Thursday, November 27, 2014
Monday, November 24, 2014
Week 51 - That's 51! And Decades of Training to Go
The Numbers (as of 11/22):
Chugging right along... Most notably, mileage... check! Sensei said to keep logging the mileage, see what I get to. Should finish up the acts of kindness requirement next week. Got a good dose of sparring in this week and have plans to rack up some extra rounds over the holiday. Of course, that's because there are always willing participants who will come to class early, stay late and "work on holidays." So, thanks, all!
The Training:
Staying consistent. It's hard to do every kata as well as I should be doing them. It's just so darn many. I set myself up for a challenge on that one. I'm focusing on getting them done and making sure that the last round of each set is strong. That
makes it end in a good place. The sparring... angles, making sure I'm not forcing things, angles, trying something new, angles, attempting to minimize the amount of time I spend feeling like a bobble-head when I move in on the tall guys... and angles.
As for some of the other requirements: Going to do some empathy training over the holiday. Also plan to get the profile of a living hero portion completed. And will likely finish up my last book soon.
The community service project: So far - I'm working with the robotics club at Elk Grove high school to make a remote control toy for Getty. They're making a frisbee thrower! There are some crazy smart high school-ers out there. I've built a couple of swings to accommodate the needs of SMA kids in our community: Getty in West Sac and Kaige out in Roseville. Now, I'm working with Mr. Ramos to put together a two-session self defense class for middle school students. We hope to do the class in January.
The Challenges:
Keeping track. I'm not sure what happened to the last couple of weeks. They just sort of happened and I didn't even know. Work is crazy, school is... you know, school. Papers, discussions, etc.. Some days I feel like I'm juggling 7 breakable items while standing on one foot balancing on a beach ball that my dog is trying to fetch right out from under me.
So close, but not there yet:
Close to one goal, black belt. And decades of training to go...
| Pushups | Crunches | Kata | Sparring | Journey (Swim) | Journey (Bike) | Journey (Run) | Kindness | Journal | Video | ||
Annual Totals:
|
48,170
|
48,170
|
648
|
784
| 6 | 1,250 | 1,151 |
983
|
50
|
7
| |
| 2,406 | |||||||||||
| Annual Targets: | 50000 | 50000 | 1000 | 1000 | 2400 | 1000 | 56 | 12 | |||
| Percent of Annual Targets Complete | 96.34% | 96.34% | 64.80% | 78.40% | 100.27% | 98.30% | 89.29% | 58.33% | |||
Chugging right along... Most notably, mileage... check! Sensei said to keep logging the mileage, see what I get to. Should finish up the acts of kindness requirement next week. Got a good dose of sparring in this week and have plans to rack up some extra rounds over the holiday. Of course, that's because there are always willing participants who will come to class early, stay late and "work on holidays." So, thanks, all!
The Training:
Staying consistent. It's hard to do every kata as well as I should be doing them. It's just so darn many. I set myself up for a challenge on that one. I'm focusing on getting them done and making sure that the last round of each set is strong. That makes it end in a good place. The sparring... angles, making sure I'm not forcing things, angles, trying something new, angles, attempting to minimize the amount of time I spend feeling like a bobble-head when I move in on the tall guys... and angles.
As for some of the other requirements: Going to do some empathy training over the holiday. Also plan to get the profile of a living hero portion completed. And will likely finish up my last book soon.
The community service project: So far - I'm working with the robotics club at Elk Grove high school to make a remote control toy for Getty. They're making a frisbee thrower! There are some crazy smart high school-ers out there. I've built a couple of swings to accommodate the needs of SMA kids in our community: Getty in West Sac and Kaige out in Roseville. Now, I'm working with Mr. Ramos to put together a two-session self defense class for middle school students. We hope to do the class in January.
The Challenges:
Keeping track. I'm not sure what happened to the last couple of weeks. They just sort of happened and I didn't even know. Work is crazy, school is... you know, school. Papers, discussions, etc.. Some days I feel like I'm juggling 7 breakable items while standing on one foot balancing on a beach ball that my dog is trying to fetch right out from under me.
So close, but not there yet:
Close to one goal, black belt. And decades of training to go...
Wednesday, November 19, 2014
Week 50 - It's All Feeling Very Test Like Right Now
The Numbers (as of 11/15):
Yeah, the numbers moved a bit too slowly this week and I will have to do a bit (more) cramming to make up for it. Took me a bit to get ramped back up after my "sorta-vacation." The consistency got a lot easier for a while. A break in the routine was a test of discipline for sure.
The Training:
Haven't had much access to the weight room lately since I haven't been in the office much and when I am it's because of meetings (boo). Would like to circle back to that soon. Have been eating well, though. And doing some maintenance runs. One thing I never get bored of is running :)
Sparring and kata will be in the catch-up zone right to the bitter end. Just gotta grin and bare it. I haven't maintained the 9 sets a day of kata and now the cushion built in to that number is *poof* gone. I have to do the 9 sets a day or I won't make it. And my "won't make it" I mean I will have to take a few days off of work to get them done. My manager has been made aware. She's a trooper :) Sparring is much the same. Absolutely have to push and figure out how to get more rounds a week. I need to average closer to 40 per week. Argh!
The Challenges:
WORK! There's that usual push at the end of the year where everything gets busier but this year is hitting special proportions. If not for dojo family bringing me dinners at the dojo I might wither away. Thanks! I've started carrying a gi in my car at all times. I should add a jug of peanut butter.
And school. Sigh... Why didn't I just wait until January!?!?!? Strategic Management, sounds fun right? It's not hard, it just takes time. I know it's worth the time so I just have to suck it up. The sooner I finish this degree the sooner... I can start another :)!
Mental Toughness:
This is the time where I have to hold on to this or ...
| Pushups | Crunches | Kata | Sparring | Journey (Swim) | Journey (Bike) | Journey (Run) | Kindness | Journal | Video | ||
Annual Totals:
|
47,320
|
47,320
|
599
|
739
| 6 | 1,250 | 1,126 |
965
|
49
|
7
| |
| 2,382 | |||||||||||
| Annual Targets: | 50000 | 50000 | 1000 | 1000 | 2400 | 1000 | 56 | 12 | |||
| Percent of Annual Targets Complete | 94.64% | 94.64% | 59.90% | 73.90% | 99.26% | 96.50% | 87.50% | 58.33% | |||
Yeah, the numbers moved a bit too slowly this week and I will have to do a bit (more) cramming to make up for it. Took me a bit to get ramped back up after my "sorta-vacation." The consistency got a lot easier for a while. A break in the routine was a test of discipline for sure.
The Training:
Sparring and kata will be in the catch-up zone right to the bitter end. Just gotta grin and bare it. I haven't maintained the 9 sets a day of kata and now the cushion built in to that number is *poof* gone. I have to do the 9 sets a day or I won't make it. And my "won't make it" I mean I will have to take a few days off of work to get them done. My manager has been made aware. She's a trooper :) Sparring is much the same. Absolutely have to push and figure out how to get more rounds a week. I need to average closer to 40 per week. Argh!
The Challenges:
WORK! There's that usual push at the end of the year where everything gets busier but this year is hitting special proportions. If not for dojo family bringing me dinners at the dojo I might wither away. Thanks! I've started carrying a gi in my car at all times. I should add a jug of peanut butter.
And school. Sigh... Why didn't I just wait until January!?!?!? Strategic Management, sounds fun right? It's not hard, it just takes time. I know it's worth the time so I just have to suck it up. The sooner I finish this degree the sooner... I can start another :)!
Mental Toughness:
This is the time where I have to hold on to this or ...
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Week 49 - 52 Days to Go. Yes, I'm Counting
The Numbers (as of 11/8):
Here they are, moving right along. Nothing to see here, folks. Same 'ol stuff: Still scrambling for kata and sparring, and need to do some videos. Looking good on the others, loving those 90%s. They make me feel like the end is near.
The Training:
I was in Tucson all last week visiting my folks. I took my gi and was in contact with a few gyms/schools about coming in for a couple days of training. I did this mostly so I wouldn't miss a week of sparring. But... I decided to let it rest for a week. I'm really glad I did. I know it's going to make it harder to meet my numbers, but it was worth it. There's a lot to be said for just taking a breath, hanging out with your parents, and re-enforcing that most of my oddities were inherited :)
I did however, mostly keep up with the other stuff. Did some kata when I woke up and some kata when I went to bed. I also probably did some kata in my sleep, but hey, it is what it is. Push-ups and sit-ups are on track to be finished in maybe mid-December so I can take a day off every now and then with no worries. And I did do some short runs. Should complete my mileage this week or next. That is a beautiful thing.
Still need to get some of the other requirements done: empathy training, profile a master, one more book... there's a bit more. It's all on the radar, it'll get done. Just might be some kicking and screaming along the way.
The Challenges:
Keep Calm and Kata On? I never thought the day would come that I'd use a Keep Calm and... But there you have it. I confess there's some nervousness about making my numbers for kata and a bit for sparring, too. I just have to keep going. Kata is a mind game, a fight against burn-out. Sparring is in better shape because, although it requires the willingness of classmates, that willingness abounds, so the only real challenge is schedule. Being a grown up... I'm feeling kind of "meh" about it. Haha.
The Levels:
Motivation: Yeah, it's there...
Next Event: November 15th - Ramtown Tournament; November 16th - Big Sur 1/2 Marathon; December 7th - CIM Relay; January 9th - Black Belt Test
Motivation:
I haven't seen this one before but I like it a lot. It is particularly appropriate on this, the 50-days-to-go day :)
| Pushups | Crunches | Kata | Sparring | Journey (Swim) | Journey (Bike) | Journey (Run) | Kindness | Journal | Video | ||
Annual Totals:
|
46,620
|
46,620
|
546
|
712
| 6 | 1,250 | 1,109 |
945
|
48
|
7
| |
| 2,365 | |||||||||||
| Annual Targets: | 50000 | 50000 | 1000 | 1000 | 2400 | 1000 | 56 | 12 | |||
| Percent of Annual Targets Complete | 93.24% | 93.24% | 54.60% | 71.20% | 98.55% | 94.50% | 85.71% | 58.33% | |||
Here they are, moving right along. Nothing to see here, folks. Same 'ol stuff: Still scrambling for kata and sparring, and need to do some videos. Looking good on the others, loving those 90%s. They make me feel like the end is near.
