This weekend I was part of a journey of 4 young people. They were all different ages in their teens, and they tested for their first level black belts in the Shotokan karate system that I myself train in. This incredible two day journey of watching the tear down and the build up of an aspiring blackbelt can be scary and intimidating for the person who has never done something like this. For the student that is motivated and working towards their blackbelt, it can conjure up the same feelings in addition being intimidating, motivational and inspirational all at the same time. It is a very emotional time for not only the people that are grading for the coveted black belt but the spectators as well. For the four that tested and anyone including myself who has tested for any degree of a blackbelt, it not only is a lesson in the karate skill, tradition and knowledge but what one might learn about themselves. This weekend brought me back as it does for anyone who has tested for their belt, to the moment in time that they went thru this same process and had that hard earned belt tied around their waist.
For me this weekend had a slight spin on it - as I was not the one testing but was one of the moderators that was on the floor, helping with these young peoples' journey, encouraging and motivating them, as well as watching history in making. The torch has been passed - our beloved Sensei and friend who passed away 2 years ago this December had been the last one to run a grading at our dojo and tie on our black belts. For our new Sensei these essentially are his first blackbelts that he has tied their belts on, and promoted them to blackbelt rank. It was a honor and privledge to be on the floor with him, not to mention he is like a son to me and I was so proud of how far he has come!
With all this excitement going on I was still able to get my own personal training in that I needed to do, I just had to be creative and organized when it came to my cardio. Planning ahead is the key! My eating was slightly off in timing - BUT - I did not waver in what I needed to eat. I had packed my food, preparing for the day/s, what I would need to eat and when. Preparation is another key! The same I must say for Sunday - my one day off from work. I had many errands, it is the planning and preparation that is needed to stay on task and regimented. Eating out can be tricky - so you must be diligent in either asking for something that is on your own diet plan, and being creative or bringing your own food. Yes, this can be time consuming - but planning ahead, saves straying to something that you should not be having, or trying to guess what you are going to eat and when. Stay away from sauces. I noticed almost everything that can be ordered comes with a sauce - and how easy it is to *dip just a little*; dipping just a little can add up!
On the training level this week - my energy level seems to be good. In my body I am finding some tightness in my calves and legs towards the end of the week. Unfortunately - due to other commitments on Fridays I have been unable to go to yoga class and I am noticing that my body misses this. Yes - I could stretch at home - when I remember but going to an actual class makes me set aside the time and I make the time to do it.
I am now receiving comments that I am too skinny, or wasting away from customers and people that don't see me all the time. These same people do not know what I am working towards either. My food intake and training is being monitored by my trainer. Our communication is good and we are always talking about what and how I should be eating. I, myself, believe I am eating what I am supposed to eat - of course we are still fine tuning. I feel that I am eating almost all the time, and I am eating a lot more than I normally ate before. Yes - I am noticing body changes - the goal again until the end of December was to reduce as much body fat as possible. Then the heavy weight training will begin in January. I have also been told that I have 9 days off between Christmas and New Years. Absolutely no training. I have some concerns about this. How will my body react to this? How much strength will I lose? How bitchy will I be? (Actually I know exactly how I will be - watch out!!)
Of course with my Type A personality my trainer knows exactly how to get to me! He has now shamed me into committing to a 1/2 Marathon!! ME?? Who does not enjoy running long distances? What the hell?? And why can I not just say - NO I AM NOT DOING THAT! Nope - not me - a challenge, something new to be able to say that I did it? What was I thinking?? I gave him every excuse - he refused to accept it! And me....I signed up and committed to it!!
Adding to the exceptionally busy weekend ~ my mother in law help me complete all my christmas baskets for my business which in turns allows me to concentrate in other areas. This of course is one less stress or worry.
On to a new week, new challenges, new goals....
Did I mention - 16 more days till the dreaded bikini shot?! Yikes!!
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