So today was pretty shit for me, stress, grumpy and feeling a little exposed in my work life left me feeling average tonight.
Walking down to Momentum I just didn't want to bother, a very big part of me kept saying "Just blow it off, go home and have a scotch" but I kept walking, kept trying to get motivated.
I got to the gym still in a pretty bad mood and still not really feeling it, but thought I'm here now - so lets do this.
Jumped into kick boxing with Elle and instantly it lifted my mood, granted I didn't push hard in that session, but I could feel my mood change for the better.
Before starting fight training I let Val know that I was feeling pretty shit still, not motivated and struggling with the decision to be there today, but not to let me slack - if he sees me holding back and not working hard to give me a kick in the arse.
Two of the team members tonight where really encouraging, one saying how it's nights when you feel like shit and don't want to train - those are the nights you need it.
Another just being his usual encouraging self, the whole team is fantastic and I can't wait to be in their corner when they fight and have them in mine.
Anyway - off topic a little.
The chat with Val, it worked.
I don't think I needed the extra push - I found it in me to just work hard and not let the other shit into my head.
By the end of fight training - which was drills and body sparring I felt good.
My stress, my worries and the BS from the day - I hadn't even considered it for the last hour and 45.
Just what the doctor ordered.
So I'll keep that in mind for next time I feel like shit, don't want to train.
I'm going to go, work hard, get a sweat up and forget my troubles.
Feels good, but damn I stink.
Time for a shower.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Saturday conditioning
This morning session with Fight Team was pretty good, conditioning and body work.
Something I need more practice on - not necessarily the striking side of things, but taking punches to the body.
It's something that should be conditioned so the punches / kicks can be shrugged off.
It was a pretty good session, not completely intense - but it's sometimes nice to have a more relaxed session.
The bag work was good, mostly thai boxing on the bag and movement, some bag push - then body sparring.
Was a bloody good session all in all.
Side note: took a weight reading today and I have hit 79kg so that's a plus and lets me know that the IF and workout routine is getting me there.
I'd like to do it quicker - but by the same token I want it to stay off.
I still feel 'tubby' though - since I have a gut and moobs still.
I had hoped by the time I cracked 80kg they would be gone, but looks like those two things are going to stay with me a while longer.
That said both are significantly reduced from where I started at 95kg oh so long ago.
I'm more than happy with my progress for the moment.
Something I need more practice on - not necessarily the striking side of things, but taking punches to the body.
It's something that should be conditioned so the punches / kicks can be shrugged off.
It was a pretty good session, not completely intense - but it's sometimes nice to have a more relaxed session.
The bag work was good, mostly thai boxing on the bag and movement, some bag push - then body sparring.
Was a bloody good session all in all.
Side note: took a weight reading today and I have hit 79kg so that's a plus and lets me know that the IF and workout routine is getting me there.
I'd like to do it quicker - but by the same token I want it to stay off.
I still feel 'tubby' though - since I have a gut and moobs still.
I had hoped by the time I cracked 80kg they would be gone, but looks like those two things are going to stay with me a while longer.
That said both are significantly reduced from where I started at 95kg oh so long ago.
I'm more than happy with my progress for the moment.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
The I.F strategy
So I've been experimenting with intermittent fasting for the last month.
Initially I was a little hesitant because of all the 'chatter' about eat six small meals a day, higher food frequency restricts hunger and keeps you burning fat all day.
It has been working surprisingly well, I am quite happy doing 20 hour fasts and have found no discomfort or downsides at this stage.
I have tweaked the process a little - since I fast on martial art training days, I break my fast with cashews / craisins (Dried cranberries) about 30 minutes prior to training.
My body weight is staying reasonably stable at the 80kg mark but my body fat is dropping away significantly as is the size of my waist.
I have dropped down to a size 36 pants and even they are lose on me.
I can fit comfortably into size 34 pants, but find the few pairs I have tried the cut isn't fantastic.
