Week 34 - Steady as She Goes

The Numbers (as of 07/26):

		Pushups	Crunches	Kata	Sparring	Journey (Swim)	Journey (Bike)	Journey (Run)	Kindness	Journal	Video
Annual Totals:		32,510	32,580	654	304	2	787	755	668	32	2
						1,544
Annual Targets:		50000	50000	1000	1000	2400			1000	52	12
Percent of Annual Targets Complete		65.02%	65.16%	65.40%	30.40%	64.33%			66.80%	61.54%	16.67%

Looky there, it's a 2! In the swim column, I mean. Haha. Numbers are in a good place, I just have to keep the swimming going and keep the videos coming. I slacked off a bit on the push-ups and crunches this week, but It's not a cause for concern. Jumped right back into the routine of it later in the week. I'm hoping to start closing the sparring gap soon. Gotta protect my floating ribs from that Mr. Ramos guy.

The Training:

Moving into Wansu kata now and loving it. I enjoy this kata a lot so look forward to pouring some time into the details. I remember learning this kata and that feeling of fun because it was so different from the others. And... ready to get back to the sparring!

The swimming is going okay. It's not nearly as bad as I thought it would be and that makes me a lot more comfortable about the triathlon training. Got lots of good sprint work in the last couple of weeks. I know it helps, but I just can't talk myself into liking it. Cycling, need to ramp up the mileage soon. 

Still eating really well. The amount of fruit in supply at my folks' house is awesome. Of course, it's significantly less now that I've come and gone. I stocked up at home and am ready for another week of good eats :) It takes a lot to keep me full some days, A LOT, but the fruit does the trick. I highly recommend eating crazy amounts of fruit!


The Challenges:

I had a bit of a break from the time management challenge because I was away. I'm back home now and hoping that I can ease my way to a place that feels productive but less crazy than when I left. Once that backyard is done I will feel more at ease.

Keeping my head in the game: That's an interesting one. There are always going to be distractions. Some pull harder than others. Sometimes working out is a nice way to slip into a zone where there's only one thing to focus on. Sometimes it's harder to reach that focus and working out feels like a chore. 

Just gotta keep going.


The Levels:
Motivation: Steady as she goes...
Next Event: July 27th - San Francisco 1/2 Marathon


A Positive Thinking Reminder to Myself and Anyone who Needs it:

Video 3 - Working Out in Tucson

Spent a week and a half in Tucson visiting my folks. Having a pool a 1/2 mile away made it impossible to stall any longer. And the running trails around the area made it easy to enjoy a good run. Here's a short video of the Tucson scene:

Week 33 - I FINALLY Went Swimming!

The Numbers (as of 07/19):

		Pushups	Crunches	Kata	Sparring	Journey (Swim)	Journey (Bike)	Journey (Run)	Kindness	Journal	Video
Annual Totals:		31,760	31,830	636	304	1	767	732	647	32	2
						1,500
Annual Targets:		50000	50000	1000	1000	2400			1000	52	12
Percent of Annual Targets Complete		63.52%	63.66%	63.60%	30.40%	62.49%			64.70%	61.54%	16.67%

I know it's just a 1. It's tiny, itty bitty, little 1. But I'm really excited about that little 1 in the swim column. Mostly because I FINALLY got in the pool. Starting is the hardest part and now that it's done I feel a lot better. Secondly, because it wasn't a miserable ordeal. I even kind of enjoyed it, I felt as comfortable in the water as a rubber ducky! But don't quote me on that. :) Got some good running in and saw some really nice sunrises along the way. Overall the mileage was lower this week without the bike rides, but I'm okay with that. 


The Training:

Keeping up with kata and stuff. My Dad did some Naihanchi with me. That was quite a comedy. Excited to move on to Wansu when I get back to the dojo. 

No sparring this week as I was out of the dojo. Will try to get an extra day in next week once I get back.

Didn't do as much sprint work this week as I could have with all the running, I will add more in this week. And I should get at least one good ride in later in the week. 

Been eating really well. My Mum stocked up on good stuff and I've been getting rid of it :) So much fruit (best peaches EVER), egg whites, quinoa salads, leafy salads, rice, etc. Drinking lots of carrot juice and coconut water. And, yes, there has been chocolate. In moderation of course.


The Challenges:

It's been so nice to have some extra time this week. I could get up at my regular time, do my work out, shower and be "at work" (I can work from home) on time. I know it's going to be harder to get myself to the pool when I get home because the timing and convenience will change but I'll get it done. Being away from the backyard project has been a really nice break. The down time is refreshing. It has felt more balanced. I should designate some no-backyard-work days during the week.

Doing my workouts has been really easy this week. I'm guessing that's because I feel more rested. That concept deserves some consideration :) Basically, I think there has been some balance here that I don't create at home. 


The Levels:
Motivation: Nice and steady
Next Event: July 27th - San Francisco 1/2 Marathon


An Fun Way to Describe Courage:

That cat must be a black belt.