The Training:
I was in Tucson all last week visiting my folks. I took my gi and was in contact with a few gyms/schools about coming in for a couple days of training. I did this mostly so I wouldn't miss a week of sparring. But... I decided to let it rest for a week. I'm really glad I did. I know it's going to make it harder to meet my numbers, but it was worth it. There's a lot to be said for just taking a breath, hanging out with your parents, and re-enforcing that most of my oddities were inherited :)I did however, mostly keep up with the other stuff. Did some kata when I woke up and some kata when I went to bed. I also probably did some kata in my sleep, but hey, it is what it is. Push-ups and sit-ups are on track to be finished in maybe mid-December so I can take a day off every now and then with no worries. And I did do some short runs. Should complete my mileage this week or next. That is a beautiful thing.
Still need to get some of the other requirements done: empathy training, profile a master, one more book... there's a bit more. It's all on the radar, it'll get done. Just might be some kicking and screaming along the way.
The Challenges:
Keep Calm and Kata On? I never thought the day would come that I'd use a Keep Calm and... But there you have it. I confess there's some nervousness about making my numbers for kata and a bit for sparring, too. I just have to keep going. Kata is a mind game, a fight against burn-out. Sparring is in better shape because, although it requires the willingness of classmates, that willingness abounds, so the only real challenge is schedule. Being a grown up... I'm feeling kind of "meh" about it. Haha.
The Levels:
Motivation: Yeah, it's there...
Next Event: November 15th - Ramtown Tournament; November 16th - Big Sur 1/2 Marathon; December 7th - CIM Relay; January 9th - Black Belt Test
Motivation:
I haven't seen this one before but I like it a lot. It is particularly appropriate on this, the 50-days-to-go day :)
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Week 48 - Hello November
The Numbers (as of 11/1):
Well, there are some numbers in the 90's... Let's just focus on that while I work my way up the sparring and kata counts. With two months to go it's starting to feel good but also crammed. On we go...
The Training:
I'm enjoying the weight training a lot. It's really very different from months of endurance training. I'm not increasing my weight as often as the program recommends, but I have gone up a couple of times. Even though I like the strength stuff, I need mileage to feel normal so I got some more in and it felt good. Will try to keep that up.
Sparring is just sparring. I'm working on the lazy back foot, trying to angle more and better. Also started working on stopping power in classes at the dojo. That's been fun and a bit painful.
Katas... Everywhere. All the time.
The Challenges:
Everything is getting very routine. It's funny, as the end of the test gets closer I find myself wondering if I'm ready. Most of the time I feel like 5 years in is just the beginning. Part of me is totally okay with that. There will always be room for improvement... ALWAYS. I like that. But there are days when I feel like it's my 1st class and that can play tricks on my mind. Hopefully that's normal.
The Levels:
Motivation: Steady...
Next Event: November 15th - Ramtown Tournament; November 16th - Big Sur 1/2 Marathon; December 7th - CIM Relay;
January 9th - Black Belt Test
A Reminder to Myself:
"Imperfection is an inherent part of existence..."
| Pushups | Crunches | Kata | Sparring | Journey (Swim) | Journey (Bike) | Journey (Run) | Kindness | Journal | Video | ||
Annual Totals:
|
45,870
|
45,870
|
480
|
712
| 6 | 1,250 | 1,090 |
930
|
47
|
7
| |
| 2,346 | |||||||||||
| Annual Targets: | 50000 | 50000 | 1000 | 1000 | 2400 | 1000 | 56 | 12 | |||
| Percent of Annual Targets Complete | 91.74% | 91.74% | 48.00% | 71.20% | 97.74% | 93.00% | 83.93% | 58.33% | |||
Well, there are some numbers in the 90's... Let's just focus on that while I work my way up the sparring and kata counts. With two months to go it's starting to feel good but also crammed. On we go...
The Training:
Sparring is just sparring. I'm working on the lazy back foot, trying to angle more and better. Also started working on stopping power in classes at the dojo. That's been fun and a bit painful.
Katas... Everywhere. All the time.
The Challenges:
Everything is getting very routine. It's funny, as the end of the test gets closer I find myself wondering if I'm ready. Most of the time I feel like 5 years in is just the beginning. Part of me is totally okay with that. There will always be room for improvement... ALWAYS. I like that. But there are days when I feel like it's my 1st class and that can play tricks on my mind. Hopefully that's normal. The Levels:
Motivation: Steady...
Next Event: November 15th - Ramtown Tournament; November 16th - Big Sur 1/2 Marathon; December 7th - CIM Relay;
January 9th - Black Belt Test
A Reminder to Myself:
"Imperfection is an inherent part of existence..."
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