As far as my nutrition goes here is a sample no fasting day:
(One note: I don't always have breakfast - most days I skip this as well)
1 x glass orange juice
Breakfast: 2 x pieces of fruit toast with butter
1 x coffee (1 sugar, but I am cutting the sugar out) with skim milk
Lunch: grilled chicken + green veg salad
Snack: Cashews and Craisins
Water intake: approx 1.5l a day
Dinner: Chicken chevapachichi, steamed veg (usually beans, brocolli, carrot)
Desert: Small container of peaches in natural juice (Occasional - I rarely have desert)
On a fasting day:
Last meal will be dinner the night before:
AM 1 x coffee with skim milk
Breakfast:
Lunch:
Snack - Pre training: Cashews and Craisins
Dinner: Corned silverside, steamed potatoes, corn, peas, carrots, white sauce
As you can see I am eating very clean and lean atm - there is still a reasonable amount of carb and fats in what I am eating - but I am trying to minimise this as much as possible.
Currently my IF is more of an alternate day fast since I fast Monday and Wednesday, but I will look at making it a little more random - eg I will decide the night before if the next day will be a fast day.
Hoping that this strategy can help me reach the 70kg goal.
Initially I was a little hesitant because of all the 'chatter' about eat six small meals a day, higher food frequency restricts hunger and keeps you burning fat all day.
It has been working surprisingly well, I am quite happy doing 20 hour fasts and have found no discomfort or downsides at this stage.
I have tweaked the process a little - since I fast on martial art training days, I break my fast with cashews / craisins (Dried cranberries) about 30 minutes prior to training.
My body weight is staying reasonably stable at the 80kg mark but my body fat is dropping away significantly as is the size of my waist.
I have dropped down to a size 36 pants and even they are lose on me.
I can fit comfortably into size 34 pants, but find the few pairs I have tried the cut isn't fantastic.
As far as my nutrition goes here is a sample no fasting day:
(One note: I don't always have breakfast - most days I skip this as well)
1 x glass orange juice
Breakfast: 2 x pieces of fruit toast with butter
1 x coffee (1 sugar, but I am cutting the sugar out) with skim milk
Lunch: grilled chicken + green veg salad
Snack: Cashews and Craisins
Water intake: approx 1.5l a day
Dinner: Chicken chevapachichi, steamed veg (usually beans, brocolli, carrot)
Desert: Small container of peaches in natural juice (Occasional - I rarely have desert)
On a fasting day:
Last meal will be dinner the night before:
AM 1 x coffee with skim milk
Breakfast:
Lunch:
Snack - Pre training: Cashews and Craisins
Dinner: Corned silverside, steamed potatoes, corn, peas, carrots, white sauce
As you can see I am eating very clean and lean atm - there is still a reasonable amount of carb and fats in what I am eating - but I am trying to minimise this as much as possible.
Currently my IF is more of an alternate day fast since I fast Monday and Wednesday, but I will look at making it a little more random - eg I will decide the night before if the next day will be a fast day.
Hoping that this strategy can help me reach the 70kg goal.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Wipe the sweat from your eye.....
Tonights session at Momentum Technique was awesome - the first session was conditioning / cardio.
Really Really good session: bagwork, situps, push the bag, bagwork, situps, ..... then a 'race'
10 items (weights and tennis balls), 2 x teams, 1 person per team moving 1 item at a time... other person doing start jumps.
Was fantastic - losing team got kicks or pushups - then again.
Sparring was freaking great, drills, sparring, drills, sparring.
Loved every damn moment of tonight - 100% cannot say how fantastic it was.
Side note: I really need to work on my aggression - one of the other team members commented that I'm running at 10% and not trying to hit them... looks like I gotta step it up and push aggression some more.
Always something to work on :)
On a different note the IF is working, I feel good doing it and the hunger doesn't bother me at all.
I actually look forward to fasted days and training.
Whoot feel like I'm making some epic progress.
Hurray!
Really Really good session: bagwork, situps, push the bag, bagwork, situps, ..... then a 'race'
10 items (weights and tennis balls), 2 x teams, 1 person per team moving 1 item at a time... other person doing start jumps.
Was fantastic - losing team got kicks or pushups - then again.
Sparring was freaking great, drills, sparring, drills, sparring.
Loved every damn moment of tonight - 100% cannot say how fantastic it was.
Side note: I really need to work on my aggression - one of the other team members commented that I'm running at 10% and not trying to hit them... looks like I gotta step it up and push aggression some more.