Week 32 - Staying Consistent

The Numbers (as of 07/12):

		Pushups	Crunches	Kata	Sparring	Journey (Swim)	Journey (Bike)	Journey (Run)	Kindness	Journal	Video
Annual Totals:		30,860	30,930	618	304	0	767	695	626	31	2
						1,462
Annual Targets:		50000	50000	1000	1000	2400			1000	52	12
Percent of Annual Targets Complete		61.72%	61.86%	61.80%	30.40%	60.91%			62.60%	59.62%	16.67%

So far so good. The mileage gap is closed so now I'll start building a cushion. That's a good feeling. The holes are the same: sparring and videos. Not worried about the videos, but it's on my radar. Sparring... that's where the attention will be going.


The Training:

My schedule this week was kind of wonky so I was in the dojo on a Wednesday for sparring. I think it was goo to have that opportunity to spar with a different group. Trying to find those offensive angles. 

I think we're wrapping up Naihanchi and moving into Wansu kata soon. I really enjoy Wansu kata, and am very glad to take a break from Naihanchi dachi. :) 

Been adding some sprint work into my runs to try to shave some time off of my 1/2 marathon. Fingers crossed. I WILL get into the pool this week. I WILL. 

My eating was not so great this week. Reverted to the frozen stuff. Eek... Still ate loads of fruit, of course. Will be at my Mum's in Tucson for the next week and she has stocked up on fruit. And I mean STOCKED UP! Still need to get an accurate average for my daily protein intake. I think it's in good shape but no harm in looking at the numbers.


The Challenges:

Same deal, folks. Had to make some hard choices with my time this week that kept me out of the dojo on my typical days. It just is what it is and I think the decisions were right.  And keeping my head in the game. Even though a lot of the daily stuff is really routine at this point, it's so tempting to just take a day. And sometimes I do, and that's okay, so long as I jump back in. The break can be a really good thing. Time to reenergize. And it feels kind of funny to NOT workout. 

The coming week is a change in my routine as I'm in Tucson visiting my Mum and Dad. They've shown me where the pool is (less than a mile away) and the construction is all done so there's a great path to run on. I have no bike here so might do some miles on a stationary or just be okay with it. And there will, of course, be hanging out. :)


Levels:
Motivation: Consistent but not overflowing or anything
Next Event: July 27th - San Francisco 1/2 Marathon

Some Interesting Facts:

Week 31 - Another Week Down

The Numbers (as of 07/05):

		Pushups	Crunches	Kata	Sparring	Journey (Swim)	Journey (Bike)	Journey (Run)	Kindness	Journal	Video
Annual Totals:		29,640	29,880	600	288	0	737	665	608	30	2
						1,402
Annual Targets:		50000	50000	1000	1000	2400			1000	52	12
Percent of Annual Targets Complete		59.28%	59.76%	60.00%	28.80%	58.43%			60.80%	57.69%	16.67%

Same same. Consistent strengths, consistent weaknesses. Thankful for the help from Mrs. Ramos who is always willing to do some videoing for me. Need to start making some clips of my home workouts and my runs, etc. Sparring, sparring, sparring... gotta start that number climbing.


The Training:

Sensei wants me to start angling offensively, not just defensively so I will be working on that in regards to sparring. Among other things, of course. 

Still working on the details of Naihanchi and drilling the application of that kata. Makes me a bit nervous to be on the third kata still at 7 months in. Still have another 4 katas to detail. There were some updates to kata last week that we are all retraining ourselves on. 

My eating was not quite as clean as it could have been this week. I kept the meals healthy and even the snacks. I think I may have loosened up too much on the desserts. No regrets, just being honest :)

As to brain training, I got anther book done: The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. It was a struggle. I find most books on meditation and living in the now to be pretty out of reach for me. And I admit that, in some ways, I'm resistant to the concepts they promote. I would love to be better at living in the now, but I can't quite comprehend how to experience something without involving thoughts and the brain. I don't know yet, how to separate self from mind. Basically, I have a whole lot more work to do in that area. :)


The Challenges:

They are the same really: Time management/balance and keeping my head in the game. I feel like I'm managing the workout schedule pretty well. And I've allowed myself to relax if/when I miss a workout in favor of rest or some time with my friends. Not beating myself up every time has been helpful. 

As to keeping my head in the game, that one is a struggle. For now I just tell myself to suck it up. Remind myself why it's important to me. And I add some perspective. This is a good struggle to have. I am not wanting for anything I need, I'm just tired. Also, I have to add some comedy where I can and laugh at myself as often as I can. Because showing up for a run with a friend in flip-flops, that's pretty silly (and maybe means I should have taken a nap). 


Levels:
Motivation: Staying where I need it to be
Next Event: July 27th - San Francisco 1/2 Marathon

Some Interesting Facts: