows rather than your arms; Hold for 30s keeping you back straight, your bum down and you stomach tight; Try and increase time with practice.
Calf raises: stand on an elevated surface, such as a box or step; Allow your heels to drop as low as possible with your heels over hanging the step, then stretch up on to your tip toes; Repeat 20 times; Try to avoid using any support.
Power 5 press-ups: lower yourself down to one inch of the deck over a count of 5seconds, hold for a count of 5 seconds, then return to the upright with explosive power; Repeat in sets of 5 (or as many as you can manage high quality reps, at least sets of two) (currently being done against a wall as I can't get explosive power even from a girly press-up yet)
Back arches: lie on your front then arch your back to draw your head up and your heels towards your bum, keeping your legs strait
Power 5 squats: as for power 5 press-ups ensuring that you squat down to the deepest possible range of travel before the hold and again exploding up. Repeat for 20 reps.
Rotator cuff developers; hold yourself in the normal press-up position and allow your body to lower without bending your elbows, then raise your body back up for 1 rep, repeat 20 times.
Sit up twists x 20 (was supposed to be a sideways plank exercise, but my ankles don't support me)
Scap setters: Lie on your front with your hands by your side; Raise them by 10-20 degrease and rotate in small circles, first inwards then outwards for 20 reps each way.
Flutters: lie on your back with your legs out stretched, feet 6” off the ground; Kick up and down as for back stroke kick, for 20 reps, where one rep is both legs up and down.
Twice through tonight. It was mostly alright, most of it has got a bit easier since I last did it. However plank is still a bug-bear - I managed a new personal best of 50 seconds tonight, but progress is very slow - a couple of seconds improvement at best. Am I pushing myself as hard as I can do on this one or am I just loosing interest (I've tried counting, trying loud music with my eyes shut - any other bright ideas gratefully accepted)...Pass...but it ends the day on frankly a bit of a disappointment. Which is generally less than ideal
Thursday, 1 April 2010
On being an idiot.
Sometimes I decide I'm going to do something, and I do it.
Tonight I decided I was going to go to surf-fitness, and I did, as it happens this involved two sprint cycle rides as I got to the pool to find I'd left my wallet at home. Well I was warmed up by the time I got in the pool anyway!
This is the sort of attitude that will probably have me walking 60 miles in a weekend, keeps me turning up to boxing and has pushed me through various insane endeavors in my life.
Tonight I decided I was going to go to surf-fitness, and I did, as it happens this involved two sprint cycle rides as I got to the pool to find I'd left my wallet at home. Well I was warmed up by the time I got in the pool anyway!
This is the sort of attitude that will probably have me walking 60 miles in a weekend, keeps me turning up to boxing and has pushed me through various insane endeavors in my life.
Saturday, 27 March 2010
Saturday
Morning sets done
proto run 20 mins 2 run, 3 walk - done (that hurt this morning)
Liked the way I looked doing my shadow boxing in front of the mirror this morning :)
proto run 20 mins 2 run, 3 walk - done (that hurt this morning)
Liked the way I looked doing my shadow boxing in front of the mirror this morning :)
Friday, 26 March 2010
Surf-fitness
Attended my surf fitness class - it was hard. I'm still working on getting my confidence up underwater, but that's not really a fitness thing, that's a 'in my head' thing.
I'd like to get my swimming speed up a bit I think - I can't work out how people manange the warm up laps so fast (on thinking I think it's because they don't take a breather).
I did have some thoughts last night about the different trainer styles that suit me. I think my swimming teacher is a bit too chilled - I like a bit more feedback/being pushed but in a constructive way rather than what currently happens which is being asked to do things I don't know how to do (mainly at the moment it's doing forward/backward rolls in water - I simply carry on treading water). I did have a chat with the trainer after class (this was hard as I stopped and he gave an impression of 'what do you want', yes I know I'm the weakest in the class, but I pay for it just like everyone else!), I do sympathise with his attempts to push the more able parts of the class without killing me. My suggestion would be a less team game orientated session, but this would possibly be boring for the younger members of the class. Hmmm.
I'm thinking of trying the weights again this afternoon, depending on how the rest of the day works out (I'm waiting for a postman)
I'd like to get my swimming speed up a bit I think - I can't work out how people manange the warm up laps so fast (on thinking I think it's because they don't take a breather).
I did have some thoughts last night about the different trainer styles that suit me. I think my swimming teacher is a bit too chilled - I like a bit more feedback/being pushed but in a constructive way rather than what currently happens which is being asked to do things I don't know how to do (mainly at the moment it's doing forward/backward rolls in water - I simply carry on treading water). I did have a chat with the trainer after class (this was hard as I stopped and he gave an impression of 'what do you want', yes I know I'm the weakest in the class, but I pay for it just like everyone else!), I do sympathise with his attempts to push the more able parts of the class without killing me. My suggestion would be a less team game orientated session, but this would possibly be boring for the younger members of the class. Hmmm.
I'm thinking of trying the weights again this afternoon, depending on how the rest of the day works out (I'm waiting for a postman)
Thursday, 25 March 2010
Not displeased with that
This morning managed 25 minutes of proto-run - 2mins run, 3 mins walk. It was surprisingly comfortable - not easy, but I felt better than I thought I would, which is good. I like progress.
Morning sets also done - back on the full program today, with some adjustment to the tricep dips which means I can now only do ten, I've improved my technique so I'm working with more of my body weight - so I don't feel this is a complete level down.
I've started watching the training montage from Rocky IV while doing my morning sets - it's working for me at the moment. :)
Morning sets also done - back on the full program today, with some adjustment to the tricep dips which means I can now only do ten, I've improved my technique so I'm working with more of my body weight - so I don't feel this is a complete level down.
I've started watching the training montage from Rocky IV while doing my morning sets - it's working for me at the moment. :)
Saturday, 20 March 2010
ups and downs and new shoes
last proto-run of week 1 (2nd) today - the last day is a 25min brisk walk. I tried out my new shoes - it went well, definitely less shin pain (though at this stage it is difficult to tell whether that is due to the shoes or to my legs getting used to running).
I rearranged the last walk stage so that I ran for the last two minutes - since next week I'm supposed to be running two minutes and walking three so I wanted to have a go to see that I could do it. I can, though it was a little hard towards the end.
Buoyed by this I thought I'd give my new exercises a go with the morning sets - this was not so good - I tried some bicep curls and some tricep lifts (which are apparently also known as skull crushers).
The bicep lifts were tricky - I need to get some better instructions on how to do them, I seemed to spend a lot of it with my wrist just sort of wobbling about.
The tricep lifts were not too bad - I used my 1.25 barbell in two hands, which was probably a little light, I've got a heavier weight though I might use without the bar. I tried the 1.25 in one hand and nearly brained myself.
Feeling a bit down now as I have to go and get more instructions regarding my failure to lift teeny tiny weights - which is embarrassing.
Sad face.
I rearranged the last walk stage so that I ran for the last two minutes - since next week I'm supposed to be running two minutes and walking three so I wanted to have a go to see that I could do it. I can, though it was a little hard towards the end.
Buoyed by this I thought I'd give my new exercises a go with the morning sets - this was not so good - I tried some bicep curls and some tricep lifts (which are apparently also known as skull crushers).
The bicep lifts were tricky - I need to get some better instructions on how to do them, I seemed to spend a lot of it with my wrist just sort of wobbling about.
The tricep lifts were not too bad - I used my 1.25 barbell in two hands, which was probably a little light, I've got a heavier weight though I might use without the bar. I tried the 1.25 in one hand and nearly brained myself.
Feeling a bit down now as I have to go and get more instructions regarding my failure to lift teeny tiny weights - which is embarrassing.
Sad face.
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
Made of win
Ok, maybe not in a big scale sense, but in terms of just little me I was pretty made of win tonight.
It was all about the PMA tonight in boxing, I really want to work hard in the next couple of months (though the club has just broken up for easter) and started as I mean to go on. I felt worked but good at the end of the warm-up (and my buddy was hanging in there too) and really pushed myself for the technique session. I got complaints from my pad partner for being too intense (I was egging myself on quite a lot, I think I had my war face on) but it was good and pushed it really hard (there was grunting :s) during the fitness/strength bit at the end.
But it was worth it to have my coach come up to me and tell me I'd come on loads since I started. That felt so good - I didn't know what to say. Lawrence has supported me so much since I started, especially when I had trouble getting a training partner (being tiny, they were scared of breaking me), the head coach Avoen (pronounced Avon) has also been awesome, picking me up (mentally) and dusting me off when I got floored with a gut punch. I'm properly aching now - but I was good and had my protein shake when I got in, followed by a cup of tea and my housemate has made cawl enough to share - so life is good.
Watched a little more Eddie Izzard running tonight too - and right now feel like I could take on the world.
:D
It was all about the PMA tonight in boxing, I really want to work hard in the next couple of months (though the club has just broken up for easter) and started as I mean to go on. I felt worked but good at the end of the warm-up (and my buddy was hanging in there too) and really pushed myself for the technique session. I got complaints from my pad partner for being too intense (I was egging myself on quite a lot, I think I had my war face on) but it was good and pushed it really hard (there was grunting :s) during the fitness/strength bit at the end.
But it was worth it to have my coach come up to me and tell me I'd come on loads since I started. That felt so good - I didn't know what to say. Lawrence has supported me so much since I started, especially when I had trouble getting a training partner (being tiny, they were scared of breaking me), the head coach Avoen (pronounced Avon) has also been awesome, picking me up (mentally) and dusting me off when I got floored with a gut punch. I'm properly aching now - but I was good and had my protein shake when I got in, followed by a cup of tea and my housemate has made cawl enough to share - so life is good.
Watched a little more Eddie Izzard running tonight too - and right now feel like I could take on the world.
:D
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
If a chubby comedian can do it
Well I've been watching the very inspirational program on Eddie Izzard's run around Britain and thinking that anything must be possible.
Today's 'run' was ok - it hurts my shins a bit, but I think that is just getting used to the impact, I'll keep an eye on it though.
I'm a little nervous about this weekend's surfing
a) I don't know anyone
b) I'm rubbish at surfing - but I have put a lot of time and effort in since september getting my swimming up to scratch so this shouldn't be so much of a problem
c) The forecasts are not good for surf
Oh well - do wish me luck
Today's 'run' was ok - it hurts my shins a bit, but I think that is just getting used to the impact, I'll keep an eye on it though.
I'm a little nervous about this weekend's surfing
a) I don't know anyone
b) I'm rubbish at surfing - but I have put a lot of time and effort in since september getting my swimming up to scratch so this shouldn't be so much of a problem
c) The forecasts are not good for surf
Oh well - do wish me luck
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