Always something to work on :)
On a different note the IF is working, I feel good doing it and the hunger doesn't bother me at all.
I actually look forward to fasted days and training.
Whoot feel like I'm making some epic progress.
Hurray!
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Conquering the hill and getting clean
Today was a reset day, I've been thinking about my goals and progress and realised that one of the reasons I'm not further ahead is because my diet has been far to dirty.
Littered with soft drink and sweets, so as of today no more sweets and soft drink.
I've also tweaked my nutrition as well:
Monday & wednesday fasting till 3 then cashews and cranberries until after training then refeed.
Food during the week is grilled chicken and greens for lunch and something healthy for dinner.
All up approx 1500 calories a day, less on fasted days.
On another note I went for a 40km cycle uphill, pushed myself hard and didn't need pussy gear up the main hill.
Was a huge feeling of accomplishment when u got to the top, I couldn't get the smile off my face :)
One section made me walk but it was the lead up hill not the main one.
Next ride I'll push the route out to 80km with more hills :)
Loved it today.
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Just running in the rain
Tonight since I didn't go to Momentum, I decided to go for a run in the rain.
Nothing like that feeling, the rain cools you, helps wash away any stress all you focus on is the stride, your breathing and the rain.
Unless an injury flairs up and you have to walk, which gets you frustrated, so you try to run again and it hurts more, so you walk.....
I'm hoping I've just tweaked it and don't have to start from scratch again with physio and bracing and all that.
Boo!
The run itself was good and I enjoyed it, but as soon as the injury tweaked.... my frustration got very high - I wanted to spar with someone right then and there or more to the point just slug it out.
Maybe I can work some way to capture that aggression and anger for my sparring.
Nothing like that feeling, the rain cools you, helps wash away any stress all you focus on is the stride, your breathing and the rain.
Unless an injury flairs up and you have to walk, which gets you frustrated, so you try to run again and it hurts more, so you walk.....
I'm hoping I've just tweaked it and don't have to start from scratch again with physio and bracing and all that.
Boo!
The run itself was good and I enjoyed it, but as soon as the injury tweaked.... my frustration got very high - I wanted to spar with someone right then and there or more to the point just slug it out.
Maybe I can work some way to capture that aggression and anger for my sparring.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Yep, that's me in the corner throwing up.
So tonight's session was run by Nathan as Val was away - it was epic.
Started with bag work, then a 10 exercise x 30 rep set, finally 200 v-situps.
Intense is probably an understatement, I felt like I was going to puke before the end but tried as hard as I could to finish (I got through everything but the V-Situps, when I couldn't do them I did normal crunches) - it was awesome.
End of the session I did end up puking and feeling light headed, very dizzy, tried to replace fluids and relax but all the fluid did was make me feel worse :\
Started the second session and within a few minutes of movement - I was puking again.
Time to bail out.
Unfortunate it looked like a wild session - I really wanted to be involved - but no real point if you're puking and ready to pass out.
:(
Ah well next session maybe tomorrow for Thai or I'll go cycling instead, otherwise I'm not back until saturday.
Either way am going to give it my all.
Side note: not sure if it was the heat, the fasting or the preworkout supplement that caused me to feel sick, might need to investigate a bit further.
Started with bag work, then a 10 exercise x 30 rep set, finally 200 v-situps.
Intense is probably an understatement, I felt like I was going to puke before the end but tried as hard as I could to finish (I got through everything but the V-Situps, when I couldn't do them I did normal crunches) - it was awesome.
End of the session I did end up puking and feeling light headed, very dizzy, tried to replace fluids and relax but all the fluid did was make me feel worse :\
Started the second session and within a few minutes of movement - I was puking again.
Time to bail out.
Unfortunate it looked like a wild session - I really wanted to be involved - but no real point if you're puking and ready to pass out.
:(
Ah well next session maybe tomorrow for Thai or I'll go cycling instead, otherwise I'm not back until saturday.
Either way am going to give it my all.
Side note: not sure if it was the heat, the fasting or the preworkout supplement that caused me to feel sick, might need to investigate a bit further.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Move your head to the beat or get your face punched to it
Move your head.
Move your head.
Head outside the hands, MOVE YOUR HEAD, HANDS UP, RIGHT HAND UP!
