Since April I have had some serious ups and downs in my training. The Big Sur Marathon was an amazing experience. I learned so much about myself in not only the training cycle, but during the 26.2 miles as well. It was the most physically exhausting and emotional event I've ever ran. However, after the run I swore off marathons forever! Of course, we know how long that lasted :) After about two weeks when all the soreness left my body I was back looking at other races. Besides, I'd already proved to myself that I could do it right? I couldn't very well stop there!
About a week after the marathon I was up at the Red Dragon Academy giving a "Stand-up, Clinch and Ground" seminar. It was a day and a half of intense training for the gang up there. Friday we covered blunt object defense for a two hour class. Saturday was a heavy ISR day with combatives laced in throughout the training. We ended with a "live" drill were each student had to work the techniques against a live, resisting opponent. What a great weekend!
Next was training for Jiu Jitsu. I set my sights on a fight at the Jiu Jitsu by the Sea Summer Invitational in Santa Cruz, CA at the end of May. I trained, had a plan, focused on muscle endurance and cardio, cut weight like a mad man and spent a lot of time mentally prepping myself for the day. When I got there after cutting 10 pounds over the previous month, and keeping it off, my body had had enough and I busted weight by 1.5lbs. Talk about an emotional let down. I felt I had leg myself down, my family down AND my coach down. Just like the marathon though, I learned a TON about myself during this time. I learned that I'm not that caught up in the competition community and vibe. I know that without competition that promotions will come slower than my peers....but I'm okay with that. I'm just happy for the ride :)
Strength, core and cardio workouts have been going good. I've slacked off running lately and done a lot of elliptical work instead. My training cycle for the Big Sur Half Marathon is coming up within a month so I'm enjoying the variety while I can. Soon it will be all asphalt and running shoes until the end of the year.
I also got to go to North Dakota and help my best friend Jim when he got married in May. He gave me the greatest honor of our friendship and asked me to be his best man. What a humbling experience it was.
The rest of the summer was filled with a month long break from Jiu Jitsu.
So in the end...yes I did work Strength, core and Cardio yesterday AND go to Jits. I was completely exhausted by the end of the night (after a sound beating by Coach Thomas) and collapsed into bed after a much needed shower!
Now, here I sit finally updating this. I have found that it was much easier to make excuses not to train when I'm not making it public and holding myself accountable. I hope to hear from those of you who follow this.
If you'd like to take a look at my older posts visit this site: www.sickmma.blog.com
Mike
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