That's what I can hear still from tonight, but what an epic session - I have never felt that close to puking before, I was at the limit, coughing, spluttering and feeling like it was about to be the end of me.
I had pain, I got hit, I tried to focus and not cower away, to keep on moving and push forward.
I really need to work on my aggression, I go to soft and don't throw to connect.
Not sure what that's all about, shit I don't like getting hit, so what better way to prevent that?
MOVE AND HIT THEM FIRST!
I get so frustrated with myself sometimes when I get tagged all the time, particularly when I do something dumb like duck my head and get tagged across the back or open my guard and get my nose smashed.
(Made my eyes water and expected a blood nose tonight but nothing)
It's hard to maintain that focus, but when I'm there all I can see and hear is what I need to do.
More practice, more power, more conditioning and I'll get there.
I thought tonight was going to be good and damn - I was right.
I'm spent now.
I gave everything I had - I tried to push on even when I wanted to puke, but the coach called time and let me rest. (Thanks Val - I probably needed it)
Sometimes I feel like I give in to easy, that I should have sucked it up and pushed through, but I'm honestly not sure if I could have gone another 10 - 15 minutes tonight :|
I guess you don't know unless you push to that point and then go a little further.
All I know is that I tried not to limit myself tonight and just go in do whatever I was asked to do.
Next session - I'll give the same 100% and see if I can push myself further than tonight.
That's what it really all comes down to - pushing your limits, boundaries and fears aside and reaching beyond where your mind says "Stop".
The body can usually take it and more, it's the mind that gives out first.
Toughen the body through training, toughen the mind by believing and accepting that you can probably still squeeze more out of yourself, no matter how tired, beaten up, sore, or ready to give up you are.
Move your head.
Head outside the hands, MOVE YOUR HEAD, HANDS UP, RIGHT HAND UP!
That's what I can hear still from tonight, but what an epic session - I have never felt that close to puking before, I was at the limit, coughing, spluttering and feeling like it was about to be the end of me.
I had pain, I got hit, I tried to focus and not cower away, to keep on moving and push forward.
I really need to work on my aggression, I go to soft and don't throw to connect.
Not sure what that's all about, shit I don't like getting hit, so what better way to prevent that?
MOVE AND HIT THEM FIRST!
I get so frustrated with myself sometimes when I get tagged all the time, particularly when I do something dumb like duck my head and get tagged across the back or open my guard and get my nose smashed.
(Made my eyes water and expected a blood nose tonight but nothing)
It's hard to maintain that focus, but when I'm there all I can see and hear is what I need to do.
More practice, more power, more conditioning and I'll get there.
I thought tonight was going to be good and damn - I was right.
I'm spent now.
I gave everything I had - I tried to push on even when I wanted to puke, but the coach called time and let me rest. (Thanks Val - I probably needed it)
Sometimes I feel like I give in to easy, that I should have sucked it up and pushed through, but I'm honestly not sure if I could have gone another 10 - 15 minutes tonight :|
I guess you don't know unless you push to that point and then go a little further.
All I know is that I tried not to limit myself tonight and just go in do whatever I was asked to do.
Next session - I'll give the same 100% and see if I can push myself further than tonight.
That's what it really all comes down to - pushing your limits, boundaries and fears aside and reaching beyond where your mind says "Stop".
The body can usually take it and more, it's the mind that gives out first.
Toughen the body through training, toughen the mind by believing and accepting that you can probably still squeeze more out of yourself, no matter how tired, beaten up, sore, or ready to give up you are.
Calm before the storm
Sitting on the bus, on the way to work and all I can think about is what training will be tonight.
What things I need to work on, how I can improve. I wish I could skip through the day, straight to training.
The coaches saturday gave me things to improve and mental triggers to bring out the anger, looking forward to unleashing tonight.
Bring the punches, kicks and grapples on.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Fight Training: Conditioning
Loved the session today, sparring, conditioning, running what more could you ask for early on a Saturday morning?
Pushed harder even with the annoying niggly injury, but that's what you're supposed to do.
Push through, work with heart and most of all just keep going.
Have to say the cut kicks felt good for a little while, then got a bit niggly but push through!
The coaches have given me stuff to work on that I think is important to my goals, so need to push and work hard.
Really need to own the training and make the most of this - to push myself as hard as I possibly can.
I want to excel and I want to win.
When my first fight comes up - I want to know that I have trained harder, I am stronger, faster and have better endurance than my opponent.
I want to WIN.
Today was great, now back to the rest of the day.
Pushed harder even with the annoying niggly injury, but that's what you're supposed to do.
Push through, work with heart and most of all just keep going.
Have to say the cut kicks felt good for a little while, then got a bit niggly but push through!
The coaches have given me stuff to work on that I think is important to my goals, so need to push and work hard.
Really need to own the training and make the most of this - to push myself as hard as I possibly can.
I want to excel and I want to win.
When my first fight comes up - I want to know that I have trained harder, I am stronger, faster and have better endurance than my opponent.
I want to WIN.
Today was great, now back to the rest of the day.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Training and the mental reset button
Last nights training was fantastic, a little limited near the end for me because of pain, but otherwise fantastic.
started with a mini circuit tailored to each of the fight team members needs.
Mine was kettlebell press, jab / cross on the heavy bag the round kicks.
15,30,15 x 5 sets.
It might not sound a lot but try giving that session 100% and pushing for speed and power.
We then moved outside for sprints, 20m sprint jog backwards, repeat. This was only a five minute session but sprinting with others...let's just say I don't like to lose.
Then it was time for sparring, I got hit a lot but know what I need to do to improve, near the end I needed to sit out, my injury flared up causing a fair amount of pain.
Back to the physio today.
On the mental state I'm still struggling with it, but just trying to focus and push myself to break my mental barriers.
I feel motivated now but I'm sure the negativity will probably creep back in.
Here's hopping I can shake it off if it does come back.
Weight wise I've set a new goal 70kg by xmas, so I can get a rib tattoo and be closer to my ideal fight weight.
The goal will be a push - approx 12kg in a short time, but I do like a challenge.
Monday, October 10, 2011
Bitching out
I don't know what gets into my head some days.
I have an injury, I can work around it but I opted for the easy way out tonight.
I've done that to much, sometimes legit reasons other times, I have found an excuse or let my mental apathy get the better of me.
I don't know why or what goes through my head, just that it does and it is 100% my biggest stumbling block.
I don't have the best skills in the world, skills can be worked on, injuries happen, that's the nature of the game.
Getting your head right and giving 100% is the hardest thing.
I mean how can I give 100% if I am scared that I am going to get hurt and need time off of work?
This goes through my head before we start, before I even get to the gym, am I going to get injured and in trouble with work?
I want to be a fighter, I want to fight in the ring, but I am my own worst enemy I defeat myself before I start.
I think I need to read up and talk about it with someone - to try and make a change so that I can actually develop the skills I desire.
Man up or bitch out that is the real question.
Is it even a question really?
I have an injury, I can work around it but I opted for the easy way out tonight.
I've done that to much, sometimes legit reasons other times, I have found an excuse or let my mental apathy get the better of me.
I don't know why or what goes through my head, just that it does and it is 100% my biggest stumbling block.
I don't have the best skills in the world, skills can be worked on, injuries happen, that's the nature of the game.
Getting your head right and giving 100% is the hardest thing.
I mean how can I give 100% if I am scared that I am going to get hurt and need time off of work?
This goes through my head before we start, before I even get to the gym, am I going to get injured and in trouble with work?
I want to be a fighter, I want to fight in the ring, but I am my own worst enemy I defeat myself before I start.
I think I need to read up and talk about it with someone - to try and make a change so that I can actually develop the skills I desire.
Man up or bitch out that is the real question.
Is it even a question really?
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
The rest week
Well I've had a week off, not by choice but through injury. I'm back to it tonight, have to say I'm nervous, but not really sure why.
The injury is still a little niggly and will be braced - that alone makes me a little hesitant.
I don't want to make it worse, but I hate missing training. I have already missed to many sessions.
Plan is to play it by ear and see how it goes - will probably be fine, but better to think it's going to get smashed?
Through the week off, I only trained once and it was very light defensive work.
Nothing like telling your brothers to punch and you'll defend anyone would have thought they'd been waiting for the day of free shots.
Regardless, the injury held up through that even if it was about 40% of normal training.
can only wait and see I guess.